Debbie Childers Comedy

 

A Lifelong Friend, a High Dive, and a Lot of Laughter

There are certain advantages to having lifelong friends. They remember where you came from, know your family, and can help fill in the blanks when your memory starts getting a little unreliable.

There are disadvantages, too.

They remember things you might prefer everybody forgot. And if one of those friends becomes a comedian, there’s a fair chance your youthful foolishness will eventually find its way into her act.

Which brings me to my friend Debbie Childers.

Debbie and I have been friends since childhood, growing up in Leeds, Alabama, where a summer day at the city pool could provide enough entertainment to last a lifetime. In our case, one particular afternoon apparently did.

On March 16, 2026, I published a story here on Ron Howard’s Simple Musings called “The High Dive Incident.” If you read it, you’ll remember that Debbie wanted to try the high diving board, and I appointed myself her instructor.

My qualifications consisted mostly of being a boy who thought he knew everything.

Debbie climbed up, walked out, looked down, and began having second thoughts. I offered encouragement. My sisters offered encouragement. Bobby Talley, the lifeguard, gave her a reassuring thumbs-up.

Then I offered a little more encouragement than the situation called for.

I pushed her.

The resulting belly flop was memorable for everyone concerned, although Debbie certainly got the worst of it. She climbed out, collected her towel, and headed home. Our friendship went through a brief cooling-off period.

Thankfully, it survived. And years later, Debbie found a way to turn that painful afternoon into something people could laugh about.

That’s a gift she has developed beautifully: finding humor in the everyday experiences, unexpected troubles, and downright ridiculous situations that life hands us.

According to her website, Debbie’s speaking journey began at medical conferences and seminars, where she discovered that entertaining people was something she loved right along with speaking to them. She combined her humor with a desire to teach and encourage others, developing a style built around real-life stories.

Her husband, Tim, a retired pastor, provides plenty of material. Apparently, being married to a storyteller comes with certain obligations, whether you agreed to them or not.

Childhood friends ought to read the fine print, too.

Her biography lists winning the Jeanne Robertson National Humor Competition in 2019 among her accomplishments. Today, she shares her clean, relatable comedy with audiences at churches, corporate gatherings, women’s events, conferences, civic organizations, and theaters.

I’m proud of her. There’s something especially pleasing about watching someone you’ve known nearly all your life use her talents to bring joy to other people.

Debbie understands that life can be difficult and still leave room for laughter. Sometimes a good story gives us a little breathing room. Sometimes it reminds us that we aren’t the only ones who have embarrassed ourselves in public.

And sometimes it reminds us to be grateful for old friends who have forgiven us.

If you enjoy funny, family-friendly stories from a Southern storyteller, take a few minutes to visit Debbie Childers Comedy. Learn more about her, and if you have an opportunity to hear her in person, go enjoy yourself.

Who knows? You might even hear a little story about me.

I’d just appreciate it if you would remember that my career as a diving instructor ended a long time ago.

Probably for the best.