#BigTimeIdeas with (Medium’s) Foreword and (My) Kelly Corrigan

There are moments in life where you realize you’re a part of something special. Your role doesn’t have to be big, it turns out. It can be as simple as sitting, crisp glass of sauvignon blanc in hand, feeling your head dance up and down, and your cheeks begin to ache because the corners of your mouth won’t let up. You’re simply there, and you know it’s extraordinary because you feel your heart — and mind — open a bit wider.

In my case, this moment came last night. I was sitting mere feet from a couple of women who happen to be among the greatest writers of our generation. There they sat, in casual conversation about life and grace and humanity, and I got to listen in. Rather than feeling like I was eavesdropping though, I felt like a part of the conversation. Maybe I wasn’t talking, but I didn’t need to say a word. They were speaking my truths.

Last night I was pushy lucky enough to be front and center for the taping of a new episode of Foreword — a video series on Medium that’s hosted by best-selling author (and my personal favorite), Kelly Corrigan. Rather than speaking to rockstar authors about their books, she interviews them about life and big ideas. Last night, she sat with Anne Lamott, who is as raw and honest as she is successful. (I happen to believe the two are very closely related, of course.)

Having just listened to the audio book of Small Victories, I couldn’t help but feel like I was reunited with a good friend the moment Anne started speaking. A self-proclaimed left-winged Christian, she certainly has strong opinions on politics and faith. But even when I disagree with her, I find her desire to look for grace, forgiveness and God in every situation truly humbling.

As a writer, this experience was magical. As a human, this experience was uplifting and thought provoking. You’re going to love the interview as much as I did. And you can bet I’ll share it when it’s live.

In the meantime, the first two episodes are now ready to enjoy and are equally wonderful. I honestly had no idea how crazy smart and articulate these two comedians are. Kelly gave them the stage to prove they’re far more than funny guys though. They’re big, inspiring thinkers. And goodness knows in a world where the bad and the ugly are readily available to watch and share online, the good and thought provoking should be too. (As Kelly puts it, this is “meaty content in a thin-sliced world”.) Enjoy.

BJ Novak on Taboo Subjects, Bold Moves and Surprise in Comedy

Jason Segal on A Handful of Rules to Live By

Many thanks to Medium for giving so many storytellers a place to share their words and ideas. And my sincere thanks, as well, to Kelly Corrigan and the Foreword team for highlighting #bigtimeideas and including me in this magical night. (And, after reading this, you can only imagine how much restraint it took for me not to stalk you after the show. You’re welcome.)