Strong Ending

A Journey from Combat to Comedy

By: Audible Originals

Narrated by: Mary-Louise Parker

Length: 1 hr and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

This heartfelt Audible Original, narrated by Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress Mary-Louise Parker, follows three military veterans as they reclaim their most painful memories and turn them into comedy. Michael Garvey, Isaura Ramirez, and Patrick Harth left combat zones to challenge themselves in a stand-up comedy boot camp. As they learn to transform their raw emotions into cathartic experiences, they face the daunting challenge of trying to make an audience laugh with jokes about war, trauma, and mental health. This audio documentary details their move from military service to sharing their searing honesty and gritty strength while performing in front of packed crowds.

Strong Ending also features insight from professional comedians Rob Riggle (The Daily Show, The Hangover) and Maria Bamford (Lady Dynamite, Arrested Development) as it explores the science behind the healing power of comedy and the role of military comedies in popular culture. A perfect mix of wit and warmth, this is an inspiring and honest listen that unearths the anxieties of readjusting to civilian life and the powerful potential of finding light in the dark.

About ASAP & Comedy Bootcamp: The Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP) is a nonprofit with a mission to cultivate community and growth with veterans, service members, military families, and caregivers through the arts. ASAP promotes expression, skill-building, and camaraderie through classes in stand-up comedy, improv, storytelling, creative writing, acting, and the visual arts. ASAP's approach provides veterans with transferable life skills, a renewed sense of purpose, and improved well-being, while strengthening ties between veterans and their communities through the arts.

©2018 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2018 Audible Originals, LLC.

Battling PTSD with Comedy

What if the best way to combat PTSD is to give veterans a microphone and get them to perform stand up comedy? That is the premise of this short documentary.

There are jokes, and stand up comedy, in here but that is not the bulk of this. It is about mental health. It's an important, and sometimes heavy, topic lightened by some mixed in comedy.

'Strong Ending' tells the story of several veterans who when returning from the front were diagnosed with PTSD, and the joined a comedy workshop to work through the PTSD. they talk about how it has helped. It's not a cure all, but it helps them discuss their issues and release built up pressure. They speak to Doctors and Psychologists about the effects of PTSD and why comedy is an effective release.

While it is narrated by actress Mary-Louise Parker, it is as much interviews as her narration. Interviews with comedians, interviews with doctors and psychologists. There is music and sound effects. The whole thing is well put together. The live sections of stand up comedy, which is not significant, is generally lower quality but that is to be expected for live recording from small comedy clubs. But the general mixing and quality of the audio, as well as Parker's narration is great.

Favorite Member Selection so far

Wow I was both laughing and touched from this production on wounded and traumatized vets using stand up to heal themselves. Felt like a shot of empathy.
Nothing bad to say. Good narration, unique topic, good balance of narration, interviews, and the live recordings from the stand up show.

Healing Through Comedy

Healing through comedy is something the whole world should do, regardless of what field we come from.

Very moving

This was an interesting and insightful audible original. I enjoyed that they told the stories of the veterans and how they cope with their trauma. I enjoyed the fact that they proved that laughter can be the best medicine. It was a behind the scenes of comedians with traumatic stories to tell.

Really wonderful. Warm, but not mushy. Funny. Insightful

Great energy. Very enjoyable and emotionally informative. If you’ve ever found comfort in humor when life was too much, you’ll like this.

Mary Louise Parker is a great narrator. I was a bit concerned because, though she is a terrific actress, sometimes she can mumble. But here she was clear as a bell.

Vulnerable Laughter

Amazing stories of healing through laughter. Healing comes with strength gained by sharing our pain in a way that it can be laughed at.

Audible, thank you for giving this out!

I was a very lucky man and spent my time in the Army during a small window of no shooting, back in the mid 70's.. Post Vietnam letdown I guess.

Hearing these vets let go of the pain in this way is totally inspiring.
Audible, you done good!

Difficult material shared in a great way.

I was quite please with the proformance of all participants. This is a great way to help individuals to discuss and heal from PTSD. Wether from war or other tradjudies that happen in life, this outlet of comedy is a fundamental language we all find healing. I'm proud of our servicemen and women that challenged themselves again. To conquer a new fear and to find healing from old and new pains. Thank you all!

Good for NPR.

Short story with clips of comedy show. Gets listener interested in topic. Would make a good NPR piece.

Worthwhile program

This Audible freebie is certainly about a worthwhile program, but it is rather chopped up.