Episode 70: Mark Keller; POZ & This Is Just What I Do Now

Send us Fan MailThis episode dives into a deeply personal and powerful journey, Mark Keller talks about going from an HIV diagnosis to turning that experience into art and advocacy. We talk about what it really takes to write and perform a play that hits so close to home, and the emotional weight (and release) of sharing that onstage. We also get into the revival of the theatre piece POZ, what it takes to fund and produce meaningful work, and why telling stories about real issues, like HIV still matters so much. Plus, a wild 24-hour play fest, the beauty of collaboration, and what it means to find purpose through creativity AND SO MUCH MORE! We laugh, we cried, I love this conversation. GET YOUR TICKETS TO POZ HERE: https://ca.patronbase.com/_NativeEarthPerformingArts/Productions/POZ/Performances?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwJvFg1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp5KnxMkHyCTYY62aHUVpbwj4Q_1rkGUJsoRf4HPhzPKNhQ5IvWr_uUiIXLev_aem_bmyDkqtvZOXHfeDeOlLYxgYou can follow Mark on IG [at]kellerlikehelenAnd we were so close, it's gofreddie.com Chapters00:00 The Journey Begins: A Personal Story of HIV Advocacy02:54 Finding Strength Through Art: Transforming Rejection into Empowerment06:01 The Power of Community: The Friends for Life Bike Rally Experience08:54 Candlelit Ceremony: A Moment of Truth and Acceptance12:02 From Script to Stage: The Birth of POZ14:59 Winning the Fringe: A Surprising Turn of Events18:05 Facing the Audience: The Challenge of Sharing My Story20:55 The Emotional Impact: Connecting with the Audience24:01 The Mantra of Acceptance: Just What You Do Now27:06 Writing as a Lifeline: The Importance of Self-Expression29:59 Navigating Feedback: The Art of Collaboration in Writing33:51 The Comeback of POZ39:01 Funding and Partnerships for Theater42:34 Addressing HIV Awareness Through Theater48:17 The 24-Hour Play Festival Experience55:14 Collaboration and Creative Partnerships01:00:23 Reflections on the Journey01:05:29 This is Just What I Do Now