Chapter 2: Embracing the Spotlight

As the applause faded and the studio lights dimmed, I retreated backstage, still riding the high of the audience’s laughter and applause at Ellis’s warm reception. The endorphin coursed through my veins, fueling a sense of exhilaration I hadn’t felt in a while.

Back in the Green Room, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. The crew congratulated me, their smiles genuine and their energy infectious. I couldn’t help but feel a swell of gratitude for this opportunity. Conversation with Ryana was small talk until our family and friends entered.

I grabbed my purse and left with my parents, best friend Yolanda, and now former boyfriend, Zachary. Back in the hotel, everyone except me changed into more casual attire while I looked for new notifications on my phone. The only ones were from a few friends who couldn’t make it to New York.

My appearance on the show will not premiere until later in the evening, so I am not expecting the tidal wave to blow up until tomorrow. Online talking about my upcoming appearance was filled with a mix of positives and those that stressed more about my lack of attire and loose morals. Recent regulators opened the airways to allow what streamers have shown for years— showing for years.

As I sat there, soaking in the moment, I couldn’t help but reflect on how far I’d come. A rebellious teenager who stood defiantly before a judge declaring that she wanted to be free of clothes, up to this present moment.’ Or something like that, basking in the afterglow of a successful late-night appearance. It was a testament to the power of staying true to oneself in adversity.

Later that evening, after everyone crammed into the hotel studio party to watch my appearance wrapped up. Everyone except Yolanda left the events of the day. I take a moment to stand out on the patio overlooking the city lights below.

The night air was cool against my skin, a reminder of the freedom I’d sought before being thrust into a life of nudity by that judge. At that moment, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. I knew there were more chapters in this unconventional journey of mine.

Back in the room, Yolanda asked me to check out the tidal wave on social media. ‘I unlocked the phone and checked messages and social media. My appearance on a nationally televised, syndicated talk show had gone viral. The producers explained how not to respond and how not to comment online. It wasn’t surprising.

The permanude lifestyle had always been a polarizing topic, and now, on such a public platform, opinions were bound to be even more divided. Morning, everyone crowded onto my suite couch and chairs to help me decipher the responses. Among them, two stood out. Three media producers expressed interest in discussing a sitcom and other ideas of my life’s journey.

The idea intrigued me, and I made a mental note while still at Ellis’s studio. Your offer intrigues me. I will follow up with you when I have a quiet moment. The other message was from Katy Rougher, the pioneer permanude comedienne who had been one of the first to inspire me to step out of my comfort zone at an open mic night at the local bar near where I grew up. Katy’s words were heartfelt and encouraging.

She praised my performance and shared her experiences navigating the comedy scene and breaking through the resistance she experienced. Her support meant the world to me, and I replied with a heartfelt thank you, expressing my gratitude for her trailblazing spirit.

With everyone’s encouragement and the help of others, and help from others. Able to gather the courage to send professional responses to each of the producers of the sitcom idea mentioned earlier to arrange meetings about ideas. I was excited about the potential to share my story in a new format.

It was a chance to reach an even wider audience, to challenge preconceived notions, and to continue redefining what it meant to be true to oneself. As I typed away, I couldn’t help but smile. The adventure was only beginning, and I was ready to embrace it, one laugh at a time.

Weeks later, after a whirlwind of meetings, brainstorming sessions in person, and mostly in several conferences, I performed around the country along with one of the shows recorded. It was Wilson’s production whose interest sparked this new opportunity to be a visionary with a passion for storytelling.

Together, we began weaving a narrative that would capture the essence of my journey, blending humor with heartfelt. As the concept for the sitcom took shape, I found myself delving into uncharted territory. Collaborating with a team of writers, we mined the depths of my experiences, extracting moments of raw authenticity and infusing them with comedic flair.

It was an exhilarating process, and I marveled at how life’s quirks could be in a script that resonated with a broader audience. Simultaneously, my interactions with Katy grew more frequent. We exchanged stories, jokes, and words of encouragement. She became a beacon of support, a fellow traveler. Our shared experiences forged a bond that transcended the stage, and I was grateful for the connection.

As the news of the sitcom project began to leak, the buzz around my unconventional journey of living nude intensified. Social media now brimmed with curiosity and excitement. Messages of support poured in from fans and newcomers alike, eager to see this unique story come to life.

As the project gained momentum, I continued at comedy clubs, honing my craft and testing new material. The response from audiences remained overwhelmingly positive, a testament to the universal appeal of embracing one’s quirks and vulnerabilities. I noticed the shift in the audience makeup between those dressed and those not.