The Laughing Mind: Recent Episodes
The Laughing Mind Podcast
A podcast about comedy, mental health, humor and psychology, hosted by psychotherapist and amateur comedian Ethan Tuxill. Episodes explore mental-health concepts such as body awareness, consciousness, trauma, and the connected self, while others nerd out in the comedy universe to unpack stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy and how they all connect! Guests from both worlds of comedy and mental health come on to discuss their own experiences and expertise in comedy and mental health.
A chock full hour with comedian and pastor Ellen Lundie. Ellen and Ethan dug into the nature of dealing with uncertainty and suffering and humor's role in both. They tackle questions like "Is Jesus Funny" and "How do you go to your first open mic?" All the big players came out for this episode: comedy, mental health, and religion, so strap in and enjoy!
Ellen Lundie IG: @ellenlundie https://www.instagram.com/ellenlundie/?hl=en
If you'd like to support the show, please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify and anywhere else you get your podcasts! To stay connected make sure to subscribe and find us on Instagram: @thelaughingmindpodcast or on Facebook: The Laughing Mind Podcast
Kicking off season 2 with a quick solo episode! Ethan pulls apart the myth that the perfection standard is motivating, and how stagnant focusing on "where we aren't" can leave us. So sit back, lean back, fall back and spend 20 minutes enjoying an entertaining and meaningful take on the power of accepting the awkward nature of beginning something new!
If you'd like to support the show, please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify and anywhere else you get your podcasts! To stay connected make sure to subscribe and find us on Instagram: @thelaughingmindpodcast or on Facebook: The Laughing Mind Podcast
For the season finale of season 1, Ethan is joined by Jason Clark (Arcade Comedy Theater's General Manager and Stand Up comic). This one's got everything: OCD, ADHD, the evolution of comedy, remaining mentally and emotionally flexible throughout your life, generational differences, and so much more. If you're interested in taking classes, watching performances, or supporting the Arcade Comedy Theatre, check out their website below! Quick update on the end of season 1: With the impending baby girl almost through the birth canal, taking a hiatus to prepare and hunker down is necessary. There's some uncertainty as to when season 2 will begin, but stay tuned on IG, Facebook, and TikTok for updates. So much appreciation to all you listeners and silly hounds for staying with us for season 1! https://www.arcadecomedytheater.com/ Jason's IG: @jmclark8 If you'd like to support the show, please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify! To stay connected make sure to subscribe and find us on Instagram: @thelaughingmindpodcast or on Facebook: The Laughing Mind Podcast
You asked and we did it! I had the pleasure of having my wife Morgan Mitchell on the show, who is also a practicing mental health therapist. What is it like for two therapists in a relationship? Listen and you'll find out! We also got into how humor is a strength, as well as a possible defensive mechanism. Morgan is deeply insightful, wise, and very funny so please enjoy this special guest episode. Included are some links from topics we discussed in this episode.
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
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If you'd like to support the show, please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify! To stay connected make sure to subscribe and find us on Instagram: @thelaughingmindpodcast or on Facebook: The Laughing Mind Podcast
Co-owner of Total Peace and Wellness CBD (the newest sponsor of The Laughing Mind Podcast!) Carlos Smith joins Ethan for a deep dive into CBD, mental health and comedy. Whether you use CBD regularly or have never even heard of it, this episode covers the basics of CBD, as well as topics like trauma, humor, and peace. Check out the links below for their website and social media!
Website: https://totalpeaceandwellnesscbd.com/
IG: tpw_cbd
FB: https://www.facebook.com/totalpeaceandwellness/
For 10% off your entire CBD order at Total Peace and Wellness CBD, use the discount code "LAUGH" at checkout!
If you'd like to support the show, please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify! To stay connected make sure to subscribe and find us on Instagram: @thelaughingmindpodcast or on Facebook: The Laughing Mind Podcast
Ethan's dear friend Wendy McSparren LCSW (EMDR therapist, consultant, and master therapist!) joins Ethan for a deep dive into the world of therapy. Wendy has deep wisdom and presence that comes through and they get into all of these: healthy guilt vs. unhealthy guilt, working as hard for yourself as you do for others, trauma work, chronic health concerns that come from psychological wounds, practicing mindful meditation in our highly chaotic world.
For more info about the ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire)
If you're interested in trying mindful meditation, try the free, beginner-guided meditations through the Headspace App
For 10% off your entire CBD order at Total Peace and Wellness CBD, use the discount code "LAUGH" at checkout!
