Suzi Chicago's Podcast | Episode 19: Healing Through Humor with JJ Barrows Media

In today&;s episode, I sit down with JJ Barrows, author, artist, and Dry Bar comedian, for a conversation about why humor might just be the most underrated healing tool we have. JJ is a deep-feeler who has found a way to make comedy out of the hard stuff, and this episode is proof that laughter and honesty go hand in hand.We get into JJ&;s unexpected email collaboration with Dolly Parton (which she was completely convinced was a scam), her handmade egg-carton crowns and what they&;re really about, and our shared love of extra accessories. We also get real about depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and my own experience with Lupus, and why finding the funny doesn&;t mean pretending everything is fine.

Episode Timeline Highlights[00:00] – Introduction[04:02] – The secret Dolly Parton email: Why JJ was convinced she was being scammed until she heard the unreleased track.[08:26] – Calling a spade a spade: Breaking the "everything is fine" facade to talk about depression and recovery.[12:06] – Why comedy is more than just jokes: Using humor as a tool to take a breather from the tough stuff in the world.[15:19] – Unexpected therapy: The calming power of smelling a baby’s head and why I talk to my chickens over the fence.[19:45] – The Crafting Queen: How JJ’s egg-carton crowns are actually about giving other people their "golden buzzer" moment.[31:34] – Becoming fearless at 70: How facing mortality erased my stage fright and why I’ll talk to anyone now.[46:23] – The secret to a great act: Why you owe it to your audience to do what they find funny, not just your own agenda.

Connect With Us:Follow JJ Barrows on Instagram @ jjbarrowsJJ Barrows Official Website: jjbarrows.comJJ’s Books: &;A Spade a Spade&; and &;Kind of Funny&;Watch JJ&;s Dry Bar Comedy Special on YouTubeFinal Thoughts:Thank you for tuning in for this one. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with a friend who could use a good laugh.