Happy Funny Amazing

Allana Harkin Re-Release and Something To Look Forward To!

Sat, 5 Jul 2025 18:26:10 +0000

Little did Allana and I know when we recorded this episode two and half years ago, that this summer, she would directing and dramaturging my new solo show – Something To Look Forward To – running right now at the Toronto Fringe.

The irony of this is that Something to Look Forward To tells the behind-the-scenes story of how Happy Funny Amazing — this very podcast — came to be and how making it helped me deal with some heavy grief after losing two of my brothers. The show celebrates of the power of storytelling and the importance of art – while also being relatable funny and honest.

I’ve had some great reviews and audience responses so far — and that means the world to me.

"...prepare to have your life changed. Because with Something To Look Forward To, your life will be changed." - Slotkin Letter

"...the writer’s sense of detail and her questing spirit are moving...Above all, she has a great rapport with the audience. Since she performs in the round, there’s nowhere to hide — a fitting metaphor for the show’s honesty." - Glenn Sumi, Toronto Star.

"...Joanne O’Sullivan tells this hilarious and harrowing story with such timing (bravo to her and director Allana Harkin), pacing, nuance and conviction that she has us all sitting forward at what will come next" - Slotkin Letter

I’ve only got five shows left and I’d love to see you there:
Sunday July 6 at 9:45 PM
Tuesday July 8 at 5:45 PM
Wednesday July 9 at 4:00 PM
Thursday July 10 at 7:00 PM
and Saturday July 12 at 12:30 PM.

📍At VideoCabaret, 10 Busy Street
Tickets are only 15 dollars and can be found here: fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/something-look-forward

And now, to celebrate this full-circle moment — here’s a throwback to Allana’s hilarious and episode of Happy Funny Amazing.

A Story (And interview!) from Norm Foster

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 12:52:16 +0000

Tickets for The Foster Festival: https://fosterfestival.com/

Information on the Happy Funny Amazing Storytelling Express Workshop: https://happyfunnyamazing.com/workshops#service-1

Stories from Christel Bartelse and Briane Nasimok

joanneosullivan15@gmail.com (Joanne O'Sullivan) — Sun, 7 May 2023 21:11:41 +0000

Co-Hosts from the popular Live Storytelling Show, But That's Another Story, Christel Bartelse and Briane Nasimok both reach back into their pasts to tell Joanne Happy Funny and Amazing stories of love and loss. Plus, Joanne has an announcement about the next exciting chapter for Happy Funny Amazing. https://storytellingtoronto.org/festival/ https://happyfunnyamazing.com/

Stories from Judy Holm and Paul Mather

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 13:35:20 +0000

What do being a model in the 80s and being alone in a pandemic 40 years later have in common? Producer Judy Holm and Television Writer Paul Mather share very different and amazing stories of overcoming adversity, showcasing the unwavering human spirit that drives us to push through the unexpected and get to the other side.

Stories From Steve Pratt and Geoff Siskind

joanneosullivan15@gmail.com (Joanne O'Sullivan) — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 13:21:27 +0000

Founders of the Creativity Guild, Steve Pratt and Geoff Siskind tell uncannily parallel stories of confronting their own mortality - and surviving to tell the tale. Plus a crazy reveal, unlike anything we've heard on Happy Funny Amazing before. The Creativity Guild: https://thecreativityguild.substack.com/ The Creativity Business: https://www.creativity-business.com/

Stories Live from the Stratford Festival, Featuring Pulga Muchochoma, Ijeoma Emesowum, and Ron Kennell

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 00:27:45 +0000

Happy Funny Amazing goes LIVE! 2022 Stratford Festival company members Pulga Muchochoma, Ijeoma Emesowum, and Ron Kennell all tell extraordinary stories of personal journeys - whether leaving home and country, a life-changing hike, or an emotional tour to Iran - all are stories of lives forever changed. Stick around to the end of the episode for a few bonus stories and a lot of laughter! Taped live on stage in Lazaridis Hall in the new Tom Patterson Theatre. Link to Pulga's Music Video! https://youtu.be/JTIIdvbDwQg

Stories from the Stratford Festival, Featuring Beau Dixon, Lisa Nasson and Sepehr Reybod

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 18:55:55 +0000

Happy Funny Amazing goes LIVE! 2022 Stratford Festival company members Beau Dixon, Lisa Nasson and Sepehr Reybod, tell happy, funny, amazing, and emotional stories of break-ins, breakthroughs and going on with only a day's notice - all Iive on stage in Lazaritis hall in the new Tom Patterson Theatre.

Stories from the Stratford Festival. Featuring Jani Lauzon, André Sills and Jason Sermonia

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 21:16:14 +0000

Happy Funny Amazing goes LIVE! 2022 Stratford Festival company members Jani Lauzon, André Sills and Jason Sermonia, tell happy, funny and amazing stories of surprise concerts, close to showtime labour pains and a life entwined with the musical Chicago - Iive on stage in Lazaritis hall in the new Tom Patterson Theatre.

