#87: Finding Joy After Tragedy with Kelsey Chittick
I’m probably not the first person to tell you this, but the past two years have been ROUGH. Remember when we all thought quarantine life would be, like, two weeks of hanging out at home and conserving toilet paper? Those were the days.
This episode’s guest is all too familiar with tough times and tragedy — and she’s finding joy through laughter. Kelsey Chittick is a writer, comedian, and podcast host whose husband—NFL Super Bowl champion Nate Hobgood-Chittick—died suddenly in front of their kids in a way that was, in Kelsey’s own words, “ridiculous.”
She’s channeling her story of endings and beginnings into Second Half: Surviving Loss and Finding Magic in the Missing, a story that shows how change can break and heal your heart all at once.
This book is funny, poignant, tear-jerking, and wise all at once—just like this episode.
Highlights of our conversation include:
Kelsey gives a quick overview of her journey — and how it’s not your typical love story. (2:44)
We dive into Kelsey’s aversion to swimming, her foray into standup comedy, and why “this head is not a safe spot.” (4:55)
How to write a book from journals, notes, and thoughts in your head, plus why a good editor is like a sherpa. (6:49)
The decision to self-publish and how the book has spread through word-of-mouth. (8:30)
Ways to overcome moments of grief through laughter, specially if you don’t have a wild sense of humor. (11:15)
The worst gig Kelsey has ever had as a standup comedian. (15:07)
An inside look at designing book covers and how to find the right one for the story inside. (17:02)
Why football is such a conflicting topic for Kelsey and why she thinks the sport can do better. (18:45)
The most undervalued gift we’re given as human beings, and how to capitalize on that gift. (23:12)
The greatest lesson Kelsey has learned from writing a book and the entire process of sharing her and Nate’s story. (25:40)
How Kelsey’s kids have handled what happened and the impact grieving and getting help has had on their lives. (28:28)
The top three things that keep Kelsey living her best life. (34:12)
Where to find Kelsey Chittick:
Visit Kelsey at her website and pick up a copy of her book at www.secondhalfbook.com.
Follow Kelsey on Instagram.
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