We recently connected with Michèle Haines and have shared our conversation below.
Michèle, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
Starting a podcast with my Mom.
Our world turned upside down suddenly when my dad’s doctor called, saying he had a brain bleed during surgery. The following ten months was a roller coaster ride of euphoria when he seemed to be getting better, to devastation when he died. My grandmother who I adored, died shortly afterward. The whole experience taught me that life is too short, so I left for the West Coast to throw myself into my dreams.
My relationship with my Mom was shaky at this point. But after changing my own perspective about things and letting go of differences, we were able to talk again normally. My Mom, Babsie, has me in stitches every time I talk to her over the phone. So the thought of recording our conversations as a podcast crossed my mind. And we’ve been recording On the Line with Babsie ever since. The audience is eavesdropping on our phone calls and laughing along with us and our guests. It’s an unscripted, accidentally funny experience. It has brought my Mom and I closer together while providing levity to our listeners.
Michèle, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m a self sabateur always battling myself to stay on my path. When I veer off, my soul drags me back. I’m a natural born storyteller, who grew up impersonating anyone or thing that crossed my path. Comedic Storytelling and Stand up Comedy is in my DNA. I started as a 15-year old radio DJ, experienced many different industries before exploring improv, voiceover, and now as a comedian, MC, and podcast host.
I’m very proud of my comedy open mic at Canter’s Deli. We’ve cultivated a very fun, inviting atmosphere there. Comics have come up to me to say I make them feel very welcome and comfortable there and that means so much. Everyone is welcome and we prove that there’s humor in everything.
Also very proud of my podcast with my Mom. I think people can relate to the mother-daughter connection and my Mom has a very unique charm and allure in all her ridiculousness hahaha.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Adding levity to people’s lives. Lightening things up in general.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Ultimately, I dream of buying my Mom a house out here, so she can kittysit her grandkitty, Peanut and we can record our pod live!
I think my ultimate purpose is to spread levity and make people feel good about themselves.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://CheleOnEarth.com
- Instagram: cheleonearth
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@cheleonearth?si=UbxS4vppLuPu_eqU
- Other: Thank you!
Image Credits
Illustrations by Eduardo Rosas
Last photo by B.A. van Sise