https://get.castmagic.io/TheDeadManWalkingPodcast To contact Fred, repeatedly.dead.fred@gmail.com To contact PR, myles@hiltz2.com To find Fred’s memoir, https://bit.ly/3mwDpit To contact Carla Collins, visit https://carlacollins.com/ Alternative titles: 1. Carla Collins: Laughter and Enlightenment in Uncertain Times 2. From Stage to Screen: Carla Collins' Comedy Journey 3. Chuckles, Chill, and Creativity: Carla's Comedy Evolution 4. Weathering the Comedy Storm with Carla Collins Summary: In this episode of The Dead Man Walking Podcast, Repeatedly Dead Fred introduces the multi-talented Carla Collins, a Canadian comedy legend. Carla shares intimate stories about her upbringing, emphasizing her family's influence in shaping her humor. Her early career in radio and as a weather girl led her to rediscover her passion for stand-up comedy, after initially abandoning it due to sensitivity. The episode delves into Carla's innovative project, "Chuckle and Chill," which fuses comedy with guided meditation to generate deep relaxation. Carla highlights how both laughter and meditation evoke the same brainwave, creating a unique experience that smoothly transitioned to online sessions during the pandemic. She also discusses her book, "The Wawa Way," and her screenplay adaptation that blends humor with heavy themes. Reflecting on the shifting comedy landscape, Carla provides insights into notable comedic influences like Mark Breslin, Norm MacDonald, and contemporary comedians who balance wit and message. Fred shares his own near-death experiences, setting the stage for conversations about spirituality, the rise of podcasts about NDEs, and the interconnectedness of humor and healing. The dialogue rounds out with thoughts on the future of comedy and the sustaining power of laughter in challenging times. Questions I Wish I'd Asked: 1. How do you envision the future of live comedy in a post-COVID world? 2. Can you share more about your process for balancing humor and heavy themes in your screenplay adaptation? 3. How does your passion for animals influence your comedy & writing? Lessons Learned/Takeaways: 1. The power of humor and meditation can significantly contribute to mental well-being, showing a unique synergy in "Chuckle and Chill." 2. Personal experiences and family influence play vital roles in shaping one's comedic voice and creative endeavors. 3. The capacity to adapt and innovate, as Carla did with online sessions during COVID, is crucial for sustaining a career in entertainment. #TheSummerIDiedTwentyTimes #TheDeadManWalkingPodcast #CanadianComedy #CarlaCollins #ChuckleAndChill #GuidedMeditation #ComedyAndSpirituality #MarkBreslin #NormMacDonald #ComedyInnovations #CovidAdaptations #ScreenplayAdaptation #AnimalRescue #ComedyWithMessage #LaughFormations #VisionPopBoards #PodcastsOnNDEs #WeatherGirlSaga #IntellectualComedy #SheldonAndSpock #StandUpComeback #MindfulLaughter #VisionaryComedians 00:00 - Introduction to Carla Collins 02:15 - Carla's Early Influences and Family's Sense of Humor 05:30 - First Entertainment Jobs: Radio in France and Weather Network 08:45 - Initial Abandonment and Return to Stand-Up Comedy 12:10 - Influence of Mark Breslin and Norm MacDonald's Unique Voice 15:30 - "Chuckle and Chill" Concept and Impact 19:20 - Transition to Online Sessions During COVID 22:15 - Expanding to "Laugh Formations" and Vision Pop Boards 25:00 - Adapting a Novel into a Screenplay 28:45 - Children's Book "The Wawa Way" and Animal Rescue Stories 32:30 - Near-Death Experiences and Spiritual Discussions 36:10 - Paranormal Encounter with Norm MacDonald and Career Jolts 38:50 - Missed Comedy Special and Importance of Timing 41:30 - Upcoming Special with David Steinberg and Influential Comedians 44:45 - Carla's Comedy Preferences and Intellectual Stimulation
