Broden Kelly, a key member of the riotous comedy sketch group Aunty Donna, shares insights into his creative journey. He opens up about his struggles with anger and how it has shaped his work and life. The conversation highlights the team's unique comedic collaboration, emphasizing vulnerability as a source of creativity. They explore the transition from friendship to professional partnership and the emotional complexities that come with it. With humor and reflection, Broden reveals the importance of self-awareness and emotional well-being in the world of comedy.
Broden Kelly emphasizes the transformative power of vulnerability in fostering deeper connections within creative processes and personal relationships.
The evolution of Aunty Donna's comedic voice showcases the importance of embracing feedback and imperfection as essential elements of creative growth.
Broden shares his journey of managing anger through mindfulness and therapy, enhancing both his personal well-being and collaborative creativity.
Deep dives
Cultural Acknowledgment and Storytelling
The podcast episode includes a profound acknowledgment of the cultural heritage of Australia's First Nations peoples, recognizing the Wurundjeri and Whadjuk Noongar communities. This recognition serves not only as a form of respect but also highlights the enduring strength of Indigenous cultures. The speakers emphasize the importance of storytelling as a therapeutic tool, encapsulating how sharing narratives aids in healing. By creating a safe space for vulnerable conversations, the podcast fosters an environment where honesty and openness thrive.
The Journey of Vulnerability
The theme of vulnerability is a central focus of the discussion, as the hosts invite listeners into a space where personal experiences and emotions are shared without judgment. They explore the significance of vulnerability in relationships and creative processes, likening it to the act of sharing a cup of tea, suggesting that it allows for deeper connections. The hosts express excitement about engaging with vulnerability, recognizing it as an essential component of genuine human experiences and creativity. This emphasis on vulnerability serves as an invitation for listeners to reflect on their own lives and share their struggles.
The Evolution of Aunty Donna
Broden Kelly discusses the evolution of his comedy group, Auntie Donna, and the unconventional journey they took to find their comedic voice. He reflects on the significance of feedback sessions and test shows in their creative development, recognizing that early imperfections were crucial in shaping their craft. The discussion reveals how embracing failure and inviting audience reactions transformed their approach to comedy, allowing them to connect meaningfully with their audience. By valuing collaboration and experimentation, the group has cultivated a unique comedic style that resonates widely.
The Impact of Anger on Creativity
Broden Kelly candidly shares his experiences with anger and its adverse effects on his personal and professional relationships. He acknowledges that his early career was marked by a fear of failure that often manifested as aggression, impacting his collaboration with others. Through therapy and self-reflection, he learned strategies to manage his anger, enabling more constructive communication and better relationships in his creative partnerships. This transformation has allowed him to foster a healthier environment for creativity, where ideas can be freely shared and developed.
The Role of Mindfulness and Emotional Growth
The podcast illustrates the importance of mindfulness in managing emotions and navigating the challenges of creative collaboration. Broden discusses how he cultivates awareness of his emotional state, particularly during stressful moments, and utilizes practices like meditation to ground himself. This mindfulness practice not only helps him process feelings of anxiety and frustration but also encourages a more compassionate approach toward himself and his teammates. By regularly checking in with his emotions, he has developed healthier coping mechanisms that support long-term personal growth and well-being.
If you don’t know comedy sketch group Aunty Donna, then take a moment, open your local internet browser and watch their incredible stuff for a bit (some of it is linked below). Then come back and listen to this episode with Aunty Donna's, Broden Kelly.
In this Vulnerabilitea House, Broden talks about his own and Aunty Donna’s creative process, and how it’s evolved over the years while working together on stage and on the telly. But at the heart of this conversation, is Broden’s vulnerability in regards to his anger - how it affected his life and work, and what he did to get on top of it, before it got on top of him.