Let’s Not Be Kidding is a raw and darkly funny exploration of a painful time in Gavin Crawford’s family life. In this live conversation on stage at the Hot Docs festival, Gavin chats with Aurora Browne about how and why they decided to bring such emotional stories to life through a comedic podcast.

The story Gavin never thought he’d tell: On stage at Hot Docs with Aurora Browne

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

Comedy

Let's Not Be Kidding may be over, but Gavin isn't going anywhere! Hear him, joined by his funniest friends in the biz, every week on Because News: the funniest news quiz out there. Find the show here: https://link.chtbl.com/9DpgoSe9

In this episode: Cliff Cardinal, Jan Caruana, and Craig Lauzon take the news quiz with host Gavin Crawford.

Introducing: Because News with Gavin Crawford!

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

Episode 1: Another Day, Another Donna

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

Episode 2: Certified Mother’s Boy

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

The story Gavin never thought he’d tell: On stage at Hot Docs with Aurora Browne

Download our free app to listen on your phone