If you'd like to support the show, please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify! To stay connected make sure to subscribe and find us on Instagram: @thelaughingmindpodcast or on Facebook: The Laughing Mind Podcast
Stand-up comedian and long-time podcaster Cash Levy (Cashing in with TJ Miller Podcast!) joins Ethan for an absurd, at times sobering, and rip-roaring episode. These two dig down deep into topics like handling rejection, death and aging, parenthood, and adult friendships, then come up for air with things like the problem with small talk and playing tennis on glass instead of grass. If you enjoy Cash Levy's wit and comedy, check out the links below to his podcast "Cashing in with TJ Miller" and his website for tour dates.
Cashing in with TJ Miller: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cashing-in-with-t-j-miller/id51277444
Tour Dates: https://www.cashlevy.com/live
For 10% off your entire CBD order at Total Peace and Wellness CBD, use the discount code "LAUGH" at checkout!
If you'd like to support the show, please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify! To stay connected make sure to subscribe and find us on Instagram: @thelaughingmindpodcast or on Facebook: The Laughing Mind Podcast
This one is short, sweet, and obvious! Ethan gets into how we can overcomplicate our mental health sometimes, and coming back to simple, concrete basics of self-care can be the most helpful thing for our mental health. The three simple grounding points to come back to this week are: Drink(water), Breathe, and Move. Give this one a listen for some annoyingly simple mental health help!
More about the benefits of drinking water: https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/5-emotional-and-mental-benefits-of-drinking-water/
More on the benefits of exercise on mental health: https://www.waldenu.edu/online-bachelors-programs/bs-in-psychology/resource/five-mental-benefits-of-exercise
If you'd like to support the show, please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify! To stay connected make sure to subscribe and find us on Instagram: @thelaughingmindpodcast or on Facebook: The Laughing Mind Podcast
Holy Hog, what an episode! Comedian Danny Berrios is young, hungry, and hilarious. Danny and Ethan get into his comedy career, imposter syndrome, and dealing with the inner critic. Danny shares his hard-won wisdom of keeping your eyes on the road in front while still looking back in the rear view mirror to see how far you've come. Check out his info below for all his social media, where he's performing, and podcast "Yo Motha's favorite podcast".
IG: @danielberriosjr
IG: @yamothasfavoritepodcast
TikTok: @dannybcomedy
The inner critic book mentioned in the podcast is called: Embracing your Inner Critic by Hal and Sidra Stone
If you'd like to support the show, please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify! To stay connected make sure to subscribe and find us on Instagram: @thelaughingmindpodcast or on Facebook: The Laughing Mind Podcast
A hot new solo episode where Ethan tackles people playing the trauma card. We are finally seeing our culture move towards more acceptance and legitimacy for mental health, trauma and PTSD! But now, we have people playing the trauma card like it's a "be an asshole then get-out-of-jail-free card". Trauma's effects are very real, and we need to take responsibility for ourselves; both are true and necessary.
George Carlin clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PB4QpuuNF6c
If you're struggling with the impact of mental, physical, sexual or any other type of trauma in your life and need help, please see the resources below!
Find a therapist or psychologist who has experience helping with trauma at psychologytoday.com and use the filter "trauma-focused.
For more information about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), visit the National Institute of mental health's website: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Posttraumatic-Stress-Disorder
If you'd like to support the show, please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify! To stay connected make sure to subscribe and find us on Instagram: @thelaughingmindpodcast or on Facebook: The Laughing Mind Podcast
Comedian and podcaster Danii Kaufman joins Ethan for a barn-burner of an episode. These two discuss how comedy can be a balm and healing tool in the face of pain and catastrophe, and quickly pivot to how direct mail has a better response rate than unsolicited dick pics! If you are looking for more of Danii and her comedy, you can find her info below!
IG: @dammitdaniipodcast
https://linktr.ee/dammitdaniipodcast
If you'd like to support the show, please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify! To stay connected make sure to subscribe and find us on Instagram: @thelaughingmindpodcast or on Facebook: The Laughing Mind Podcast
Comedy, humor, and vulnerability are what this episode is allllll about. Vulnerability, that is, "uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure" (according to New York Times best-selling author Brene Brown) is not a natural instinct for us but is one of the direct gateways to a meaningful and rich life. Comedy lets us connect with feeling human in those ways that aren’t praised or upvoted in other circles. Comedy lets us contact our own vulnerability in a powerful way. Get into it!
