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Life got you down? What if you could laugh anyway? Christian comedian Tracy DeGraaf (along with her bff Cathrine) will drop weekly episodes (Wednesdays) on topics you care about like how your marriage can survive your husband’s loud chewing, how you can laugh about your kids driving you nuts, and how to scoff off those lady whiskers and not worry about your Howdy Doody sleep wrinkle. Tracy and Cathrine have been next door neighbors and besties for over 20 years. They survived the Great Recession, teenage years, disappointment, health crisis, depression and other stuff that sucks. They have truly learned the secret of Life Happens Laugh Anyway. At the end of each episode, the ladies will point you to faith in Jesus Christ as the ultimate answer regardless of how weird life gets.
Episodes
Wednesday Nov 17, 2021
Wednesday Nov 17, 2021
***Hurry! Only 30 seats left*** The live recording of Tracy's comedy special is on Friday, December 3 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. at Christ Community Church, 103 W. Corning Avenue, Peotone, IL Tickets are $20 each and include a complimentary autographed copy of Tracy's book, "Laugh Anyway Mom" a $15 value. Purchase tickets here.
Thanks so much for tuning in. If you are viewing these show notes on email, scroll to the bottom to hit the play button and listen to the audio of this podcast episode. Links mentioned are below:
https://www.thegrommet.com/gifts/holiday
Tracy and Cathrine
P.S. The goal of the Life Happens Laugh Anyway podcast is to present our audience with a relevant topic weekly in an entertaining way followed by some spiritual encouragement. #lifehappenslaughanyway #tracydegraaf
***MORE ABOUT TRACY DEGRAAF COMEDY***
Tracy DeGraaf is a U.S.A. national touring comedian based in the Chicago area working primarily with churches and hospitals on outreach events. She is a Christian and a breast cancer survivor, so she combines two of her passions: Jesus and Mammograms into her comedy ministry. She loves Jesus, but doesn’t want women to meet Him just yet. At her church shows she points the audience to Jesus at the end and at her hospital shows she encourages all to get and stay current on cancer screenings.
For more information go to TracyDeGraaf.com.
Check out Tracy’s social media. Facebook Youtube Instagram
Wednesday Nov 10, 2021
Wednesday Nov 10, 2021
***Oooops. Date Change*** The live recording of Tracy's comedy special has been changed to Friday, December 3 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. at Christ Community Church, 103 W. Corning Avenue, Peotone, IL Tickets are $20 each and include a complimentary copy of Tracy's book, "Laugh Anyway Mom" a $15 value. Purchase tickets here. Sorry for the mix-up, but the film crew had a scheduling issue and we can't film without a crew. ;0)
Thanks so much for tuning in. If you are viewing these show notes on email, scroll to the bottom to hit the play button and listen to the audio of this podcast episode. Links mentioned are below:
Tracy and Cathrine
P.S. The goal of the Life Happens Laugh Anyway podcast is to present our audience with a relevant topic weekly in an entertaining way followed by some spiritual encouragement. #lifehappenslaughanyway #tracydegraaf
***MORE ABOUT TRACY DEGRAAF COMEDY***
Tracy DeGraaf is a U.S.A. national touring comedian based in the Chicago area working primarily with churches and hospitals on outreach events. She is a Christian and a breast cancer survivor, so she combines two of her passions: Jesus and Mammograms into her comedy ministry. She loves Jesus, but doesn’t want women to meet Him just yet. At her church shows she points the audience to Jesus at the end and at her hospital shows she encourages all to get and stay current on cancer screenings.
For more information go to TracyDeGraaf.com.
Check out Tracy’s social media. Facebook Youtube Instagram
Wednesday Nov 03, 2021
Wednesday Nov 03, 2021
Hey Humor Consumers,
***SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT*** Tracy is filming a comedy special LIVE on Saturday, December 3, 2021 at Christ Community Church, 103 W. Corning Avenue, Peotone, IL at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. It's going to be a BLAST and you won't want to miss it. Tickets are $20 each and include a complimentary copy of Tracy's book, "Laugh Anyway Mom" a $15 value. You can purchase tickets here.
