Mickey is Dying
Season 1
by Mickey Weems & Donna Blanchard
Skinny calves and all, Mickey readies for a photo shoot while meeting emerging health problems with humor. Reflecting on the body beautiful, Mickey draws inspiration from a tattooed cancer survivor, a little turquoise glitter, and an unforgettable smile in Kenya.
Life experiences have made Mickey unafraid of dying, but he’s keenly empathetic to those without such experiences now facing their own death or the loss of a loved one. The difference between surrender and acceptance is debated, and Mickey reflects on how self-honesty becomes even more important at the end.
Mickey’s body is becoming a playground for different places to hurt, and he’s found that cancer pain has its own distinct stamp. Yet the love of friends and knowing one is not alone keeps Mickey tethered to this world.
Spirituality, sexuality, and the sin of unsolicited medical advice.
The podcast gets in vogue, looking at dances developed from within the queer community with insights from Mickey’s academic research.
Mickey offers his impression of the initial podcast recordings, and the uncharted territory the team is navigating. From the first moon landing to Soul Train, a conversation about major societal shifts and the transformative power of the dance floor.
Mickey finds habits to be helpful for fighting fatigue from the targeted radiation. Comfort also comes from revisiting a spiritual book. As long as the universe keeps on throwing a little fun in his direction, Mickey is not in a hurry to leave. Still, with his ship heading in, he’s packed and emotionally ready to “hele on.”
Mickey goes through his health conscious daily diet, while confessing to an unusual approach to a chocolate brownie addiction. With his thought processes, attention span, and patience levels changing as the cancer progresses, Mickey must refocus his creative energies. Conversations with his doctors and with friends battling cancer themselves have convinced him that no care path comes without a price.
The latest Disco Report is in, and Mickey introduces the podcast team to a 9-pound coral that is becoming both a dance and burial partner. Hawaii's Medical Aid in Dying act and Mickey's own death doula bring a sense of comfort, while a deployed friend and the universe conspire for him to live a little longer.
An appreciation for philosophy and the life experiences that have assured Mickey it's going to be okay are providing him preparation for death. As he looks forward to meeting with the ancestors (the friendliest first), Mickey and Donna exchange memories of loved ones.