Podcast
So, Life Wants You Dead
Hosted by Nora Logan · EN
So, Life Wants You Dead is a weekly podcast of intimate patient interviews from around the world and the narrative of one woman’s experience of illness. It's a show about illness, trauma, creativity and disability hosted by Nora Logan, a writer, well-being advocate and liver transplant recipient. Nora went into unexpected liver failure in 2015 at age 28 whilst working in late-night comedy TV. She received a life-saving liver transplant a few weeks later. Whatever caused her liver to fail was never diagnosed and remains a mystery to this day. She has tried to make sense of her calamity through writing and sharing her experience and by connecting with the patient community. In this show, Nora creates the space to have honest, funny and expansive conversations with people who have an illness, disability or chronic condition and who just so happen to be creatives, too.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Carolina Barlow on Deepening Empathy and Making it Funny
Feb 21, 202501:08:42Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Nora speaks to writer and producer Carolina Barlow about her life-altering car accident at the age of 28. Nora and Carolina discuss the commonalities in what they’ve been through (and how they both thought maybe astrology would save us — it didn’t), how much humour helps in recovery, and the inevitable depth of empathy gained through having a “before and after”: whether that’s an accident, illness, or loss. They also both agreed that balloon bouquets should be left off gift lists for people in the hospital moving forward since they only caused us both (literal) nightmares.Carolina is currently a staff writer on the upcoming Will Ferrell series THE GOLF WAR, for Netflix. Prior to that she was a producer, writer, and co-host of the Ron Burgundy Podcast as well as the True Romance Podcast with iHeart Media. She is developing an original project with Apatow Productions and recently developed a project with FX with Lisa Harrison attached to produce. Additionally, she has co-produced the Netflix documentary WILL & HARPER and has previously worked with Leslye Headland. She is developing FRANKENSTEIN IS A FRIEND with Will and Mosaic Films.Carolina's SubstackArtwork by Ronaé Fagon; Music by Milo SegalContent warning: We talk about death and suicide in this episode. If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal ideation or needs support, please reach out.Resources: USA: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is: 988 National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 0800 689 5652 UK: Samaritans: Call: 116 123 free Follow us on socials:InstagramTiktokYoutubeSign up for our newsletter here.
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Georgia Fenwick on Sobriety and Creativity
Feb 14, 202500:55:43Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Nora speaks to Georgia Fenwick, an entrepreneur, writer, and mother who got sober at 22. We discuss how Georgia got sober, the impact it has had on her creativity, the challenges she faced in shutting down her creative side as she focused on being functional, and what has helped her reconnect with her full self. We also talk about motherhood, her business and her thoughts on the concept of home.Georgia is an entrepreneur, writer, homeopath, energy practitioner, and mother to two girls. She founded a vintage shop in NYC in 2014 and then co-founded the beloved London bakery Papo’s Bagels in 2020. She got sober at 22 in New York City and is coming up to her 12th sobriety anniversary. Find Georgia's work here.Find Papo's Bagels here.Artwork by Ronaé Fagon; Music by Milo SegalFollow us on socials:InstagramTiktokYoutubeSign up for our newsletter here.
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Daisy Friedman on Tradition, Filmmaking and Embodiment
Feb 7, 202500:52:45Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Nora speaks to Daisy Friedman, a writer, director, and multi-organ transplant recipient. We talk about Daisy’s story: she received critical transplants as a child which led to her current work as a filmmaker exploring themes of tradition, intimacy, embodiment, and disability. We discuss the complexities of chronic illness, societal perceptions of disabled bodies, and the empowerment found in creative expression. Daisy talks about her latest short film, Unholy, and how personal experiences shape her work. The episode also touches on the importance of community and the role of art in navigating and articulating the lived experiences of disabled individuals.Daisy Friedman is a writer and director based out of New York City. Her history as a multi-organ transplant recipient has drawn her to create work that centers on the intersections of tradition, intimacy, embodiment, and disability. Her short film, Unholy (2024) had its world premiere at Sundance 2025 and went on to screen at South by Southwest 2025.Daisy's WebsiteDaisy's InstagramUnholy's InstagramArtwork by Ronaé Fagon; Music by Milo SegalFollow us on socials:InstagramTiktokYoutubeSign up for our newsletter here.
