Show notes
Today Patty welcomes Mark Steven Porro, a New Jersey native who spent 28 years in Hollywood, to discuss his bestselling, award-winning debut memoir, A Cup of Tea on the Commode, The book is about caring for his mother during the final three and a half years of her life after a near-death experience in 2011. He explains the title’s origin from a daily bedside commode routine that included his mother’s favorite tea, and shares how hospice taught him hands-on caregiving tasks such as treating bed sores, changing diapers, sponge bathing, and managing stress. Porro describes using humor to handle difficult moments, recounts stories about both parents, and notes a caregiver health crisis that led to emergency surgeries. He also talks about creating the organic snack brand Grandpa Po’s Originals, life in the south of France, and an upcoming second book focused on his father.Find out more about Mark below:Choose your favorite bookstore to orderOur websiteOur Facebook pageInstagramTikTokOur YouTube channelEpisode Highlights:00:00 Meet Mark Porro01:04 Title Meaning Explained01:54 From Notes to Memoir02:38 Hospice Care Lessons04:46 Not a How To Book06:32 Humor as Medicine09:14 Dad Stories and Dignity12:58 Why Mark Became Caregiver16:47 Caregiver Burnout Warning18:37 Third Emergency Recovery18:58 Wild Hospital Meds20:16 Accidental Nonprofits Story21:11 Grandpa Poes Origins23:11 Flavors And Factory25:03 Mantras And Burnout25:35 Screenplay And Next Book27:08 Awards And Reader Letters28:24 Life In France30:15 Wine Actor Chocolate Picks32:56 Wrap Up And Next Guest
