So, Life Wants You Dead

In this episode, Nora speaks to writer and producer Carolina Barlow about her life-altering car accident at the age of 28. Nora and Carolina discuss the commonalities in what they’ve been through (and how they both thought maybe astrology would save us — it didn’t), how much humour helps in recovery, and the inevitable depth of empathy gained through having a “before and after”: whether that’s an accident, illness, or loss. They also both agreed that balloon bouquets should be left off gift lists for people in the hospital moving forward since they only caused us both (literal) nightmares.

Carolina is currently a staff writer on the upcoming Will Ferrell series THE GOLF WAR, for Netflix. Prior to that she was a producer, writer, and co-host of the Ron Burgundy Podcast as well as the True Romance Podcast with iHeart Media. She is developing an original project with Apatow Productions and recently developed a project with FX with Lisa Harrison attached to produce. Additionally, she has co-produced the Netflix documentary WILL & HARPER and has previously worked with Leslye Headland. She is developing FRANKENSTEIN IS A FRIEND with Will and Mosaic Films.

Carolina's Substack

Artwork by Ronaé Fagon; Music by Milo Segal

Content warning: We talk about death and suicide in this episode. If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal ideation or needs support, please reach out.

Resources: 

USA: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is: 988 

National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 0800 689 5652 

UK:  Samaritans: Call: 116 123 free 

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In this episode, Nora speaks to Georgia Fenwick, an entrepreneur, writer, and mother who got sober at 22. We discuss how Georgia got sober, the impact it has had on her creativity, the challenges she faced in shutting down her creative side as she focused on being functional, and what has helped her reconnect with her full self. We also talk about motherhood, her business and her thoughts on the concept of home.

Georgia is an entrepreneur, writer, homeopath, energy practitioner, and mother to two girls. She founded a vintage shop in NYC in 2014 and then co-founded the beloved London bakery Papo’s Bagels in 2020. She got sober at 22 in New York City and is coming up to her 12th sobriety anniversary. 

Find Georgia's work here.

Find Papo's Bagels here.

Artwork by Ronaé Fagon; Music by Milo Segal

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In this episode, Nora speaks to Daisy Friedman, a writer, director, and multi-organ transplant recipient. We talk about Daisy’s story: she received critical transplants as a child which led to her current work as a filmmaker exploring themes of tradition, intimacy, embodiment, and disability. 

We discuss the complexities of chronic illness, societal perceptions of disabled bodies, and the empowerment found in creative expression. Daisy talks about her latest short film, Unholy, and how personal experiences shape her work. The episode also touches on the importance of community and the role of art in navigating and articulating the lived experiences of disabled individuals.

Daisy Friedman is a writer and director based out of New York City. Her history as a multi-organ transplant recipient has drawn her to create work that centers on the intersections of tradition, intimacy, embodiment, and disability. Her short film, Unholy (2024) had its world premiere at Sundance 2025 and went on to screen at South by Southwest 2025.

Daisy's Website

Daisy's Instagram

Unholy's Instagram

Artwork by Ronaé Fagon; Music by Milo Segal

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In this episode. Nora speaks to writer and director Ashley Eakin. Ashley has directed projects for Disney+, Apple TV+ and Netflix. Her AFI Directing Workshop for Women short film Single, won the 2020 SXSW Special Jury Recognition Award and is being developed into a TV show with FX. Eakin discusses her experiences growing up with Maffucci syndrome, a rare bone disease, and how it has influenced her career in filmmaking. They talk about overcoming internalized ableism, the need for authentic representation of disabled people in media, and the importance of uplifting disabled creatives.

ASHLEY EAKIN is a WGA/DGA writer/director. She has directed projects for Disney+, Apple TV+ and Netflix. Her AFI Directing Workshop for Women short film Single, won the 2020 SXSW Special Jury Recognition Award and is being developed into a TV show with FX. Prior to working on her own content, Ashley was the assistant to Jon M. Chu, and worked on his critically acclaimed film, Crazy Rich Asians. Having over 14 years of experience in the TV and Film industry, Ashley is passionate about diversifying the narrative of how disabled people are portrayed in media. She is also a founding member of the DGA’s newly-established and historic Disability Committee. 

Website: www.ashleyeakin.com
Instagram: @asheakin

Artwork by Ronaé Fagon; Music by Milo Segal

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In this episode, Nora speaks to Harshada David Wagner, a master meditation instructor, author, artist, dad, and wisdom teacher, about being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and having an ileostomy at 27 and how it has shaped his life, art, and teaching.

Harshada shares candidly about his initial denial and resistance to Western medicine, his experiences with both Eastern and Western medical approaches, and the significant impact of these experiences on his creative and spiritual endeavors.

The conversation delves into themes of illness, healing, and the interplay of various healing traditions, offering insights into how these challenges can ultimately foster resilience, spirituality, and creativity.

Website: www.davidhwagner.com
Instagram: @harshadawagner

Artwork by Ronaé Fagon; Music by Milo Segal

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In this episode, Nora speaks to social practice artist Ethan Lipsitz. Diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017, Ethan discusses how his diagnosis shifted his perspective, the roles of curiosity and acceptance in his journey, and the evolution of his artistic practices.

