Realness keeps winning

The poop jokes got laughs (and another invite!) and Moms on the Mic is sold out

Welcome back to Behind the Mic — raw reflections from a writing coach, author, and event producer who believes everyone has something worth sharing.

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OK. So. Remember how I decided at the last minute to do a whole new set at a comedy show (all about my stool sample and parasite) AND read the whole thing? Well, I did it. I broke all the rules.

I finished writing everything that morning, did a few run-throughs at my laptop, and debut’d that sucker that night.

And LOOK! There’s a video — courtesy of Philip Ogren — the wonderful comedian who invited me to partake in his 11th show at the coziest of all cozy bookstores in Niwot:

Now, let’s debrief a few things.

1. YES. That man is sleeping.

SLEEPING. Even through the first comedian who brought his keyboard and sang ridiculous songs at the top of his lungs. Even through my turn — which my mom assured me he’d wake up for. Maybe he has a sleep disorder. Maybe someone dragged him to the show. Maybe it’s Maybelline.

What I do know? A sleeper in the front row at a comedy show is, well, comical.

2. I got invited to be in another one!

“You saw me reading from my notes, right?” I asked Zach McConnel, after he said I could be a drop-in at his June 13 show. “Well, yeah! I use my notebook at times!”

And then, of course, I asked him what a drop-in is, which is a short, unpaid spot. Like five minutes. Turns out I’ll be in the mountains with JDub for a Korean Heritage Camp during that show, but HOW COOL that I got asked to show up to another one. Even after stumbling over my words at least 3x. Even after reading the whole thing. Realness wins.

3. “This one was better.”

That’s what my friend Amy told me!

“I loved the story aspect of it, the ridiculousness of it, and the laughs you got with it. You nailed it,” she said on Marco Polo. “And like, no one talks about their poop but everyone wonders about it. So, maybe you answered some people’s questions.”

She was comparing this one to my ”Lightning Crotch” set that I took to three open mics and practiced every week for months in comedy class. Whaaaat? I personally love both sets for what they are, but I find it fascinating that the unpolished one was the favored one. Realness wins.

And speaking of all things genuine and true, I cannot believe this, but…

Moms on the Mic is sold out!

Already. It’s not even July yet. I haven’t even started really promoting it yet. And this third annual gathering is already full for October.

Most of the sign-ups are those who’ve attended before. Those who’ve seen:

• the very first open mic’er of the very first event cover her face with her hands and cry.

• the keynote speaker go up barefoot and not even get through half of her planned talk.

• a woman give the audience topics to vote on and then pull GOLD out of her spontaneous pocket.

These attendees have seen women stand up, take the mic, and be nothing but REAL. And if they haven’t attended yet, I’m convinced that authenticity and connection are what they crave.

If you were wanting to attend:

You’re still in luck, because this year, I’ll be hosting a follow-up event that is ALL open mic, baby. It’ll be in November at Mint & Serif in Lakewood. Exact date and deets to come!

If you’re wanting to sponsor Moms on the Mic:

You’re also in luck, because there are still some opportunities. The featured vendor tables are filling fast, as you can see:

BUT…

There will be plenty of ad opportunities to get your business in front of tons of folks in our first-ever event magazine. (Think 115 attendees + extra copies for story contributors + ALL those who’ll see the digital version = at least 500+ peeps seeing your biz!)

If the mag spots interest you, hit reply and I’ll add you to the contact list when we start locking this in. Spots will be limited!

And in the meantime, check out what’s possible and learn ALL about the event in the 2025 guide:

Welp…

Time to finish packing for CAMP — aaand tell JeeWoo to stop taking pictures of my butt, fingers, and my armpits! Yes, I raised my arm for his little camera. When inspiration to write strikes, a mom’s gotta do what a mom’s gotta do, right?

But really — I hope today’s ditty moves you to be REAL. To share what’s true. To break the rules. And most importantly, to be YOU.

Til the next one,