THE JOY OF SERENDIPITY

In this issue of LEGACY eMagazine, I am honored to feature Mocha Rose, whose remarkable essence captivated me during our first meeting in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Her commanding yet delightful presence, combined with her natural comedic flair, quickly dissolved the boundaries between us, transforming our interaction into one of instant camaraderie.

Mocha, rooted in the culturally rich soil of Georgia, epitomizes a journey marked by transformation and resilience, masterfully intertwining healthcare and comedy. Boasting nearly twenty-five years as a Nurse Anesthetist, Mocha Rose epitomizes professionalism, compassion, and excellence in her field. However, her venture into comedy reveals the depths of her multifaceted personality.

Her humor is both therapeutic and perceptive, drawing from her rich life experiences and astute observations to craft narratives that resonate deeply with a wide audience. Our encounter in Chattanooga revealed her innate storytelling prowess well before I discovered her dual roles as a nurse and comedian. Mocha is not just a healthcare professional; she is an entertainer at heart, bridging deeper connection, understanding, and healing

. This edition of LEGACY eMagazine is dedicated to exploring how Mocha Rose’s medical career complements her comedic journey, illuminating her unique path and the joy she spreads. Delving into Mocha Rose’s life fills me with immense joy. Her story is a potent testament to the profound impact of embracing and melding diverse passions and skills.

In the opening of our interview, Mocha Rose shares the origin of her unique name. “People are always curious about where ‘Mocha Rose’ came from,” she begins with a smile. “I had to get creative because ‘Chocolate Thunder’ was already taken. And you know, I resonate more with the first Aunt Viv from ‘The Fresh Prince.’” She pauses, adding humorously, “I sometimes tell folks I’m a drug pusher — which is technically true in the medical sense! As a nurse anesthetist, I’m pushing meds legally, playing a vital role in healthcare.

So, Mocha Rose, what inspired you to pursue careers in both nursing and comedy, and how have you balanced these passions?

Reflecting on my journey into nursing, it wasn’t initially clear to me. When I was 21, with an eight-month-old daughter, my father made the tough decision to put me out. It forced me to take a hard look at my life and responsibilities. My daughter was my wake-up call, steering me away from a potentially destructive path. It taught me to take life one day at a time and led me to nursing, a profession that, along with my daughter, became my purpose.

To solidify my pursuit of nursing, my now ex-husband, seeing my potential, suggested I pursue nursing school instead of law school, highlighting the job security and licensing benefits. This advice steered me towards nursing, where a pivotal experience occurred during my surgery. A nurse anesthetist named Michelle administered my anesthesia, and she allowed me to shadow her, sparking my passion for this field. After becoming a nurse, I moved to California with my military ex-husband. However, after encountering difficulties for a year, I returned to Georgia, motivated to advance my career. In 1997, I decided to further my education, applying to three schools. Despite the daunting process and facing an industry that didn’t seem ready for diversity, I secured a spot in Temple University’s nurse anesthesia program in Philadelphia.

After facing numerous obstacles, I found myself returning to California after 18 years. My time in California was transformative. I worked independently as a nurse anesthetist, often without an anesthesiologist, which is a testament to the autonomy and capability within this role. This experience highlighted the significant responsibilities and independence that nurse anesthetists have, especially in rural areas where we are often the primary providers of anesthesia. This journey has not only shaped my career but also my understanding of the critical role nurse anesthetists play in healthcare.

Well, from a young age, I was always the class clown, always talking too much in class and just wanting to make people laugh. I dreamed of being in entertainment, specifically comedy. But life took a turn when I became a young single mother at 21, which led me to nursing for stability. Despite that, my love for comedy never faded; it was always there, simmering in the background.

In 2014, after going through a tough marriage and depression, I moved from Georgia to California. That move was a turning point. I decided to reignite my passion for comedy, integrating it with my career in nursing. As a Nurse Anesthetist, I’ve found ways to blend humor into my work, easing both my patients and myself.

I adore both my roles, but now, with nearly 25 years as an anesthetist, I’m leaning more toward comedy. I want to make people laugh and believe I can touch more lives through comedy. Reflecting on my past, especially my time in California, I realized how much I enjoyed the stage. Now, back on the East Coast, I’m working to reestablish my comedic presence while managing my anesthesia career.