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Ashley Eakin on Filmmaking, Representation and Creative Triumphs
Oct 1, 202401:01:18Tap to summarizeIn this episode. Nora speaks to writer and director Ashley Eakin. Ashley has directed projects for Disney+, Apple TV+ and Netflix. Her AFI Directing Workshop for Women short film Single, won the 2020 SXSW Special Jury Recognition Award and is being developed into a TV show with FX. Eakin discusses her experiences growing up with Maffucci syndrome, a rare bone disease, and how it has influenced her career in filmmaking. They talk about overcoming internalized ableism, the need for authentic representation of disabled people in media, and the importance of uplifting disabled creatives.ASHLEY EAKIN is a WGA/DGA writer/director. She has directed projects for Disney+, Apple TV+ and Netflix. Her AFI Directing Workshop for Women short film Single, won the 2020 SXSW Special Jury Recognition Award and is being developed into a TV show with FX. Prior to working on her own content, Ashley was the assistant to Jon M. Chu, and worked on his critically acclaimed film, Crazy Rich Asians. Having over 14 years of experience in the TV and Film industry, Ashley is passionate about diversifying the narrative of how disabled people are portrayed in media. She is also a founding member of the DGA’s newly-established and historic Disability Committee. Website: www.ashleyeakin.comInstagram: @asheakinArtwork by Ronaé Fagon; Music by Milo SegalFollow us on socials:InstagramTiktokYoutubeSign up for our newsletter here.
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Harshada Wagner On the Blessing in Illness, Existential Brokenness and His Art Practice
Sep 17, 202401:00:04Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Nora speaks to Harshada David Wagner, a master meditation instructor, author, artist, dad, and wisdom teacher, about being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and having an ileostomy at 27 and how it has shaped his life, art, and teaching. Harshada shares candidly about his initial denial and resistance to Western medicine, his experiences with both Eastern and Western medical approaches, and the significant impact of these experiences on his creative and spiritual endeavors. The conversation delves into themes of illness, healing, and the interplay of various healing traditions, offering insights into how these challenges can ultimately foster resilience, spirituality, and creativity.Website: www.davidhwagner.comInstagram: @harshadawagnerArtwork by Ronaé Fagon; Music by Milo SegalFollow us on socials:InstagramTiktokYoutubeSign up for our newsletter here.
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Ethan Lipsitz on Embracing Mortality, Artistic Exploration and Parenthood
Sep 3, 202400:59:59Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Nora speaks to social practice artist Ethan Lipsitz. Diagnosed with brain cancer in 2017, Ethan discusses how his diagnosis shifted his perspective, the roles of curiosity and acceptance in his journey, and the evolution of his artistic practices. Their conversation delves into the impact of their respective health crises on their identities, the balance between embracing love and mortality, and the subtleties of connecting with others through transformative experiences. Ethan also speaks to the changing language of love, the challenges related to the stoicism inherent in masculinity, and the importance of creativity in living a fulfilling life.Ethan's WebsiteEthan's InstagramThe spirals we talk about at 46:23Artwork by Ronaé Fagon; Music by Milo SegalFollow us on socials:InstagramTiktokYoutubeSign up for our newsletter here.
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Dr Akilah Cadet on Dismantling White Supremacy, Living Fully and the Power of Self-Advocacy
Aug 20, 202401:00:23Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Nora talks to Dr. Akilah Cadet, who shares what it's like living with rare genetic conditions, the challenges of being believed as a Black woman in the American healthcare system, and the impact of white supremacy in healthcare. She discusses the grief of living with a disabled body and the constant calculations she has to make to live her life, about facing death and how it has influenced her to live unapologetically. She highlights the financial burden of disability and the need for an integrated system. We also discuss the weight of responsibility she feels as a disabled Black woman and the challenges she faces in finding rest and financial security.Dr. Cadet reflects on her extensive background in the health field and how it has shaped her understanding of disability. She highlights the importance of advocating for oneself in healthcare settings and the disparities faced by oppressed communities. Finally, she discusses the need for celebration and joy in the face of adversity, highlighting the need for disabled people to be celebrated and seen as happy and successful rather than being defined by their disabilities. Dr Akilah Cadet's WebsiteDr Akilah Cadet's InstagramArtwork by Ronaé Fagon; Music by Milo SegalFollow us on socials:InstagramTiktokYoutubeSign up for our newsletter here.
