Category: Live
From Idea to Reality
This week, the first Metaphysical Comedy podcast was published. And I’m really friggin excited.
I’m excited because not only is a fun and interesting show that I think will make a lot of people laugh and be entertained. But I’m also excited because it marks another of those fun journeys from concept to reality that the creative process allows.
I wanted to do an interview-style podcast where, basically, people just told me ghost stories. But then I realized that probably wouldn’t sustain itself and I still wanted to interview people who maybe hadn’t simply had ghost interactions- but just on what they believed. I got an idea for the name, Metaphysical Comedy, wrote it on a post-it note and stuck it to the cork board above my desk where lots of idea reside. Many ideas make it into some form of reality while others sit there in idea purgatory for months and years never seeing the light of day.
But this idea kept nagging.
Then I met Jose. And he and I got along splendidly. And we talked about metaphysical things. And we disagreed on them but in a delightful and entertaining way. And I finally saw how this show would pan out.
He was as enthusiastic and added some great elements and ideas you can see at our website (metaphysicalcomedyshow.com)and has been an awesome partner. We’ve been interviewing people for a couple months whenever our schedules allow. It’s been a delight to talk to friends in a different way and to learn about my own mind while learning about theirs. We finally chose a launch date (this past Monday) and now it’s a thing that’s in the universe. And will continue to be in the universe as we release each episode.
All from an idea written on a post-it note.
Keep pens and paper around to write down your ideas. It’s exhilarating to see an idea become a reality.
Also subscribe to Metaphysical Comedy and share it with your friends 🙂
Podcast Episode 65: All In – Show Notes
Many apologies for the delay in this Femoir: The Podcast, friends! This episode, I talk having a personality that only knows how to go “All In” on something.
I talk about my upcoming web series (again), The Other Client List.
I also talk about a girl that makes me giggle like crazy. You can follow her hilarious quips on Twitter.
I talk about studying improvisation everywhere I could. Some places include The Second City Chicago, iO Chicago, The Annoyance Theater, with Gary Austin Workshops, at The People’s Improv Theater and at the Master Improv Retreat, UCB, and The Groundlings. Among other places. Like I said… a lot of friggin improv.
I also try and make reference to this Winnie The Pooh Quote. It’s a good one.
Break’s Over
I had an epic day yesterday. I performed on The Groundlings stage in the early afternoon then a few hours later on the UCB stage. It was delightful.
A lot of time, energy, and effort went into both shows and I had a blast.
I also went without working out for two weeks because of the amount of time, energy, and effort that went into those shows.
I have to watch myself because I have a tendency to put too much on my plate. When I do that, I let the important me-things like exercise, meditation and journaling fall by the wayside.
Now that my big day yesterday is done (and was a ton of fun), it’s time to start reevaluating and re-grounding. I let myself sleep in but still worked out in my apartment as best I could for 20 minutes this morning. I’m gonna make sure I get in a quick meditation this afternoon. I’m gonna try and get some rest tonight so I can get up tomorrow and start getting back on track.
Of course there are lots of things I always have on the docket, but I gave myself a break to focus on getting through yesterday. Now that yesterday is done…break’s over. Back to work.
Episode 52: Celebration & Gratitude – Show Notes
Episode 52 of the revamped Femoir: The Podcast is available now (subscribe for free on iTunes!)
Here are some notes:
- The Oscars happened. In case you didn’t hear.
- Check out one of the articles on how the movie “Gravity” was made
- Click here for Jared Leto’s acceptance speech
- The motivational speaker I loved was named Kevin Wanzer
- Here’s another link to one of my faves, “Write it down, Make it Happen.”
- The picture to your right is the gratitude book I mentioned.
What do you think? What do you want me to talk about? What are you wearrrriiiiing?
Ok! I love you! Bye bye!
Love Letter 2014
In honor of Valentines Day today, I want to write a little love letter to all the people I love and am immensely grateful for in my life. I won’t get specific, but you know who you are. Thank you for your continued love and support.
Dear Fan/Supporter/Family Member/Friend,
Thank you for believing in me. I try and tell you often, but maybe you don’t hear me. I am so grateful for you. Every time someone drops me a text or a comment and tells me they like whatever stuff I put out into the universe, I’m reminded why I do this stuff.
