Bright Spots takes over a Brooklyn classroom
What happens when the readers of a newsletter take matters into their own hands? Plus recs for Greta Morgan's debut book, Shaina Feinberg meeting Joan Darling, and Auburn explainers.
In April 2020, in the height of the pandemic lockdowns, I started hosting a game show on Zoom called Come On Down, You’re Already Here! where comedians and random audience members would compete for prizes like a signed square of toilet paper.
Somehow, against all the odds, this extremely nonsensical and very silly idea struck a chord and gained a loyal following. At one point, it was even written up in TMZ.
After a few of these shows, I got to know who of the regular viewers were dependably great material for the comedians. There was Sheena from Canada, who would hold up her giant pet rabbit for the world to see and tell us rabbit facts. There was Sarah in Greensboro, North Carolina who was always ready with a witty quip. And then there was one of the funniest and best audience members I’ve ever encountered, an elementary school teacher in Brooklyn named Melissa.
Melissa would frequently appear on screen wearing something like a hat she had created that looked like a cabbage or with a giant painted backdrop. Eventually a staple of the show became a segment called “Melissa’s Craft Corner” where I would just switch over to Melissa and she would show us whatever art project she was working on for her kindergarteners. It was always chaotic and unpredictable and amazing.
After a few months, I stopped hosting Come On Down, You’re Already Here! as it became clear that the pandemic was going to be ongoing and Zoom fatigue set in.
The sad part of not doing the show each week was no longer getting to interact with all the regulars anymore. I never stumble across a giant Canadian rabbit or a craft corner in my life here in LA.
But recently, Melissa popped back up in my inbox after reading the issue of Bright Spots where I linked to a story about my friend Greg’s quest to recreate an ice cream spoon so good it led to a spate of robberies.
Melissa ordered some of Greg’s spoons and then, when they arrived, noticed that his return address was close to the school where she works. She asked if he would consider talking to her first grade class. Not only did Greg agree, but he brought each kid a free ice cream spoon!
My favorite thing about comedy (and writing this newsletter) is getting to cross paths with and befriend people I never would have met otherwise. And I especially love that this time Bright Spots played a role in bringing people together without me even being in the same state.
More of you should be buying cutlery from each other! Give spoons and forks to children! That’s my dream: To be the middleman in a utopian cutlery-based barter economy. It’s already started to happen.
My projects and upcoming events:
PODCAST: How to Be a Better Human (TED/PRX) - Rhaina Cohen’s book The Other Significant Others is a deep dive into friendship and platonic relationships. She argues that they play a huge role in our health, happiness, and meaning but society tends to treat them as much less important than romantic relationships. What would happen if we valued them more? Listen to this episode with Rhaina and find out!
This week’s list
GREAT:
Greta Morgan went from singing with Vampire Weekend at a sold out Madison Square Garden to not being able to use her voice. What happens when your whole life and identity are built around the idea of yourself as a singer and you can no longer sing? Greta’s debut memoir, The Lost Voice, is out this week and it’s a beautiful book, especially if you’re anyone navigating a big life change or an unexpected illness. I’ve had the privilege of seeing Greta’s creative process along the way and it’s so inspiring to see her book out in the world! You can get a copy here.
FUNNY:
Shaina Feinberg makes such fun short films. They’re funny and poignant and always distinctively her. This one is particularly great. She befriends Joan Darling, a 90-year-old firecracker who was the first woman to be nominated for an Emmy. As their friendship deepens, Joan helps Shaina answer her existential questions about motherhood, ambition, and how to lead a meaningful life without resentment or regret. I Almost Quit My Career for My Kids. Then I Met Joan Darling.
INTERESTING:
If you’re looking for the answer to an obscure question, you could google it or you could call a helpline at Auburn University that, for more than 70 years, has been doling out answers. “If you sit at the James E. Foy Information Desk in the Melton Student Center at Auburn University, answering the phones on a Wednesday night, you might be responsible for answering a question like this: ‘If you died on the operating table and they declared you legally dead and wrote out a death certificate and everything, but then you came back to life, what are the legal ramifications? Do you technically no longer exist? Do you have to be declared undead by a judge?’” The Alabama Landline That Keeps Ringing
BONUS FOR PAYING SUBSCRIBERS:
Paying subscribers make Bright Spots possible! This newsletter will always be available for anyone to read for free, but paying subscribers let me make that happen! They also get access to special features as well the entire archive of past posts. Paying subscribers also get my undying gratitude (which never dies). It’s never too late to join them!
That's it for this week. Thanks for reading! Please share Bright Spots with anyone you think might enjoy it.
The moral of today’s newsletter is to always closely examine the return address of mail you receive,
Chris Duffy
This has been Bright Spots, a newsletter.
…wait, who are you?
I'm Chris Duffy, a comedian, TV writer, podcast host, and both a former fifth grade teacher and a former fifth grade student. I’m currently writing a nonfiction book about humor for Doubleday.
I met Joan Darling many years ago. She was wonderful.
I love your interest in quirky people and events. Thanks for sharing. Your newsletter makes my week.