Thanks so much for tuning in. If you are viewing these show notes on email, scroll to the bottom to hit the play button and listen to the audio of this podcast episode. Links mentioned are below.
https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/seasonal-affective-disorder#2-8
Below is the link to Bob and Brad Physical Therapists. Love these guys.
Tracy and Cathrine
P.S. The goal of the Life Happens Laugh Anyway podcast is to present our audience with a relevant topic weekly in an entertaining way followed by some spiritual encouragement. #lifehappenslaughanyway #tracydegraaf
***MORE ABOUT TRACY DEGRAAF COMEDY***
Tracy DeGraaf is a U.S.A. national touring comedian based in the Chicago area working primarily with churches and hospitals on outreach events. She is a Christian and a breast cancer survivor, so she combines two of her passions: Jesus and Mammograms into her comedy ministry. She loves Jesus, but doesn’t want women to meet Him just yet. At her church shows she points the audience to Jesus at the end and at her hospital shows she encourages all to get and stay current on cancer screenings.
For more information go to TracyDeGraaf.com.
Check out Tracy’s social media. Facebook Youtube Instagram
Wednesday Oct 27, 2021
Wednesday Oct 27, 2021
***SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT*** Tracy is filming a comedy special LIVE on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at Christ Community Church, 103 W. Corning Avenue, Peotone, IL at 6:30-8:30 p.m. It's going to be a BLAST and you won't want to miss it. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased here.
Join us today for a warm cup of wonderful Pumpkin Spice on Episode 44! Yum.
Three takeaways for you this week...
1. What started the Pumpkin Spice Craze?
2. What's in Pumpkin Spice?
3. A DIY Pioneer Woman recipe for making your own Pumpkin Spice.
BONUS: Here's a recipe for pumpkin spice pancakes that Tracy made and WOWZA...amazing. Top them with pure maple syrup and some coconut whipped cream. So gooooood.
Thanks for tuning in!
Tracy and Cathrine
P.S. The goal of the Life Happens Laugh Anyway podcast is to present our audience with a relevant topic weekly in an entertaining way followed by some spiritual encouragement. #lifehappenslaughanyway #tracydegraaf
***MORE ABOUT TRACY DEGRAAF COMEDY***
Tracy DeGraaf is a U.S.A. national touring comedian based in the Chicago area working primarily with churches and hospitals on outreach events. She is a Christian and a breast cancer survivor, so she combines two of her passions: Jesus and Mammograms into her comedy ministry. She loves Jesus, but doesn’t want women to meet Him just yet. At her church shows she points the audience to Jesus at the end and at her hospital shows she encourages all to get and stay current on cancer screenings.
For more information go to TracyDeGraaf.com.
Check out Tracy’s social media. Facebook Youtube Instagram
Wednesday Oct 20, 2021
Wednesday Oct 20, 2021
HISTORY OF HALLOWEEN
Have you wondered how Halloween became a thing?
https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/history-of-halloween
The origins of Halloween go back a few thousand years and there's plenty of "goopety gop" thrown in.
FUN FACTS
We share lots of fun facts such as...1/4 of all the candy sold annually in the USA is purchased for Halloween. And, more people (especially millennials) are buying costumes for their pets. Curious about how Americans celebrated Halloween in the middle of Covid19? Did they buy candy? Tune in to find out. Also, Cathrine reveals what she does with her leftover candy and Tracy is appalled.
THE DEBATE TO CELEBRATE FOR CHRISTIANS
https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/should-my-family-celebrate-halloween/
Thanks for tuning in!
Tracy and Cathrine
P.S. The goal of the Life Happens Laugh Anyway podcast is to present our audience with a relevant topic weekly in an entertaining way followed by some spiritual encouragement. #lifehappenslaughanyway #tracydegraaf
***MORE ABOUT TRACY DEGRAAF COMEDY***
Tracy DeGraaf is a U.S.A. national touring comedian based in the Chicago area working primarily with churches and hospitals on outreach events. She is a Christian and a breast cancer survivor, so she combines two of her passions: Jesus and Mammograms into her comedy ministry. She loves Jesus, but doesn’t want women to meet Him just yet. At her church shows she points the audience to Jesus at the end and at her hospital shows she encourages all to get and stay current on cancer screenings.
