LET'S NOT BE KIDDING: Transcripts | Listen

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.

Hear the trailer

Episode 1: Another Day, Another Donna

Let's Not Be Kidding with Gavin Crawford34:13Episode 1: Another Day, Another Donna

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 2: Certified Mother's Boy

Let's Not Be Kidding with Gavin Crawford35:49Episode 2: Certified Mother’s Boy

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 3: Just Roll With It

Let's Not Be Kidding with Gavin Crawford30:55Episode 3: Just Roll With It

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

Episode 4: Children and Art

Let's Not Be Kidding with Gavin Crawford32:15Episode 4: Children and Art

As the Sondheim song goes, our legacy is principally children and art. This episode is a portrait of Donna Crawford, artist & mother–and an exploration of what happens when the traits that define us dissolve altogether. 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 5: Hide the Keys! 

Let's Not Be Kidding with Gavin Crawford35:09Episode 5: Hide the keys!

Denial is no longer an option when your loved one drives the wrong way down a highway. This episode is full of driving horror stories, and advice from an Alzheimer's expert on how–and when–to take away the keys. 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 6: The Bus Stop at the End of the World

Let's Not Be Kidding with Gavin Crawford36:28Episode 6: The Bus Stop at the End of the World

There’s no place like the home. There comes a point when living at home becomes dangerous for someone with dementia. And too much for their family to handle. Gavin and producer, David Carroll, talk about the angst of coming to that decision. Hear the finale 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 7: Good Grief

Let's Not Be Kidding with Gavin Crawford32:07Episode 7: Good Grief

Gavin and Kyle take Donna on one last trip to NYC in this final episode. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/let-s-not-be-kidding-transcripts-listen-1.6824953

Production credits

Host, writer: Gavin Crawford
Producer, writer, story editor & sound designer: David Carroll
Audio engineer: Pete Morey
Original music by William Lamoureux
Senior producer: Daemon Fairless
Digital/Coordinating Producer: Émilie Quesnel
Artwork: Tara Paquette
Cross Promo Producer: Amanda Cox
Video Producer: Evan Aagaard 
Executive Producers for CBC Podcasts: Cesil Fernandes and Chris Oke
Senior Manager of Audience: Tanya Springer
Director: Arif Noorani
Senior director: Leslie Merklinger

Special thanks to:
Kyle Tingley
Keith Crawford
Regan Crawford
Jann Arden
Scott Thompson
Aurora Browne
Nora McClellan
JP Larocque
Rachel Matlow
Dr. Sharon Cohen
Carrie Sacconi