This is the most personal story I’ve ever performed. And somehow got some of the biggest laughs I’ve ever received. Thank god for a rowdy New York audience!
After a long wait, here it is. My newest video for the one and only NPR Snap Judgment. This is a true story about my great-grandma, my wife, and reproductive rights across generations…
                                                                              And that’s why she’s the champ.
Much love to all the strong women who raised me (Grandma Dorothy, Mama Debbie, Aunt Fran), to the original rebel queen of the family (Great-Grandma Barbara), to my great midwife wife (yes, Esther, you deserve multiple shout-outs!), and to whatever future female Healeys come down the road.
Whoops, maybe I should have given that last one a spoiler alert.
Oh well. If you’ve read this far, you know the deal. Now go share this video with all the young men (and women) in your life, donate to Planned Parenthood, and tell Tez Cruz and his squad to sit the fuck down.
This is wonderful. Best wishes for many healthy babies!
Josh, Thank you so much for sharing your story in such a wonderfully honest, humor filled way. I laughed out loud and also wiped away tears at the end. I still have goosebumps. And Esther, thank you for insisting that the story be shared. I have worked for 30 years at a clinic probably quite similar to the one you went to. We drive by picketers every day on our way in to work, and I have been picketed at my home. I have always enjoyed employing humor and civility as effective weapons in this continuing war on our reproductive rights, so I particularly love Esther’s “good looking out” comment! I hope a lot of people get to see this great piece of work, and will continue to share it wherever I can. Good luck with the family plans!
Thank you, Josh. Like Brigit (above) I worked for years in a small women’s health clinic where abortions were performed.. I was thrilled to see your experience, and your wife’s. I simply can’t find words to express my appreciation for your piece and for your wonderful humor .
Thank you so much for sharing your and Ester’s story (along with your great-grandma Barbara’s story)!! It was wonderful to hear a man’s side of the I’m late and pregnant conversations and how it worked out for you and your wife. Thank you for sharing the tears that went along with the experience as well as the ordinary part of the day (going out to lunch), and for letting your emotions show through in your performance. Good luck on having your very own Barbara!
HI JOSH!!!! That was amazing!!! I always enjoyed watching you perform. I miss seeing you!!!
Take care!!!!
Ann (from Admissions)
Saw you last night at the Naked Truth, and was mesmerized by your candid, funny, compassionate way of communicating…so I came home and watched this. Thank you! You shared a male perspective that is refreshing, on a subject that, as you said, is too often discussed by people who have no business passing judgement or laws about…
So much appreciated your way of sharing! Can’t wait to see you again in Mill Valley!
Your stories are so moving and meaningful. This particular one really spoke to me, as I heard it when I was in the midst of dealing with an accidental pregnancy (at 30 years old, married with two kids already, but finally going back to school and “coming into my own”). It gave me the strength to make the right decision for myself and my family. Thank you for this. And big thanks to Esther for taking care of Mamas and babies, and for making you share this!
Wow. Tears at the end for me, too. Powerful story. Powerful storytelling. Thank you.
I heard this story on NPR earlier this afternoon. Life changing, funny, thought-provoking, and real.. Especially for this socialist Jew. Thanks to you and Esther for sharing your story.
I was driving home from work tonight flipping through stations. I was just looking for some background music to pass the time. Wasn’t in the mood for NPR. But somehow this caught my ear. I can not tell you how moved I was by this piece. I am 30 weeks pregnant myself. I am very passionate about human equality (and the politics that follow) and comedy. I seriously can not tell you how this story touched me. I was crying and laughing so hard at the same time. I looked you up as soon as I got home and sent this video to my sister. I never write comments or reviews and I am not even on social media. But thanking you for this piece had to be done. Thank you Josh. I’m so happy I know who you are now.
My boyfriend and I found ourselves listening to this while stuck in traffic.
We held hands as we listened to it because it mirrored our own story in so many ways.
I decided to go grad school while he supported us. He was then laid off and then we found out that I was pregnant. My IUD had failed us. It opened up a world we hadn’t known before. Hushed stories of friends who had been through the same. While hard and sad, it wasn’t without its comedic moments. My boyfriend and I gave each other knowing looks and smiled at familiar moments while listening to your story.
We are so grateful for the access we had to a safe and legal abortion. Through our money, our votes and our voices, we plan on ensuring that others are allowed to choose like we were able to. I do not regret my decision at all — I only regret waiting this long to shed the shame from something I was and am confident was the right decision for me.
Thank you for telling this story, and thank you to your badass wife for making sure you told it.