Life has taught me a lot about myself. Growing up in a small town, I felt stifled, but I’ve learned not to worry about others’ opinions. This journey has taught me to be true to Mocha, embracing who I am fully. With my kids grown, I’m learning to step back and focus on what I love—comedy. It’s been therapeutic, a way to express myself without holding back, despite being an introvert at heart.

Now, as I navigate being an empty nester with two grown daughters, I understand that their lives are theirs to lead, and they must face the consequences of their choices. This realization has been a journey of letting go and stepping back, allowing them to grow independently.

I now understand myself fully—as a person, a woman, a mother, a daughter, and a sister. I’ve shed my fears and stepped out of my shell. Growing up in a small town where everyone knew each other’s business was challenging; it often felt like people were quick to judge. But I’ve realized that constantly wearing neutral colors to blend in doesn’t reflect who I truly am. My personality is bold and unafraid. I’ve learned to stop concerning myself with others’ opinions. What matters most is how I see myself, and how I work on being the best version of Mocha. If some don’t appreciate the way I choose to live or who I am, that’s okay. Overcoming my tendency to people-please has been a part of my growth journey. As I’ve matured, I’ve embraced that it’s about living authentically for me.

Looking ahead, I’m excited about the prospect of being a grandmother and further pursuing comedy. I want to dig deeper into stand-up, sharing my unique style that eschews the crass for more genuine reflections on life. Comedy has become therapeutic for me, a way to express myself freely. Although I am a high-energy person, I consider myself an extrovert/introvert. I balance between these facets in both my personal life and on stage.

My journey through nursing and comedy has been about saving and enriching lives, including my own. It’s about making the most of each day, looking forward to new experiences, and embracing the joy of making others laugh while staying true to myself.

How do you draw inspiration for your comedy routines from your experiences as a nurse, and is there a connection?

Oh, absolutely! Working as a Nurse Anesthetist, I encounter hilariously absurd situations, especially with patients under or coming out of anesthesia. For instance, there was a man prepped for a colonoscopy who earnestly asked me to relay a message to his wife post-procedure. He wanted me to assure her that his head wasn’t actually up his rear end. It was both bizarre and funny, highlighting the odd things patients say, perhaps echoing some playful banter at home.

My career in anesthesia is a goldmine for comedy material. For example, I’m developing a piece about childbirth, inspired by my daughter’s experience and my new role as a grandmother. When my granddaughter was born, she was alert initially but then slept a lot over the next two days. My daughter was puzzled by her sleepiness, and I humorously suggested that the baby was probably recovering from the trauma of birth, as if she was ‘terrorized’ by the birthing process.

These everyday encounters in my medical profession fuel my comedic narratives, allowing me to bring laughter to both the healthcare setting and the stage. I am constantly crafting new material from these experiences, testing them as if I’m performing live. Soon, I’ll be sharing these stories with an audience in Atlanta, using my fresh perspective as a grandmother to add a new dimension to my comedy.

Can you share an instance where you transformed a difficult situation in your nursing work into a humorous anecdote? How do you inject humor into the solemn world of anesthesia?

In the realm of anesthesia, where the environment is typically serious, finding comedic relief in challenging situations isn’t common for me. Nevertheless, I manage to infuse humor. My go-to joke with patients is to caution them, ‘Don’t go to the light—there’s too much paperwork if you do!’ This quip often brings a smile, highlighting the less exciting aspects of my job. Although anesthesia might seem dull to outsiders, since it involves monitoring patients to ensure their safety during surgery, these moments of levity lighten the mood. Injecting humor into such a critical setting not only helps alleviate some of the inherent tension but also humanizes the experience for patients, reminding us that a little laughter can make even the most serious situations more approachable.

What reactions do you get from colleagues and patients when they discover you’re also a comedian?

In California, my reputation as the ‘singing Nurse Anesthetist’ preceded me, and my colleagues would often share this with patients before I even entered the room. They find it cool and love the idea of having a comedian as their anesthetist. This adds a unique layer to my professional identity, and patients seem to appreciate the blend of humor and care they receive from me.

What’s your family’s take on your comedy career? Didn’t you mention your mom didn’t think you were funny at first?

