Ep 265: Finding the Funny in Life’s Hardest Stories with Nicole Magerko
Update: 2025-09-22
Description
🎙️ Episode Intro
What happens when comedy collides with life’s most challenging topics? In this episode, host Damien Swaby sits down with Nicole Magerko — a Chicago-based comedy screenwriter, producer, and founder of Pine Grove Productions. Nicole’s work thrives at the intersection of humor and humanity, shining a light on aging, caregiving, and the often-overlooked everyday struggles that bind us together.
From the personal turning point that inspired her company, to her evolving voice as a creator in the film and TV world, Nicole shares the realities of building a career that is both creatively fulfilling and socially resonant.
📒 Show NotesIn this episode, you’ll hear about:
What happens when comedy collides with life’s most challenging topics? In this episode, host Damien Swaby sits down with Nicole Magerko — a Chicago-based comedy screenwriter, producer, and founder of Pine Grove Productions. Nicole’s work thrives at the intersection of humor and humanity, shining a light on aging, caregiving, and the often-overlooked everyday struggles that bind us together.
From the personal turning point that inspired her company, to her evolving voice as a creator in the film and TV world, Nicole shares the realities of building a career that is both creatively fulfilling and socially resonant.
📒 Show NotesIn this episode, you’ll hear about:
- 🎬 The beginnings of Pine Grove Productions
Nicole opens up about how a quarter-life crisis led her to start a company dedicated to telling heartfelt, comedic stories about the human condition. - 💡 Why humor matters in heavy conversations
How laughter can be a tool for connection when exploring subjects like aging, family caregiving, and identity. - 🛠️ The process behind the craft
Nicole shares her writing and producing approach — blending lived experience with creative storytelling to make work that feels both authentic and entertaining. - 🚀 Challenges and opportunities for emerging filmmakers
What it takes to stand out in the crowded film and TV landscape, and how she’s navigating an evolving industry as a fresh voice. - ❤️ Life lessons from comedy
Why Nicole believes comedy is more than entertainment — it’s a way to confront fear, embrace imperfection, and build empathy.
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