A Story by Naomi Snieckus and Matt Baram

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 17:32:06 +0000

Second City Alumni and very funny married couple Naomi Snieckus and Matt Baram join forces to tell an amazing story that demonstrates the lengths people will go for love. Plus, the first 3 storytellers joining me in Stratford for Happy Funny Amazing Live, as part of the 2022 Stratford Festival's Meighen Forum are revealed!

Stories by Graham Abbey and Raoul Bhaneja

Thu, 12 May 2022 16:57:44 +0000

Two beautiful stories about human connection, both goosebump inducing, but for entirely different reasons.

A Story from Barry O'Sullivan

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 17:21:08 +0000

In honour of St. Patricks Day an amazing story from my Dad, Barry O'Sullivan. Plus, an exciting announcement about Happy Funny Amazing!

A Story from Allana Harkin

Tue, 1 Feb 2022 22:04:25 +0000

The lovely and funny Allana Harkin, co-executive producer, director and correspondent on the hit show Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, tells a hysterical and heartwarming story about her childhood idol and the carefully executed plan she put in motion to meet her.

Stories from Graham Greene

Fri, 24 Dec 2021 17:09:11 +0000

Iconic and beloved Canadian Actor, Graham Greene, tells us a funny and amazing story that just might make you feel better about having to stay home this holiday season.

Stories from Michael Landsberg and Diana Frances

joanneosullivan15@gmail.com (Joanne O'Sullivan) — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 22:45:45 +0000

Broadcaster and host Michael Landsberg and comedy writer Diana Frances, tell amazing stories about how happenchance encounters changed the trajectory of their lives in beautiful ways.

Stories from Jenn Whalen and Dean Jenkinson

joanneosullivan15@gmail.com (John Bartmann (Music) Joanne O'Sullivan (Host)) — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 02:07:40 +0000

Jenn and Dean, two funny friends from my time writing on 22 Minutes, join me with their stories for a mini-reunion. #frequentguestishardtosay

Stories from Scott Wentworth and Christy Bruce

joanneosullivan15@gmail.com (Joanne O'Sullivan) — Fri, 7 May 2021 21:23:45 +0000

In honour of live theatre (hopefully) resuming this summer - outside and under tents or anyway it can- actors Scott Wentworth and Christy Bruce tell funny and amazing true stories about auditioning and understudying.

Stories from Astrid Van Wieren and Eliza Jane Scott

joanneosullivan15@gmail.com (Joanne O'Sullivan (Host)) — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 00:40:53 +0000

Come from Away cast members Astrid Van Wieren and Eliza Jane Scott, tell stories of letting go and desperately holding on.

Stories from Mike Shara and Michael Allcock

joanneosullivan15@gmail.com (Joanne O'Sullivan) — Sat, 17 Apr 2021 23:27:28 +0000

Actor Mike Shara and documentarian Michael Allcock both tell amazing stories of unexpected visits from beyond.

Stories from Lucy van Oldenbarneveld and Adrienne Fish

joanneosullivan15@gmail.com (Joanne O'Sullivan) — Fri, 9 Apr 2021 20:04:02 +0000

From the dangerous to the relaxing, two amazing women tell me stories about two very different trips in a canoe.

Stories from Chris and Brad Goddard

joanneosullivan15@gmail.com (Joanne O'Sullivan) — Thu, 1 Apr 2021 15:44:47 +0000

Identical twins Chris and Brad Goddard tell competing versions of the same funny story, involving a twin switch-a-roo stunt that changed the trajectory of their lives.

Stories from Tom McCamus, Chick Reid and Yours Truly

joanneosullivan15@gmail.com (John Bartmann - Music, Joanne O'Sullivan - Host) — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 19:42:53 +0000

Two unexpected and amazing vacations end up in the same beautiful city.

Stories from the other Joanne O'Sullivan

joanneosullivan15@gmail.com (John Bartmann - music, Joanne O'Sullivan - Host) — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 16:22:56 +0000

The other Joanne O'Sullivan tells me an amazing story about an epic day that starts with Michael Jackson - but doesn't end there.

Stories from Seán Cullen

joanneosullivan15@gmail.com (Joanne O'Sullivan) — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 13:50:52 +0000

Seán takes us on a roller coaster ride that leads to his working on a pilot with Ellen DeGeneres with one of his comedy heroes, Tim Conway.

Stories From Adrienne Fish and Graham Abbey

joanneosullivan15@gmail.com (Joanne O'Sullivan - Host, John Bartmann - Music) — Thu, 4 Mar 2021 22:01:03 +0000

Adrienne Fish and Graham Abbey entertain us with their dueling Uhaul stories.

Stories from Chick Reid and Jenn Whalen

joanneosullivan15@gmail.com (Joanne O'Sullivan (Host) John Bartmann (music)) — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 18:08:02 +0000

Amazingly spooky stories from Chick Reid and Jenn Whalen.

Stories from Colin Mochrie, Deb McGrath and Michael Moses

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 15:04:48 +0000

Guests tell host, Joanne O'Sullivan, their happiest, funniest, and most amazing true stories.