LaidOPEN Podcast Ep. 109 The Unstoppable Ann Randolph: Presence, Play, and the Power to Transform
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 — 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. 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're 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 Notes00:00 – Introduction and Guest Introduction
02:11 – Charna's Journey to Meeting Ann
03:39 – The Power of Daily Writing
04:18 – Writing for Transformation
05:02 – Ann's Solo Shows and Comedy
09:18 – Victim, Hero, and Perpetrator Dynamics
12:22 – Somatic Practices in Storytelling
18:19 – Collaborations with Alanis Morissette
23:10 – Working with Mel Brooks
27:42 – Support and Validation
28:15 – Mentorship and High Stakes
29:16 – Opening in New York and Personal Loss
31:27 – Turning Grief into Art
41:26 – The Healing Power of Storytelling
45:29 – Spiritual Practices and Personal Growth
47:42 – Current Projects and Offerings
51:53 – Conclusion and Farewell