Episode 169: Come What May Teaches Us About Laughter and Loss (featuring Lahna Turner)

In this powerful episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery, we sit down with comedian, filmmaker, and author Lahna Turner to discuss her deeply personal documentary, Come What May, which chronicles the life, struggles, and legacy of legendary comedian Ralphie May.While audiences knew Ralphie May for his larger-than-life personality and comedic brilliance, the documentary reveals the private battles he faced with substance use, food addiction, health challenges, and the impact these struggles had on those closest to him.Lahna shares the emotional journey of creating a film built from raw, real-life footage that Ralphie himself wanted preserved and shared. We explore the similarities between substance use disorders and food addiction, the role of dopamine in addictive behaviors, and why food addiction often remains misunderstood despite affecting so many lives.The conversation also examines the challenges families face when supporting loved ones with addiction, the harmful stigma surrounding terms like "enabling," and the importance of compassion for those navigating impossible situations.This episode is a moving discussion about recovery, grief, family, resilience, and the power of storytelling to create understanding and hope.  Whether you work in addiction treatment, have been affected by addiction personally, or simply appreciate stories of resilience and humanity, this episode offers powerful insights and meaningful takeaways.About the GuestLahna Turner is a comedian, filmmaker, writer, producer, co-director, and published comic book author whose work spans stand-up, television, film, music, publishing, and documentary storytelling. For more than two decades, Lahna has built a loyal following with fearless comedy, sharp observations, and an unfiltered perspective on relationships, motherhood, grief, family, and the messy realities of life. Her credits include NBC, Comedy Central, Netflix, Hulu, VH1, Animal Planet, CMT, truTV, and SiriusXM. Known for blending stand-up with original music, Lahna’s one-hour special A Song About It and albums including If These Lips Could Talk, D!@k Jokes and Other Assorted Love Songs, and Limeade showcase her ability to find humor in life’s most uncomfortable truths. She is also the creator and published author of the four-book Pounds of Power comic series, and the producer and co-director of Come What May, the documentary chronicling the life, legacy, struggles, and impact of comedian Ralphie May. Whether on stage, on screen, or on the page, Lahna Turner tells stories that make people laugh, think, feel, and connect.Links:Documentary:Documentary website where you can find the trailer: ComeWhatMayFilm.comThe documentary is playing at the Marcus Majestic Theatre in Brookfield, Wisconsin where Lahna and Andrew will be present: Come What May with Lahna Turner In-Person Q&A | Now Showing at Marcus TheatresSocial Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lahnaturnerr/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LahnaTurnerVideosFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LahnaTurner/X: https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FlahnaturnerComic book Pounds Of Power. There are 4 books.  The first came out in April. The other 3 are coming over the next few months:Foil collectors edition: PoundsOfPower.comRegular floppy: http://comixzone.com/pounds-of-power-1.htmlRalphie's orange Jacket that I've been taking it on the road with me:https://www.tiktok.com/@lahnaturneroffical/video/7622289865626963214https://www.tiktok.com/@lahnaturneroffical/video/7616453029239229709Support the showThank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast.To learn more about the podcast visit www.andrewjschreier.com To inquire being a guest on the podcast or sponsorship opportunities you can e-mail [email protected] podcast is also a platform for FREE continuing education.  Licensed and certified professionals are able to listen to select episodes at no cost.  Listen to an episode.  Take a quiz.  Complete an eval.  Earn a certificate.  Learn more at www.andrewjschreier.com/continuing-educationTalking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier.  This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery.  Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field.  Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery.  Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.