For more information go to TracyDeGraaf.com.
Check out Tracy’s social media. Facebook Youtube Instagram
Wednesday Oct 13, 2021
Wednesday Oct 13, 2021
Summary: We cover the TRUTH about the funk that "Covid 19,20,21" has delivered to all of us. Before the pandemic, we used to travel most of the month of October bringing comedy and inspiration to Breast Cancer Awareness events across the USA. I share how all of that started.
WHY should you get screened for breast cancer? Early detection is your best friend when it comes to breast cancer. The sooner cancer is detected, the better your odds of beating it. Take care of your health ladies. You matter. You matter to your family, friends, coworkers, etc... GET ON IT GALS.
WHO should get screened?
HOW can you overcome common objections to getting screened?
Obstacle #1: COST
Cost is a big obstacle to cancer screenings. Call your local hospital and find out if there are government assistance programs to help reduce or absorb the cost of your breast cancer screening.
Obstacle #2: DON'T WANT TO KNOW
Another obstacle can be women who just don't want to know if they have cancer so they avoid getting a screening altogether. This is a valid obstacle, however, cancer doesn't care about your feelings on screenings. Cancer has a job and it's to grow, multiply, divide. Cancer will just keep doing that until it's caught. Get your screenings friends!
OBSTACLE #3: PAINFUL
Mammograms hurt. This can also be an obstacle. Get your mammogram anyway. Yes, it's uncomfortable, but it's not as painful as looking into the eyes of someone you love and telling them you have late stage cancer. Get your screenings friends!
Tracy share's her story about getting her cancer diagnosis (she's now five years cancer free, so PRAISE THE LORD!)
INSPIRATION FROM SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 2:10
https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/about-breast-cancer/
https://www.cancer.org/healthy/find-cancer-early/screening-recommendations-by-age.html
Thanks for tuning in!
Tracy and Cathrine
P.S. The goal of the Life Happens Laugh Anyway podcast is to present our audience with a relevant topic weekly in an entertaining way followed by some spiritual encouragement. #lifehappenslaughanyway #tracydegraaf
***MORE ABOUT TRACY DEGRAAF COMEDY***
Tracy DeGraaf is a U.S.A. national touring comedian based in the Chicago area working primarily with churches and hospitals on outreach events. She is a Christian and a breast cancer survivor, so she combines two of her passions: Jesus and Mammograms into her comedy ministry. She loves Jesus, but doesn’t want women to meet Him just yet. At her church shows she points the audience to Jesus at the end and at her hospital shows she encourages all to get and stay current on cancer screenings.
For more information go to TracyDeGraaf.com.
Wednesday Oct 06, 2021
Wednesday Oct 06, 2021
Birth
Summary: Birth has been around forever. Right? Of course it has. On this episode of The Life Happens Laugh Anyway podcast, we talk all things BIRTH. Yay! Ladies, you have to listen to the part about “twilight sleep,” a barbaric method previously used to sedate women during birth. Cra cra….for real and just be grateful that this is no longer done, at least not in the USA. However, we also cover women who want to give birth to their human baby with dolphins (you have to hear this because you won’t believe it) and women who give birth and then carry the placenta around until it falls off naturally (and you thought your belly button was odd). There are women who use crystals and such as prenatal care….for real. Just trust me, listen to the whole episode. In the end, like always, we share a little spiritual encouragement.
How have things changed over the last 30 years with birth?
Science has increased the opportunities for babies to be born: In vitro fertilization, epidurals, C-section. Infant mortality rates have gone down and more women are breast feeding now. A surprise to us because we thought there would be more women breast feeding in the old days rather than now. Things have really evolved with growing and delivering humans. So awesome.