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Jezz Chung on Transformation, Neurodivergence and the Power of Imagination + Community
Aug 13, 202400:49:24Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Nora interviews Jezz Chung, a Korean-American writer, facilitator, and performer based in NYC. This Way to Change, their debut book of prose, poems, and practices, came out earlier this year. Jezz discusses their experiences with neurodivergence and disability and how these aspects of their identity intersect with their creative endeavors. The conversation delves into the power of imagination, the importance of disabled representation in media, and the impact of collective liberation. Artwork by Ronaé Fagon; Music by Milo Segal00:35 Meet Jezz Chung: Writer, Facilitator, and Performer03:41 Discussing This Way to Change05:05 The Impact of Poetry and Collective Liberation08:07 Navigating Disability and Neurodivergence11:33 The Role of Disability Activists and Influences15:21 Discovering Disability Justice19:43 Realizing Neurodivergence and Self-Diagnosis24:15 Empowerment Through Self-Permission27:09 Personal Journey and Self-Realization28:08 Navigating Dreams and Self-Affirmation29:40 Challenges and Coping Mechanisms33:34 The Concept of Time and Spiritual Practices37:26 Imagination and Creativity39:39 Sensory Joy and Mental Health47:02 The Power of Friendship and CommunityFollow us on socials:InstagramTiktokYoutubeSign up for our newsletter here.
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Chris Tartaro on Facing Mortality Twice, Creativity and Balancing Parenting with Illness
Aug 6, 202401:01:32Tap to summarizeIn this episode of So Life Wants You Dead, Nora sits down with Chris Tartaro. Chris Tartaro is a television director from Queens, NY, who currently works on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He is a father of 3 and a husband of 1.He is also half of “blazrdog” [pronounced Blazer Dog] Their music can be found on all streaming platforms. For more info head to blazrdog.com.Chris has faced significant health challenges, including a Hodgkin's Disease diagnosis at age 16 and a benign brain tumor (meningioma) at age 40. In this episode, we discuss his experience with these diagnoses, how music is a guiding force in his life, and how he balances parenthood with illness. Chris shares his perspective on the emotional and practical aspects of his medical journey, the impactful role of creativity in his recovery, and how he navigates life and work post-illness. Artwork by Ronaé Fagon; Music by Milo Segal01:54 Chris's Brain Tumor Diagnosis03:38 Hospital Experience and Surgery07:43 Reflections on Past Illness: Hodgkin's Disease19:19 Impact of Illness on Personal Life and Career24:37 Adjusting to Life Post-Surgery31:25 Embracing Sobriety32:08 Parenting Through Illness33:03 Facing Mortality and Love Bombing36:46 Creative Outlets During Recovery39:15 Music as a Lifeline47:09 The Impact of Illness on CreativityFollow us on socials:InstagramTiktokYoutubeSign up for our newsletter here.
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Disability Pride Month: Live from Soho House with Kendall Ciesemier
Jul 30, 202401:00:57Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we talk to Kendall Ciesemier, a writer, producer, reporter, and health and disability advocate. Nora celebrated the launch event of So, Life Wants You Dead during Disability Pride Month last July when we recorded this conversation. We're so excited to launch our second season with this conversation. Kendall discusses her experience with liver transplant, navigating disability disclosure, and the societal stigmas associated with the term 'disability.' Both Nora and Kendall share personal stories about their health experiences, the empowerment found in disability identity, and the importance of community engagement. We touch on the challenges of navigating systemic ableism, the value of visibility, and the need for deeper cultural understanding and legislative change to support disabled individuals.Artwork by Ronaé Fagon; Music by Milo Segal00:00 Introduction to 'So, Life Wants You Dead'00:36 Meet Kendall Ciesemier: Writer, Producer, and Advocate00:53 Celebrating Disability Pride Month02:17 Kendall's Story and Advocacy04:51 Navigating Disability Disclosure07:10 Empowerment Through Disability Identity15:02 Kendall's Early Advocacy Work17:58 Challenges and Community in Disability20:03 The Stigma and Reality of Disability29:05 Connecting Mental Health and Disability Rights32:39 Workplace Accommodations and Advocacy36:08 Media Representation of Disabilities41:30 Organ Transplant System Issues43:28 Remembering Tonya Ingram45:07 Disability Pride Month Reflections50:48 Personal Experiences with Disclosure56:19 Audience Q&A59:57 Closing Remarks and GratitudeKendall's WebsiteKendall's InstagramFollow us on socials:InstagramTiktokYoutubeSign up for our newsletter here.
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