{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Ep. 109 The Unstoppable Ann Randolph: Presence, Play, and the Power to Transform","description":"In this episode of LaidOPEN Podcast, host Charna Cassell sits down with award-winning playwright, performer, and teacher Ann Randolph, whose autobiographical solo shows blend comedy, storytelling, and profound transformation. Together they explore their long-held desire to collaborate \u2014 a journey guided by synchronicity, presence, and creative courage. Ann shares how her early days working the graveyard shift at a homeless shelter evolved into a celebrated career sharing the stage with icons like Mel Brooks and Alanis Morissette.&amp;nbsp;She opens up about using comedy to approach trauma, the healing power of daily writing, and the importance of embodying your story rather than just telling it. Charna and Ann dive deep into the somatic roots of storytelling, the interplay between vulnerability and creative freedom, and the spiritual practices that sustain both art and healing. Whether you\u2019re a writer, performer, or simply someone seeking personal transformation, this conversation invites you to embrace failure, presence, and play as pathways to authentic expression and connection.  Show Notes 00:00 \u2013 Introduction and Guest Introduction 02:11 \u2013 Charna\u2019s Journey to Meeting Ann 03:39 \u2013 The Power of Daily Writing 04:18 \u2013 Writing for Transformation 05:02 \u2013 Ann\u2019s Solo Shows and Comedy 09:18 \u2013 Victim, Hero, and Perpetrator Dynamics 12:22 \u2013 Somatic Practices in Storytelling 18:19 \u2013 Collaborations with Alanis Morissette 23:10 \u2013 Working with Mel Brooks 27:42 \u2013 Support and Validation 28:15 \u2013 Mentorship and High Stakes 29:16 \u2013 Opening in New York and Personal Loss 31:27 \u2013 Turning Grief into Art 41:26 \u2013 The Healing Power of Storytelling 45:29 \u2013 Spiritual Practices and Personal Growth 47:42 \u2013 Current Projects and Offerings 51:53 \u2013 Conclusion and Farewell ","author_name":"LaidOPEN Podcast","author_url":"http:\/\/laidopen.libsyn.com\/website","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/38723000\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/item\/38723000"}