Episode Details

Kristin Govers is the star and creator of the smash-hit Fringe play, The Awkward Ballerina. Her playful, heartfelt and gripping one-woman show tells a true story about growing up with big dreams of becoming a ballet dancer, when you also have cerebral palsy. Although she never made it onto the Nutcracker stage, Kristin is the most beautiful and sincere ballerina that I have ever met. Her message is close to my heart, since many of my favourite peeps have cerebral palsy, including my dearly departed honorary brother Glendon. And the great news is—Kristin’s episode is relatively family-friendly!

The Hot Topics

What is cerebral palsy anyways? Turns out CP is radically different for everyone. Kristen describes how her disability influences her day-to-day, and how she stays grateful, despite certain challenges.

Mean Kids and Bullying. Oh my goodness, kids are the meanest! And Kristin got the brunt of it. Hear how she survived severe bullying, with stories on how to find healing and peace decades later.

Inspiration Porn and Ableism. Can you offer an inspirational message without degrading the experience of a person with a disability? Listen to what Kristin has to say.

Dating With a Disability. How Kristin transcended the horrors of high school dances and mediocre boyfriends to find her beautiful love story and five-star husband Marc.

The Listener Question. Wishing Upon a Star wonders if she should sign up for the theatre program she’s been dreaming of, even if it means quitting her job and asking her partner for financial support. Erica and Kristin don’t have all the answers—but they have thoughts.

It was so fun to land a surprise visit from Kristin’s VIP family Marc and Patrick, rounded up with a not-to-be-missed rendition of Wagon Wheel.

In honour of her fringe show, Kristin founded Two Left Feet Productions MTL. Beyond theatre and writing, her company aims to touch hearts, promote inclusivity, and raise awareness about what it’s like to live with a disability. These days, Kristin is getting ready to perform her new show called Pregnant! And It’s Still Awkward. And we can’t wait.

Follow Kristin on Instagram and Facebook

Check out her website at Two Left Feet Productions MTL

Thumbnail Photo Credit: Joseph Ste-Marie (Kristin), Mandy Fontana from Pixabay (Ballet Slippers)

Follow Erica on Facebook or Instagram or check out her website at ericajschmidt.com. Send a spicy or serious listener questions to any of these places and make Erica’s day.

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