I mean, I perform and create because that’s what makes me happy. That’s when my spirit is most alive. That’s when I feel most fulfilled.
But to be honest, it’s not always easy. Not the creation part- that comes easily. But to remind myself every day that I have to keep putting myself out there no matter what the response (which is sometimes slower than I hoped) and no matter what the circumstances… that’s the hard part.
And the only reason I’ve been able to achieve everything I’ve achieved up to this point in my life is because I have loving, wonderful, hilarious, supportive, beautiful people around me who believe in me. I don’t do it so I get the affirmations, but the affirmations are a reminder of why I do it. I love hearing about people who are entertained by my nonsensical musings on Twitter. I get the biggest kick out of social media interactions with friends I haven’t seen in years who are following one of my wacky projects and are enjoying being a part of the process. I nearly cried when a friend of mine texted out of nowhere that my latest Femoir Podcast (which I totally revamped and experimented with at the beginning of this year) was exactly what he needed to hear this week.
I create because I have to. It’s how I relax. It’s who I am. I’m a creator. And a creative person. And a funny spirit. And a performer. And a writer. So have to do these things. It’s a compulsion inside of me.
But my heart fills with joy every time I know that someone has responded in some way to something I create.
So thank you. I don’t say it every day, but this is for you. All this is for you. I can’t do it without you.
I love you.
Oodles.
Now let’s hug it out and get back to work.
Love,
Briana
Podcast Show Notes – Episode 49: BREAKDOWN

In this Femoir: The Podcast episode, we talk all about how it feels to be super low. And all the surprising good that can be found there.
I quote the book “Write it Down, Make It Happen” By Henriette Klauser.
Here is the quote from that book I read (that I love)
When everything is falling apart, it is a good sign that everything is about to come together…Chaos often comes close to completion. When you recognize a pattern, you rejoice when everything breaks down; you must be getting close to the finish line.
I also reference the book, “Thank You, Tony Robbins” by Manny Ibay.
I also reference my own novel, “Cartoon Confessions.”
And I reference my web series, “The Other Client List.”
I also talk about skin shedding. Incorrectly for snakes (they vary how much they shed species by species) but somehow correctly for humans! Woohoo!
Also, B-Eazy (@BEazyHipHop) drops her new single at the end of the episode called “Over You.”
You can listen to it here: femoir.libsyn.com or subscribe for free on iTunes.
What do you think of this new format, friends? Do you like it? Is there anything in particular you’d like for me to talk about? I love hearing feedback from you. Don’t be a stranger- be a friend!
Podcast Episode 45: Letting Go (Show Notes)
Hi again friends!
This morning a scrumptious episode 45 of Femoir: The Podcast was uploaded in the new comedy meet self-improvement style we’re trying on for size.
I discuss the idea of letting go through talking about collecting clown tears, early morning babysitting, closet cleaning, and hand cramps.
These podcasts are mentioned:
You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes
These shows are mentioned:
These books are mentioned:
This coffee is brewed:
The Organic Coffee Co – Zen Blend
What do you think? What do you want me to talk about?
Email me: Briana@BrianaHansen.com
p.s. Here’s a great video of Thich Nhat Hanh discussing Letting Go
Guess what time it is!
MONTHLY VLOG TIME!
Actual episode will be published very soon… right after I write, record, and edit it. Zoinks!
Another show bites the dust!
We did it, friends!
A successful show at iO West’s LA Improv Comedy Festival! Hooooraaaay!
Some of my favorites parts were:
1. Shannon E. Payne making a color-coded outline on top of the color-coded outline I provided her to make sure lights and sound cues were done correctly.
2. Shannon E. Payne making me a new Franny Fanny Pack because I somehow misplaced my bedazzled one.
3. Shannon E. Payne in general.
4. The wonderful friends from all over who came out to support! It was so cool! I had friends from UCB Country, Stand Up Comedy Land, Groundlings World, and even Second City Chicago Lane! What a monumental coming together of lots of wonderful people! I was so happy to have such great friends around!
5. I felt like part of the comedy community! Not only was is amazing to have such fun friends around, but it was even more fun to run into friends from all over while at iO West. Tons of people who have shows in the festival were coming and going- it was delightful.
6. Making people laugh… duh.
Enjoy the continued podcasts until the next live show, friends. HUZZAH!