Online for Authors Episode 3-25-25

​Caregiving Adventures: A Tale of Love and Laughter with Mom with Author Mark Steven Porro

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Mark Steven Porro, author of the book A Cup of Tea on the Commode. Mark is an award-winning designer, writer, director, and now a best-selling, award-winning author. He has written lots of jokes, several screenplays, and one award-winning short film. A Cup of Tea on the Commode—a sad, sweet, and funny debut memoir—chronicles his multitasking adventures of filling his mother’s last years with love, laughter, and joy. Though not always successful, he came pretty damn close.

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This week, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Mark Steven Porro, author of A Cup of Tea on the Commode. This book is a hilarious and heartfelt memoir about caregiving that will make you laugh, cry, and appreciate the complex love between a mother and son.

Ever wondered what it's really like to become a full-time caregiver for a parent? Mark's journey is a masterclass in love, humor, and resilience. Imagine giving up your carefree bachelor life at 55 to care for your 90-year-old mother - with a sense of humor that would make even the toughest challenges bearable!

Some of my favorite moments from our conversation:

• How he literally taped his name to the ceiling when his mom couldn't remember who he was 
  
• His ingenious ways of keeping his mother engaged, like playing Angry Birds and cheating at cards
  
• The profound lessons about unconditional love and empathy

What struck me most was Mark's incredible honesty. Caregiving isn't glamorous - it's messy, challenging, and sometimes heartbreaking. But it's also filled with unexpected moments of joy, connection, and deep love.

Curious about Mark's next project? He's working on a book about his dad and their incredible trip to Italy - stay tuned!

Want to continue this great book conversation? Head on over to Novels N Latte Book Club on Facebook for your chance to win a copy of A Cup of Tea on the Commode. Trust me, you won't regret it!

Purchase A Cup of Tea on the Commode on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4e3TwJt
Ebook: https://amzn.to/3A5kEdm

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.