Season 5 #1 Emma KennedySeason 5 #1 Emma Kennedy
How To Be Sad with Helen Russell
My guest today began performing at Oxford with Stewart Lee and Richard Herring. She trained as a solicitor before moving into writing, presenting, acting, stand up and…pretty much everything. She’s won a Chortle Award, she was ‘Fun’ Editor at Tatler,...
52:42•6 Jul 2022
Emma Kennedy: Navigating a Complex Mother-Daughter Bond Through Letters
“I think that in the end, what kept her there was nobody else would have put up with her- absolutely nobody else.”
Imagine growing up with a mother who was both your biggest challenge and your greatest source of love. Emma Kennedy, a multi-talented writer, actress, and comedian, opens up about her new book, 'Letters from Brenda', in this thought-provoking episode of 'How to Be Sad with Helen Russell'. Emma’s book delves into her relationship with her late mother, Brenda, a woman described as both charismatic and complex.
Brenda's struggles with mental health and her eventual death from breast cancer cast a long shadow over Emma's life. Revisiting her mother's letters became a journey of understanding and healing for Emma, allowing her to process a difficult childhood filled with generational trauma and mental health challenges. But it's not all heavy; Emma's signature humor shines through as she shares anecdotes about acts of service, the comfort of dogs, and even the unexpected joy of Lego.
Helen Russell guides the conversation with empathy and insight, making this episode not just a story of personal struggle but also one of resilience and finding joy in the midst of sadness. Whether you’re grappling with your own family dynamics or simply curious about the human experience, this episode offers a poignant look at how we can embrace our past to build a happier future.
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