Our experiences with birthing 8 children (Tracy 5 and Cathrine 3)
With eight births between us, we’ve been through some stuff! Tracy had two births with no pain relief (NOT by choice), Cathrine had back labor that made her want to have a "backectomy" and she gave birth to a blue baby….a very serious situation requiring open heart surgery on her newborn. Yikes! Happily, all's well that ends well and it all ended well….so far that is.
You will also learn some tips on how to say NO to grandparents who want to be in the room while you give birth and what NOT to eat if you’re the dad.
The Miracle of Life
Cathrine references the PBS film “The Miracle of Life” that takes viewers literally on the inside. We still don’t know how they got in there, but it’s a documentary film covering the miracle of birth from conception to “It’s a BOY” or “It’s a GIRL.” It’s a combination of photography, music and graphic art helping to tell the story of how it all happens.
Full Disclaimer: We are Christians and as such, Creationists meaning we believe that the miracle of birth comes from our Creator, God. We don’t know exactly how it works, but we have faith and believe God made it. All of it. Others have other opinions. However, for the record, we give all credit where credit is due and that is God for the miracle of birth. (We also thank Him profusely for the invention of epidural which is extremely helpful.)
There are a number of videos on Youtube containing the Miracle of Life. Below is a link to one of them:
Our spiritual encouragement comes from Psalm 139:13-16.
Thanks for tuning in!
Tracy and Cathrine
P.S. The goal of the Life Happens Laugh Anyway podcast is to present our audience with a relevant topic weekly in an entertaining way followed by some spiritual encouragement. #lifehappenslaughanyway #tracydegraaf
***MORE ABOUT TRACY DEGRAAF COMEDY***
Tracy DeGraaf is a U.S.A. national touring comedian based in the Chicago area working primarily with churches and hospitals on outreach events. She is a Christian and a breast cancer survivor, so she combines two of her passions: Jesus and Mammograms into her comedy ministry. She loves Jesus, but doesn’t want women to meet Him just yet. At her church shows she points the audience to Jesus at the end and at her hospital shows she encourages all to get and stay current on cancer screenings.
For more information go to TracyDeGraaf.com.
Check out Tracy’s social media. Facebook Youtube Instagram
Wednesday Sep 29, 2021
Wednesday Sep 29, 2021
Pros and Cons of getting a pet.
Summary: Mom, are you being pressured by multiple tear-filled eyes begging you for a dog? Cat? Or some sort of family pet. Is someone in your family an animal lover, but you not-so-much? Cathrine and Tracy both share their own experiences and opinions on pets from acquiring fury friends out of total mom-guilt to a beta fish committing suicide to Tracy having to confront a literal cat burglar....the stories are real!
What do the studies show? Yes! It is a fact that the pros of pets is a thing. There are many health benefits to owning a pet including stress relief, blood pressure regulation and more. However, there are also cons like the added mess and stress of pet care. We go over all the pros and cons to help you think about everything before you add a four-legged family member. We cover ALL of the questions one MUST ask themselves before making the huge commitment of pet ownership.
The Centers for Disease Control website is linked below that covers keeping pets and people healthy.
The Webmd link below covers health benefits of pets.
https://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/features/health-benefits-of-pets
Our spiritual encouragement comes from Genesis 1:28.
Thanks for tuning in!
Tracy and Cathrine
P.S. The goal of the Life Happens Laugh Anyway podcast is to present our audience with a relevant topic weekly in an entertaining way followed by some spiritual encouragement. #lifehappenslaughanyway #tracydegraaf
***MORE ABOUT TRACY DEGRAAF COMEDY***
Tracy DeGraaf is a U.S.A. national touring comedian based in the Chicago area working primarily with churches and hospitals on outreach events. She is a Christian and a breast cancer survivor, so she combines two of her passions: Jesus and Mammograms into her comedy ministry. She loves Jesus, but doesn’t want women to meet Him just yet. At her church shows she points the audience to Jesus at the end and at her hospital shows she encourages all to get and stay current on cancer screenings.
For more information go to TracyDeGraaf.com.
