Escucha sin anuncios

Let's Not Be Kidding with Gavin Crawford

CBC

If laughter really was the best medicine, Gavin Crawford would have cured his mother of Alzheimer’s disease. As a son, his mother’s dementia has been devastating. As a comedian though… it’s been sort of funny. Honestly, how do you respond when your mom confuses you with her teenage crush and wants you to take her to the high-school dance? Well, you laugh. Because it’s the only thing you can do. In this seven-part series, Gavin tells the story of losing his mother — his best friend and the inspiration for a lot of his comedy — to a disease that can be heartbreaking, but sometimes also hilarious. He’s joined by comedian friends who share their experience caring for family members with dementia. The result is a cross between an improv act and a support group. Part memoir, part stand-up, part meditation on grief and loss, Let’s Not Be Kidding is a dose of the very best medicine for anyone dealing with hard times. Listen ad-free by subscribing to the CBC Stories Premium channel on Apple Podcasts (apple.co/cbcstories). For more content from Gavin, check out Because News: cbc.ca/becausenews read less

Our Editor's Take

The last thing most people expect when a loved one develops dementia is the ability to laugh about it. For a comedian, it ends up being the only option. Let's Not Be Kidding with Gavin Crawford is a podcast about finding humor in a difficult situation. Gavin's mother battled with Alzheimer's Disease later in her life. On this Canadian show, the comedian attempts to reckon with the heavy toll his mother's condition took on him.

Let's Not Be Kidding with Gavin Crawford gets its name from one of his mother's favorite sayings. Gavin's dry wit helps him bring levity to the heavy topic of dementia. The podcast is an emotional intersection between comedy and tragedy. Gavin recounts ridiculous situations resulting from his mother's condition.

Although Gavin delivers the podcast with a laugh, he isn't afraid to open up. Many of the stories and clips he shares are heartbreaking despite their absurdity. The show brings listeners to the emotional reality of losing a loved one to this disease. Gavin brings on friends and family to share perspectives on his mother's personality.

For those who have cared for an Alzheimer's patient, the podcast will be relatable. Even for those who haven't, the stories Gavin shares will warm the heart and elicit a laugh. Let's Not Be Kidding with Gavin Crawford shows that one can find joy even in difficult circumstances. Confronting his grief and loss, Gavin tells his mother's story the way only a comedian can.

Not only does Gavin's natural storytelling shine in the podcast, but the sound design is excellent. When Gavin recalls a setting, the listener hears immersive sounds. Beats in the story have musical punctuation that gives each episode the right pacing. There aren't enough pieces of media that reveal the difficulty of Alzheimer's. Let's Not Be Kidding with Gavin Crawford explores the topic with thoughtful wit. Anyone looking for an emotional story with unique humor should give this podcast a try.

read less
ComedyComedy

Episodios