#83 - Jen Ponton & Deborah Unger: Maiden Mother Crone

You’re in for a treat today as we chat with not one but two fantastic guests: Jen Ponton and Deborah Unger are incredibly talented performers who’ve built remarkable careers in theatre, film, and television. Their paths intertwined fifteen years ago during an old-school teleconference with a performance coach. The episode explores their individual journeys and the enduring power of their collaborative relationship.  Their upcoming show Maiden Mother Crone features their two solo shows: Jen's autobiographical solo show, Sugarcoated, and Deborah's deeply personal play, The Longer My Mother is Dead, the More I Like Her.  Jen and Deborah share their experiences navigating the challenges and triumphs of the entertainment industry, offering invaluable insights into building a career on your own terms. From Jen's powerful advocacy for body positivity and her work combating fatphobia to Deborah's evolution from musical comedy to critically acclaimed film and theater, this is a conversation brimming with inspiration and resilience. Learn how these two remarkable women have taken control of their narratives and built their own tables in a demanding industry.   Connect with Deborah and Jen to follow their incredible journey. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our inbox by emailing [email protected]  More about Heather via her website and connect with her on LinkedIn, YouTube, and BlueSky. Listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales Key Episode Takeaways: Building Your Own Table: Instead of passively waiting for opportunities, Jen and Deborah actively created their own paths, Authentic Storytelling's Power: Both Sugarcoated and The Longer My Mother is Dead... demonstrate the profound impact of honest, vulnerable storytelling. Resilience and Overcoming Obstacles: The episode details the numerous challenges faced by both women, from navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry to confronting personal struggles and societal biases (like fatphobia). The Value of Collaboration and Mentorship: The long-standing relationship between Jen and Deborah illustrates the immense value of collaborative partnerships and mentorship. Body Positivity and Challenging Societal Norms: Jen's outspoken advocacy for body positivity and her fight against fatphobia in Hollywood provides an important platform for discussion. Artistic Evolution and Reinvention: Deborah's journey showcases the transformative power of artistic evolution and reinvention. The Unique Demands of Solo Performance: Both women discuss the unique creative, emotional, and logistical demands of creating and performing solo shows. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices