Laugh Until You Cry: Comedy, Vulnerability, and Being Human - Julia Kelly (Actress)
Release Date: 07/15/2025
Project Connection
In this deeply human and refreshingly honest episode, Coco sits down with actress and voice talent Julia Kelly to explore the emotional edges of performance—where laughter and tears often live side by side. Together, they unpack the intricacies of voice acting, the challenges of remote auditions, and the way connection shows up both on and off the stage. Julia shares her insights on the vulnerability required in comedy, the emotional intelligence behind timing and tone, and how even children are constantly navigating identity through expression. With warmth and humor, Courtney and Julia...
info_outlineProject Connection
Trusting Your Spark with Tami McCarthy ✨ In this soul-stirring conversation, Coco sits down with creative visionary and community builder Tami McCarthy to explore the power of intuition, storytelling, and safe spaces for healing. Together, they dive into the importance of transforming pain into purpose, the courage it takes to share your truth, and how connection fuels collective healing. Tami opens up about the Spark Experience, her heartfelt platform that invites women to connect, reflect, and ignite their inner light through story. She shares how setting intentions, cultivating joy, and...
info_outlineProject Connection
Leading with Purpose: Humanizing Leadership with Lin Coughlin Guest: Lin C. Coughlin, Founder of Great Circle Associates Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode, Coco talks with leadership expert Lin Coughlin about what it truly means to lead with purpose, heart 💖, and integrity. Linda shares her journey from the corporate world to coaching, reflecting on how trust 🤝, self-awareness 🪞, and empowerment 💪 shape powerful leadership. Together, they explore the impact of imposter syndrome 😟, the challenge of balancing career and self-care 💆♀️, and the importance of...
info_outlineProject Connection
✨ Episode Summary: In this episode of Project Connection, Coco Plank sits down with entrepreneur, brand builder, and visionary Meghan Guffey, the founder of Bea Colette—a lifestyle brand born from a desire to live and create with intention. Meghan opens up about her evolution from powerhouse executive at companies like Amazon and Condé Nast to launching her own business rooted in authenticity, beauty, and connection. Together, Coco and Meghan explore: 💫 How entrepreneurship can be a soul-led journey toward deeper alignment 👗 The origin story of Bea Colette and how personal...
info_outlineProject Connection
In this glittery conversation, Coco sits down with Ali Galgano, founder of Serpentine Jewels, to explore the intimate world where jewelry, identity, and connection converge. 💍💖 Ali shares her inspiring journey from 💼 banking to gemology, revealing how gemstones become ✨ vessels of memory, legacy, and transformation. Together, they dive into: 🔮 The spiritual qualities of stones and how they hold energy 💑 The ritual of engagement and the deep honor of guiding men through this sacred process 🔁 The emotional resonance of heirloom redesigns and sustainable...
info_outlineProject Connection
In this inspiring conversation, early childhood educator Lily Kast shares her journey into the world of teaching and what it truly means to connect with young children. With a Master’s in Teaching and a deep passion for nurturing emotional intelligence, Lily opens up about her classroom philosophy—one rooted in warmth, responsiveness, and the power of play 🎨💛 We explore: 🌱 The principles of the Responsive Classroom approach 🧠 How to create a safe, connected learning environment 🔍 Why curiosity is at the heart of learning 💖 How to decode behavior with compassion, not...
info_outlineProject Connection
In this deeply nourishing and soul-stirring episode, Coco welcomes the luminous Swan Huntley—published author, adult illustrator, nature whisperer, and spiritual seeker—for a conversation that feels like a breath of fresh mountain air. 🌬️✨ Together, they unravel the myths of modern self-help, explore the quiet magic of sobriety, and dive into the sacred relationship between creativity and nature. Swan opens up about her personal evolution—from adolescent angst to meditative stillness, from societal expectations to the wild, intuitive path of inner knowing. 🌲🖋️ The two...
info_outlineProject Connection
Links from Episode: In this episode of Project Connection, Coco talks with Dr. Alicia Robbins—OBGYN, certified menopause practitioner, and mother—about the often-overlooked journey of perimenopause and menopause. 🌙🔥 They explore why it’s crucial to understand hormonal changes as early as your 30s, how to navigate shifts in libido, and the connection between sexual health, sleep, nutrition, and stress. Dr. Robbins also shares how she balances her roles as a doctor and mom, and how societal pressures uniquely impact women today. 💡 Plus, they dive into new models of...
info_outlineProject Connection
In this deeply nourishing episode, Coco sits down with food blogger and culinarty creator Maxine Sharf, the creater of Maxi's Kitchen, to explore her journey of transformation—from a career in tech 💻 to finding purpose in the kitchen 🍽️. After an unexpected moment, Maxine followed the quiet whispers of intuition 🌬️ and embraced an opportunity to turn cooking into a form of healing, meditation 🧘♀️, and joy for so many others. Maxine unravels the beautiful, complex threads of connection that led her home—to herself, her purpose, and her kitchen. She opens up...
info_outlineProject Connection
In this insightful episode of Project Connection, Coco sits down with bestselling author Carola Lovering (Author of Tell Me Lies, Bye Baby, Can't Look Away and Too Good to Be True) for a heartfelt discussion about the power of storytelling, personal growth, and the connections that shape our lives. ✨ Carola opens up about how a pivotal personal experience sparked her writing journey, leading her from rejection to literary success. 📚 She reflects on the deep bonds she’s formed with readers through her authentic, emotionally resonant novels and shares how childhood creativity 🎨...
info_outlineIn this deeply human and refreshingly honest episode, Coco sits down with actress and voice talent Julia Kelly to explore the emotional edges of performance—where laughter and tears often live side by side.
Together, they unpack the intricacies of voice acting, the challenges of remote auditions, and the way connection shows up both on and off the stage. Julia shares her insights on the vulnerability required in comedy, the emotional intelligence behind timing and tone, and how even children are constantly navigating identity through expression.
With warmth and humor, Courtney and Julia delve into:
🎭 The blurred line between comedy and catharsis
👂 The dance of listening and interjecting in conversation
👶 How children perceive identity and emotion
😂 The healing power of laughter when words fall short
This conversation is a moving reminder that our deepest connections are often forged in the moments we let ourselves be seen—whether we’re laughing, crying, or somewhere in between.
Takeaways
Voice acting requires a deep connection to oneself and the character.
Remote auditions can be stressful and require extra focus.
Staying present in improv is crucial for success.
Children have a unique and simple understanding of identity.
Vulnerability in comedy fosters connection with the audience.
Laughter serves as a powerful tool for healing and connection.
Comedians often face mental health challenges despite their humor.
Finding humor in life's challenges can aid in processing emotions.
Active listening enhances communication and connection.
Shared experiences in comedy create a sense of belonging.
Sound Bites
"How do you stay connected to yourself?"
"People can tell when you're not present."
"It's about true human connection."
Keywords
voice acting, improv, comedy, connection, vulnerability, laughter, mental health, parenting, identity, performance
Summary
In this conversation, Courtney Rault and Julia explore the intricacies of voice acting, the challenges of remote auditions, and the importance of connection in performance. They discuss the vulnerability required in comedy and acting, the perceptions of children regarding identity, and the healing power of laughter. The dialogue delves into the complexities of comedians' lives, the balance of listening and interjecting in conversations, and how humor can help process emotions. Ultimately, they highlight the shared experiences that connect us all.
Takeaways
Voice acting requires a deep connection to oneself and the character.
Remote auditions can be stressful and require extra focus.
Staying present in improv is crucial for success.
Children have a unique and simple understanding of identity.
Vulnerability in comedy fosters connection with the audience.
Laughter serves as a powerful tool for healing and connection.
Comedians often face mental health challenges despite their humor.
Finding humor in life's challenges can aid in processing emotions.
Active listening enhances communication and connection.
Shared experiences in comedy create a sense of belonging.
Titles
The Connection Between Voice Acting and Authenticity
Navigating the Challenges of Remote Auditions
Sound bites
"How do you stay connected to yourself?"
"People can tell when you're not present."
"It's about true human connection."
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Remote Voiceover Work
01:11 The Art of Connection in Voice Acting
03:28 Navigating Improv and Authenticity
05:52 Embracing Vulnerability in Comedy
07:20 Understanding Gender Identity Through Children's Eyes
09:38 The Power of Laughter and Shared Experiences
12:19 The Flow State in Performance
14:29 The Dynamics of Improv and Trust
17:04 Active Listening and Connection
18:43 The Role of Spontaneity in Comedy
21:03 The Importance of Being Present
24:09 Compassion in Communication
25:36 The Art of Listening and Interjecting
27:10 Balancing Presence in Conversations
29:00 The Power of Shared Experiences
31:35 Finding Humor in Life's Challenges
36:19 Misconceptions About Comedians
40:10 Laughter as Healing
40:55 Connection Through Comedy
40:56 artsEntertainment-outro-low-long.wav