Check out Tracy’s social media. Facebook Youtube Instagram
Wednesday Sep 22, 2021
Wednesday Sep 22, 2021
Football Season and Marriage
Summary: Does your hubby LOVE football, but you don't? Welcome to the club. Even though 45% of the football fanbase is made up of women, there are still those who don't. This episode is targeted to women who don't give a fiddler's fart about football. Prepare yourselves because we get the giggles going on this one.
Focus on the Family link: How to Resolve Football Season Woes in Marriage by Jim Daly https://jimdaly.focusonthefamily.com/how-to-resolve-football-season-woes-in-marriage/
Cathrine confesses that she sometimes sulks when Kenny is watching football (she's a football widow). This article recommends...
- Be respectful when your spouse is watching football.
- Sacrifice and watch a game.
- If you can't bean 'em join 'em
- Do self-care
- Turn the game into a social event
Our spiritual encouragement comes from Philippians 2:3-6.
Call to action: Be a good sport. Fake it 'til you make it. You've done it before. ;0)
Tracy and Cathrine
P.S. The goal of the Life Happens Laugh Anyway podcast is to present our audience with a relevant topic weekly in an entertaining way followed by some spiritual encouragement. #lifehappenslaughanyway #tracydegraaf
***MORE ABOUT TRACY DEGRAAF COMEDY***
Tracy DeGraaf is a U.S.A. national touring (when she can) comedian based in the Chicago area working primarily with churches and hospitals on outreach events. She is a Christian and a breast cancer survivor, so she combines two of her passions: Jesus and Mammograms into her comedy ministry. She loves Jesus, but doesn’t want women to meet Him just yet. At her church shows she points the audience to Jesus at the end and at her hospital shows she encourages all to get and stay current on cancer screenings.
For more information go to TracyDeGraaf.com.
Check out Tracy’s social media. Facebook Youtube Instagram
Wednesday Sep 15, 2021
Wednesday Sep 15, 2021
Home Security & Safety
Summary: Is your home secure? Do you know the most vulnerable points of your home for an intruder to get in? In this episode we share lots of security awareness, safety tips and encourage you to come up with a plan to keep you and your stuff safe!
Security Awareness: One of the most dangerous thoughts a homeowner can have when it comes to a burglary is “It will never happen to me.” You let your guard down and BAM you’re a target. Don’t let that happen to you. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of “not getting your home broken into.”
Catherine shares about her camper being broken into: Yes, it’s true, criminals will actually break into vehicles, campers, garages, sheds and homes. They’d probably break into an egg if they thought they could sell the yolk.
Tracy shares how a criminal took her last $300: A stressful day became even more stressful after moving, visiting our friend’s sick child in the hospital and forgetting my purse at a restaurant. Of course when I returned to get it, the purse was there but the money was gone.
Cat’s Home Security checklist:
Cat’s stats on burglaries:
https://www.thezebra.com/resources/research/burglary-statistics/
Tracy’s link on home security:
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2014/06/14-ways-to-make-your-home-more-secure/index.htm
Extra door security that bolts to the floor. https://nightlock.com/door-security-devices/residential/nightlock-original/
Our spiritual encouragement comes from Job 11:18.
Thanks for tuning in!
Tracy and Cathrine
P.S. The goal of the Life Happens Laugh Anyway podcast is to present our audience with a relevant topic weekly in an entertaining way followed by some spiritual encouragement. #lifehappenslaughanyway #tracydegraaf
***MORE ABOUT TRACY DEGRAAF COMEDY***
Tracy DeGraaf is a U.S.A. national touring (when she can) comedian based in the Chicago area working primarily with churches and hospitals on outreach events. She is a Christian and a breast cancer survivor, so she combines two of her passions: Jesus and Mammograms into her comedy ministry. She loves Jesus, but doesn’t want women to meet Him just yet. At her church shows she points the audience to Jesus at the end and at her hospital shows she encourages all to get and stay current on cancer screenings.
For more information go to TracyDeGraaf.com.
Check out Tracy’s social media. Facebook Youtube Instagram