Debbie sits down with the wickedly sharp and super funny Kelly MacFarland for a conversation that swings from espresso-martini worship to the kind of soul-level honesty most people spend years avoiding. They dive into the messy beauty of friendship, the gut-punch reality of losing parents, and the corporate-world chaos that can grind down even the toughest among us. Kelly opens up about clawing her way into stand-up, the grit behind self-producing her special Hot Gnome, and why trust and presence aren’t just comedy tools, they’re survival skills. It’s a raw, hilarious, and deeply human conversation packed with stories you’ll feel in your chest and laughs that hit a little too close to home.
Topics
00:29 Mutual Friends and Funny Anecdotes
00:48 Espresso Martinis and Wedding Stories
04:32 Comedy Style and Career Journey
10:50 Challenges and Triumphs in Comedy
28:04 Balancing Personal Life and Career
31:51 The Dyson Hairdryer Saga
32:11 Dyson Repairs and Sponsorship Dreams
33:39 Coupon Boners and Finger Boners
34:20 ADHD and Tangents
34:49 IVF and Endometriosis
38:40 Intrusive Thoughts and OCD
43:18 Postpartum Depression and Prozac
44:28 Losing a Friend to Suicide
49:52 Parenting and Transparency
53:02 Hustling and Childhood Lessons
56:36 Performing at TD Gardens
58:07 Losing Parents and Finding Purpose
01:01:04 Going All In: Self-Funding and Producing
01:01:24 The Journey of Self-Production
01:03:07 Finding the Right Team
01:06:48 The Comedy Special: Hot Gnome
01:09:12 Comedy Inspirations and Influences
01:12:25 Personal Stories and Reflections
01:23:53 Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts and Farewells
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