If you'd like to support the show, please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify! To stay connected make sure to subscribe and find us on Instagram: @thelaughingmindpodcast or on Facebook: The Laughing Mind Podcast
Brene Brown Resources: https://brenebrown.com/
Social Media Statistics: https://etactics.com/blog/social-media-and-mental-health-statistics#:~:text=Spending%20more%20than%203%20hours,high%20usage%20of%20social%20media
Another amazing guest episode with mental health clinician Dr. Val Stacy! Val is a hilarious, gifted clinician and she brought her wisdom and humor to this episode. Ethan and Val explore the psychological concept of self-compassion, how humor serves both clients and therapists in the therapeutic process, professional tickling as a side-hustle, and how to operate from a kind, non-judgemental place.
For more info about self-compassion, visit Kristen Neff's website on self-compassion: https://self-compassion.org/
If you'd like to support the show, please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify! To stay connected make sure to subscribe and find us on Instagram: @thelaughingmindpodcast or on Facebook: The Laughing Mind Podcast
The anatomy of fear and excitement are incredibly similar, and in this episode, Ethan looks at how being able to name and identify each can change how we relate to them. One of our big tasks as humans is to find a balance between certainty and uncertainty, stability and instability, peace and stress. Without this balance, our mental health and physical health are often compromised. Get into it!
If you'd like to support the show, please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify! To stay connected make sure to subscribe and find us on Instagram: @thelaughingmindpodcast or on Facebook: The Laughing Mind Podcast
Do you often find yourself getting stuck before you begin, feeling anxious about how you should know what to do and all the things that could go wrong if you do step forward and make a decision? You're not alone! This episode looks into the certainty trap, the unhelpful belief that we must know before we can act, and how giving ourselves the permission to step forward in the midst of uncertainty is actually the way we learn and grow and figure out who we are and what we want.
David Epstein's book Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World: https://davidepstein.com/the-range/
If you'd like to support the show, please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify! To stay connected make sure to subscribe and find us on Instagram: @thelaughingmindpodcast or on Facebook: The Laughing Mind Podcast
Fellow improviser and podcaster Alex Kraemer joins Ethan for this episode! These guys get into humor's double edge sword with mental health, vulnerability, finding community in comedy, what beginning therapy is like, and being honest with ourselves.
If you'd like to support the show, please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify! To stay connected make sure to subscribe and find us on Instagram: @thelaughingmindpodcast or on Facebook: The Laughing Mind Podcast
Stand-up comedian Suzanne Lawrence joins Ethan for an uproar of a guest episode! Suzanne has also spent many years working in the mental health field. In this episode, they get into her comedy career, how practicing being mindful and aware has changed her life, and how some hunters will shoot your dog if it’s chasing after the deer they just shot. There's even some religious talk sprinkled in there for you. See the links below to find her social media pages when she's performing!
T: https://twitter.com/suzielawrence
IG: https://www.instagram.com/suzannelawrence/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=25823852
If you'd like to support the show, please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify! To stay connected make sure to subscribe and find us on Instagram: @thelaughingmindpodcast or on Facebook: The Laughing Mind Podcast
In this episode, Ethan finally covers how impactful the wild, untamed jungle of our thoughts can be when we treat each thought like truth, rarely than simply a thought. Rather, you can think of your thoughts as waves in the ocean; coming in then going back out.
If you'd like to support the show, please leave a review on iTunes! To stay connected make sure to subscribe and find us on Instagram: @thelaughingmindpodcast or on Facebook: The Laughing Mind Podcast
In this solo episode, Ethan gives a couple of quick mental health tips and tricks for how to not only survive the holidays but find some joy in them. So buckle up, dip your ass in some eggnog and enjoy!
If you'd like to support the show, please leave a review on iTunes! To stay connected make sure to subscribe and find us on Instagram: @thelaughingmindpodcast or on Facebook: The Laughing Mind Podcast
Here's a new solo episode where Ethan shows just how unhelpful telling each other and ourselves to "just get over it and don't say anything" is to our mental health. This episode is packed with what makes cults work, the genetic impact of trauma, and some silly silly fun stuff too!
If you'd like to support the show, please leave a review on iTunes! To stay connected, find Ethan on Instagram: @thelaughingmindpodcast or on Facebook: The Laughing Mind Podcast
Trauma specialist, EMDR trainer and psychotherapist Annie Monaco joins Ethan for this guest episode! Annie has decades of experience in the field of psychology and trauma, and somehow she still finds a way to be playful and laugh! Tune in to hear them discuss the body-brain connection, the power of humor in healing and much more.
