11 episodes
Let's Not Be Kidding with Gavin Crawford CBC STORIES
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- Comedy
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4.8 • 447 Ratings
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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
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Another Day, Another Donna
Gavin shares what it was like to come to the realisation his mom, Donna, was losing her memory and sense of her place in the world. And how being able to find the funny moments is vital to surviving the slow tragedy of Alzheimer's disease.
Hear all 7 episodes of Let's Not Be Kidding now by logging in to CBC Listen or by subscribing to the CBC Stories Premium channel (apple.co/cbcstories), where episodes are also ad free.
For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/let-s-not-be-kidding-transcripts-listen-1.6824953 -
Certified Mother’s Boy
Gavin’s mom, Donna, was his protector and champion growing up. This episode zooms in on the experiences of gay kids and their fiercely protective moms. Featuring Scott Thompson, Aurora Browne, and surprising entries from Donna Crawford's journal.
Hear all 7 episodes of Let's Not Be Kidding now by logging in to CBC Listen or by subscribing to the CBC Stories Premium channel (apple.co/cbcstories), where episodes are also ad free.
For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/let-s-not-be-kidding-transcripts-listen-1.6824953 -
Just Roll With It
Gavin talks about Donna’s “looping phase.” People with dementia repeat the same questions, fixate on things…and drive their loved ones crazy. Featuring Jann Arden, Aurora Browne, Gavin's husband Kyle, who – according to Donna – invented the Christmas tree.
Hear all 7 episodes of Let's Not Be Kidding now by logging in to CBC Listen or by subscribing to the CBC Stories Premium channel (apple.co/cbcstories), where episodes are also ad free.
For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/let-s-not-be-kidding-transcripts-listen-1.6824953 -
Children and Art
As the Sondheim song goes, our legacy is principally children and art. This episode is a portrait of Donna Crawford, artist & mother–and an exploration of what happens when the traits that define us dissolve altogether.
Hear all 7 episodes of Let's Not Be Kidding now by logging in to CBC Listen or by subscribing to the CBC Stories Premium channel (apple.co/cbcstories), where episodes are also ad free.
For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/let-s-not-be-kidding-transcripts-listen-1.6824953 -
Hide the keys!
Denial is no longer an option when your loved one drives the wrong way down a highway. This episode is full of driving horror stories, and advice from an Alzheimer's expert on how–and when–to take away the keys.
Hear all 7 episodes of Let's Not Be Kidding now by logging in to CBC Listen or by subscribing to the CBC Stories Premium channel (apple.co/cbcstories), where episodes are also ad free.
For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/let-s-not-be-kidding-transcripts-listen-1.6824953 -
The Bus Stop at the End of the World
There’s no place like the home. There comes a point when living at home becomes dangerous for someone with dementia. And too much for their family to handle. Gavin and producer, David Carroll, talk about the angst of coming to that decision.
Hear the finale of Let's Not Be Kidding now by logging in to CBC Listen or by subscribing to the CBC Stories Premium channel (apple.co/cbcstories), where episodes are also ad free.
For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/let-s-not-be-kidding-transcripts-listen-1.6824953
Customer Reviews
Beautiful medicine
I have now listened to Let’s not be Kidding at least 5 times through. It has become the place I turn to for relief when trying to understand Mom’s dementia and our relationship. She passed away last week but I am still listening to this podcast - to see me through. Thank you Gavin Crawford and team - an excellent listen much appreciated.
If you’re going through this with a parent, listen.
I’ve listened to the Scattered podcast by Chris Garcia about his Dad, and was happy to find another comedian who is talking about his parent with Alzheimers. I find it hard to listen to many people talk about it, except for comedians who can use their humour to get through the most excruciating pieces of this disease. My mom was diagnosed with early onset AD when she was 68 yo, but we had been noticing something was amiss since she was 60. Episode 6 is hitting hard and I have enough distance to listen to it at this point, but am still in the heavy armour phase that Gavin so accurately describes. She grew up in Cereal, AB and my aunt and I shared care of her briefly for 6 months, so there were many trips back and forth between there and BC with my Mom, so it’s wild to think I might have passed him driving his Mom around on that #3 highway as I was driving through with my Mom. I love hearing everyone else’s stories who are on the show, it makes me feel a little less alone in it. She is turning 72 this year and has been in care for just over two years. Thanks for the series for those of us out here who are struggling along and don’t want to talk about it but happy to listen to someone else who can:)
Beautiful
This series had me laughing, crying and reflecting on a loved one’s journey with Alzheimer’s. The seven episodes are beautifully crafted. I appreciated the openness and vulnerability of the people interviewed. And the large dose of wit and silliness. Bravo!