Their conversation delves into the impact of their respective health crises on their identities, the balance between embracing love and mortality, and the subtleties of connecting with others through transformative experiences. Ethan also speaks to the changing language of love, the challenges related to the stoicism inherent in masculinity, and the importance of creativity in living a fulfilling life.

Ethan's Website
Ethan's Instagram
The spirals we talk about at 46:23

Artwork by Ronaé Fagon; Music by Milo Segal

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In this episode, Nora talks to Dr. Akilah Cadet, who shares what it's like living with rare genetic conditions, the challenges of being believed as a Black woman in the American healthcare system, and the impact of white supremacy in healthcare.

She discusses the grief of living with a disabled body and the constant calculations she has to make to live her life, about facing death and how it has influenced her to live unapologetically. She highlights the financial burden of disability and the need for an integrated system. We also discuss the weight of responsibility she feels as a disabled Black woman and the challenges she faces in finding rest and financial security.

Dr. Cadet reflects on her extensive background in the health field and how it has shaped her understanding of disability. She highlights the importance of advocating for oneself in healthcare settings and the disparities faced by oppressed communities. Finally, she discusses the need for celebration and joy in the face of adversity, highlighting the need for disabled people to be celebrated and seen as happy and successful rather than being defined by their disabilities.

Dr Akilah Cadet's Website
Dr Akilah Cadet's Instagram

Artwork by Ronaé Fagon; Music by Milo Segal

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In this episode, Nora interviews Jezz Chung, a Korean-American writer, facilitator, and performer based in NYC. This Way to Change, their debut book of prose, poems, and practices, came out earlier this year. Jezz discusses their experiences with neurodivergence and disability and how these aspects of their identity intersect with their creative endeavors. The conversation delves into the power of imagination, the importance of disabled representation in media, and the impact of collective liberation. 

Artwork by Ronaé Fagon; Music by Milo Segal

00:35 Meet Jezz Chung: Writer, Facilitator, and Performer

03:41 Discussing This Way to Change

05:05 The Impact of Poetry and Collective Liberation

08:07 Navigating Disability and Neurodivergence

11:33 The Role of Disability Activists and Influences

15:21 Discovering Disability Justice

19:43 Realizing Neurodivergence and Self-Diagnosis

24:15 Empowerment Through Self-Permission

27:09 Personal Journey and Self-Realization

28:08 Navigating Dreams and Self-Affirmation

29:40 Challenges and Coping Mechanisms

33:34 The Concept of Time and Spiritual Practices

37:26 Imagination and Creativity

39:39 Sensory Joy and Mental Health

47:02 The Power of Friendship and Community

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In this episode of So Life Wants You Dead, Nora sits down with Chris Tartaro. Chris Tartaro is a television director from Queens, NY, who currently works on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He is a father of 3 and a husband of 1.
He is also half of “blazrdog” [pronounced Blazer Dog] Their music can be found on all streaming platforms. For more info head to blazrdog.com.

Chris has faced significant health challenges, including a Hodgkin's Disease diagnosis at age 16 and a benign brain tumor (meningioma) at age 40. In this episode, we discuss his experience with these diagnoses, how music is a guiding force in his life, and how he balances parenthood with illness. Chris shares his perspective on the emotional and practical aspects of his medical journey, the impactful role of creativity in his recovery, and how he navigates life and work post-illness. 

Artwork by Ronaé Fagon; Music by Milo Segal

01:54 Chris's Brain Tumor Diagnosis

03:38 Hospital Experience and Surgery

07:43 Reflections on Past Illness: Hodgkin's Disease

19:19 Impact of Illness on Personal Life and Career

24:37 Adjusting to Life Post-Surgery

31:25 Embracing Sobriety

32:08 Parenting Through Illness

33:03 Facing Mortality and Love Bombing

36:46 Creative Outlets During Recovery

39:15 Music as a Lifeline

47:09 The Impact of Illness on Creativity

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In this episode, we talk to Kendall Ciesemier, a writer, producer, reporter, and health and disability advocate. Nora celebrated the launch event of So, Life Wants You Dead during Disability Pride Month last July when we recorded this conversation. We're so excited to launch our second season with this conversation. 

Kendall discusses her experience with liver transplant, navigating disability disclosure, and the societal stigmas associated with the term 'disability.' Both Nora and Kendall share personal stories about their health experiences, the empowerment found in disability identity, and the importance of community engagement. We touch on the challenges of navigating systemic ableism, the value of visibility, and the need for deeper cultural understanding and legislative change to support disabled individuals.

Artwork by Ronaé Fagon; Music by Milo Segal

00:00 Introduction to 'So, Life Wants You Dead'

00:36 Meet Kendall Ciesemier: Writer, Producer, and Advocate

00:53 Celebrating Disability Pride Month

02:17 Kendall's Story and Advocacy

04:51 Navigating Disability Disclosure

07:10 Empowerment Through Disability Identity

15:02 Kendall's Early Advocacy Work

17:58 Challenges and Community in Disability

20:03 The Stigma and Reality of Disability

29:05 Connecting Mental Health and Disability Rights

32:39 Workplace Accommodations and Advocacy

36:08 Media Representation of Disabilities

41:30 Organ Transplant System Issues

43:28 Remembering Tonya Ingram

45:07 Disability Pride Month Reflections

50:48 Personal Experiences with Disclosure

56:19 Audience Q&A

59:57 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

Kendall's Website
Kendall's Instagram

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