Yeah, you know, I’ve been in nursing for ages, always the one making people laugh, but I never really told anyone, not even my mom, that I wanted to hit the comedy scene. Back in grad school, I tried a bit of stand-up, but life was all about getting my act together and ensuring my daughter and I were secure. I wasn’t about to gamble our stability for laughs, so comedy took a backseat. However, as time went by and I immersed myself more in the stand-up groove, my mom began to see the funny side of me. Now, I just live my truth, let my humor fly, and guess what? My mom’s totally on board with my being a comedian. She’s seen the laughs, and she’s all in.

What advice would you give to someone looking to balance a serious profession like nursing with a creative passion like comedy, especially when considering the financial and personal challenges involved?

For anyone looking to juggle a serious career with a creative pursuit like comedy, my advice is rooted in practicality and passion. Having an established career provides a stable foundation; you’re not constantly worried about financial instability, such as where your next meal or paycheck will come from. This stability is crucial because the path of comedy, or any artistic field, can be fraught with uncertainties and difficulties. I’ve seen many in the comedy scene struggle with the pitfalls of chasing fame, like substance abuse and financial instability.

For anyone looking to juggle a serious career with a creative pursuit like comedy, my advice is rooted in practicality and passion.

If you’re considering a career in comedy or any creative field, do it because you have a genuine love for the craft, not for the potential financial rewards. The reality is that making a substantial income from comedy alone can be challenging, especially at the start. My journey in comedy is driven by my passion for making people laugh, not by financial motivations. Therefore, pursue your creative passion for the right reasons—because it fulfills you, not because you expect it to fill your bank account.

As we conclude this interview, Mocha, do you have any final thoughts or insights you’d like to share with our audience? What can we expect from Mocha Rose in the near future?

Right now, I’m at a point in my life where I’m eager to immerse myself more in comedy than in nursing. My aim for this year is to balance the two, dedicating half my time to each. I’m currently working on a television show, ‘The Mocha Rose Show,’ and hoping to tour with Mark Chris Lawrence later this year. My focus is on doing what I love and staying active, ensuring I don’t let life pass me by.

This year’s mantra for me is to choose happiness. I aim to be a source of inspiration, particularly for women who, like me, are navigating the complexities of aging. It’s never too late to chase what brings you joy and fulfillment.

On a personal note, experiencing the birth of my first grandchild was profoundly moving. Holding that tiny new life brought back memories of my own children’s early days and underscored the importance of family and legacy. It’s a different kind of love, one that rekindles the nurturing instincts and reminds us of the continuous cycle of life. So, as I juggle my professional ambitions with family commitments, I am reminded of the beauty and richness of every stage of life.

As we wrap up our conversation with Mocha Rose, it’s particularly poignant that this interview aligns with April, Stress Awareness Month. Our discussion, rich with laughter and insights, underscores the power of humor and joy in navigating life’s complexities. Mocha’s journey, marked by fun, resilience, and serendipity, serves as a beacon of light in stressful times. In celebrating Mocha’s story, we’re reminded of the vital role that laughter and joy play in our well-being. Her life’s work, blending the seriousness of healthcare with the lightheartedness of comedy, illustrates beautifully the balance we can all strive to achieve.

Her story serves as an inspiration, particularly to women at different stages of life, demonstrating that age and circumstance should not constrain one’s dreams and ambitions. The birth of her granddaughter has not only added a new dimension of joy to her life but also reinforced the significance of family and legacy in her journey. Thank you, Mocha, for sharing your world with us, offering both solace and delight. Your journey is a testament to the fact that even amidst stress and uncertainty, there’s always room for humor, joy, and fun.

-Christine C. Thomas

Mocha Rose

Comedian, Nurse Anesthetist, International Bestselling Author & Speaker

Mocha Rose is a dynamic personality with a rich and diverse background. Hailing from Georgia, the homeland of iconic musicians like Otis Redding and Little Richard, she has flourished in the entertainment world. Mocha has demonstrated her acting prowess in numerous plays and short films and engaged audiences with her podcast, “Jus 2 Funny with Mocha Rose.” Her face might be familiar from appearances in Postal Annex commercials and her performance on the “Pure Comedy” special on PureFlix, available on YouTube.

Beyond her entertainment career, Mocha Rose boasts over 25 years of experience as a Nurse Anesthetist, showcasing her dedication and expertise in the medical field. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Georgia College in Milledgeville, Georgia, and her graduate degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she earned a master’s in nursing with a certification in anesthesia. Mocha Rose’s energetic and magnetic personality, combined with her professional achievements, underscores her commitment to excellence and her passion for bringing laughter and care to people’s lives.