For more info about EMDR and Annie Monaco: https://www.anniemonaco.com/
If you'd like to support the show, please leave a review on iTunes! To stay connected, find Ethan on Instagram: @thelaughingmindpodcast or on Facebook: The Laughing Mind Podcast
Stand-up comedian and improviser Tyler Ray Kendrick (Comedy!) joins Ethan for a laid-back episode. Tyler shares about how to handle fear and failure in comedy, being your authentic self, having fun with white privilege in PlayStation VR and his own mental health journey. He's not only hilarious, but a true gentleman. Check out his social pages and comedy classes below!
https://www.instagram.com/tylerraykendrick/?hl=en
https://www.arcadecomedytheater.com/classes/
In this solo episode, Ethan unpacks what is happening in our brain and our bodies when we laugh. He also goes into all the physical and psychological benefits of laughter. There is even a rant about marines using a baby voice, something for everyone!
Polyvagal theory: https://the-ccih.com/webzine_post/a-tale-of-three-states/
More about the science of laughter: https://www.bbc.com/news/health-37311320
In this solo episode, Ethan uses a real-life story of a couple stuck on the highway shit-blasting down the slope as a metaphor for the three archetypes on the psychological concept of the Victim Triangle. Each archetype, the rescuer, persecutor, and victim, each has subconscious core beliefs that replay over and over in dysfunctional interactions and relationships. Get into it!
Victim Triangle Article by Lynne Forest: https://www.lynneforrest.com/articles/2008/06/the-faces-of-victim/
Stand-up comedian and actress Tammy Pescatelli (That's Amore, Women of a Certain Age) joins Ethan to talk about how comedy saved her life, the power of knowing who you are, and the meth-like high come down after her first tonight show appearance.
https://www.facebook.com/TammyPescatelli1
https://www.instagram.com/tammypescatelli/?hl=en
https://www.cnbc.com/jay-lenos-garage/
This episode is all about the concept of mental flexibility, a mind that doesn't drag you down the same pathways without even allowing room for new experiences and new thoughts. Ethan explains what neural pathways are and why they matter, and how comedy can help break our mental expectations and create a more flexible mind which often leads to greater mental well-being. And there are some fun corn field metaphors too. Enjoy!
James Acaster Netflix Special "Repetoire": https://www.netflix.com/title/80213803
In this episode, Ethan hosts guest Robin Hitchcock (Comedy!), improviser, improv coach, and Arcade Comedy's academy director. This episode covers all things comedy and mental health: improv as a gateway drug to therapy, finding community in comedy, viewing past medications like ex-boyfriends, and why the hell we can't still lie down on a coach during therapy! Robin is a hilarious performer, a fantastic teacher, and an all-around gem of a person, so open those ear holes and enjoy.
https://twitter.com/hitchdied?lang=en
https://www.arcadecomedytheater.com/
In this solo episode, Ethan explores the power of saying unacceptable and uncomfortable truths in the presence of others and how doing so on the comedy stage and in the therapy room can help lead to greater psychological integration. Hold on to your hats because he gets into some grimy and tragic places but all lead to the hope of greater mental freedom and laughter. Below are links to the comedy specials mentioned in this episode.
Ali Wong "Baby Cobra": https://www.netflix.com/search?q=baby%20cobra&jbv=80101493
Dave Chappelle "Deep in the heart of Texas": https://www.netflix.com/watch/80161054?trackId=14277283&tctx=-97%2C-97%2C%2C%2C%2C
Pete Holme "Nice try, The Devil": https://open.spotify.com/album/3fDj2PKfI0HPjuILdZMJiu?si=Ea9XHxgISQqmRqk7pL_Yug&dl_branch=1
Guest Dr. Krista Boyer (Psychologist and Professor of Counseling Psychology) joins Ethan for the first-ever guest episode! Krista pulls back the curtain and shares stories of testifying as an expert witness while bugs infest her office, goof and gaffs with her clients, and how to be playful each day. She is truly a hilarious, bright presence in the world of mental health, so please enjoy her episode. Below are the resources and links we mentioned during this episode. VIA Character Strengths Survey & Character Reports | VIA Institute For listeners to take the VIA: https://www.viacharacter.org/ Mindfulness | Psychology Today Psychology Today article that provides a brief overview of Mindfulness - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/mindfulness Definition and Three Elements of Self Compassion | Kristin Neff (self-compassion.org) Defines the basics of self-compassion - https://self-compassion.org/the-three-elements-of-self-compassion-2/ Tara Brach - Meditation, Psychologist, Author, Teacher https://www.tarabrach.com/
In this episode, Ethan looks at the popular improv comedy rule of “Yes, and” and how it can bring relief to much of the mental suffering in our daily lives.
Friends, this is a brief introduction and description of what The Laughing Mind podcast is and all you have to look forward to.