Comedy Saved Me

Have you ever wondered how the healing power of humor can transform personal struggles into comedic gold? In this captivating episode of "Comedy Saved Me," host Lynn Hoffman sits down with the incredibly talented comedian, writer, and podcaster Skyler Higley. Together, they delve into the rich tapestry of Skyler's unique upbringing, adopted by white Mormon parents, and how this fascinating background has profoundly shaped his comedic voice and perspective on race and culture.
Skyler's journey through comedy is not just about making people laugh; it’s a heartfelt exploration of resilience and the therapeutic nature of laughter. He reflects on the dual role that comedy has played in his life—as both a calling and a coping mechanism. With humor as his guiding light, Skyler Higley shares personal stories of comedy that highlight the importance of laughter in navigating life's challenges and finding acceptance. From his early days of cracking jokes to classmates to performing for family gatherings, Skyler's path is filled with moments that showcase the powerful connection between comedy and mental health.
This episode is packed with insights from Skyler's experiences writing for prominent shows like "Conan" and "The Oscars. " He also discusses his own podcast, "Help Me Be Black," where he dives deep into cultural identity and the intricacies of growing up in an environment that often felt different from his peers. Skylar’s comedic voice resonates with authenticity, providing listeners with invaluable comedic advice and a glimpse into the world of comedians who use their art as a form of emotional healing.

Throughout this engaging conversation, Skylar Higley emphasizes the vital role of laughter in fostering resilience and well-being. As he navigates the competitive landscape of the entertainment industry, he remains steadfast in his commitment to staying true to himself and using comedy as a tool for personal triumphs. This episode of "Comedy Saved Me" is not just an interview; it’s a celebration of humor in society and the profound impact it can have on our lives. Join Lynn Hoffman and Skylar Higley as they explore the intersection of comedy and life lessons, and discover how laughter truly is the best medicine.

Whether you're a fan of heartfelt comedy stories or seeking inspiration from personal stories of comedians, this episode promises to be a treasure trove of wisdom and wit. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that showcases how comedy saved Skylar’s life and how it can save yours too.
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What if the key to overcoming life's toughest challenges lies in laughter? Join host Lynn Hoffman in this enlightening episode of Comedy Saved Me as she sits down with the incredibly talented comedian Ben Gleib, who shares his inspiring journey through the world of comedy and the creation of his innovative late-night talk show, "Good Night with Ben Gleib. " Gleib's passion for comedy ignited at a young age, fueled by iconic shows like Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show, and he reflects on how this passion has not only shaped his career but also served as a healing force during personal struggles.

As we dive into the heart of the conversation, Ben Gleib opens up about the challenges he faced while reinventing late-night television, particularly in breaking free from traditional corporate constraints that often stifle creativity and limit the potential for entertainers. He emphasizes the importance of creating content that genuinely resonates with audiences, offering more than just the standard celebrity interviews that dominate the landscape. Instead, Gleib's show integrates audience interaction and features a diverse array of guests, including thought leaders and wellness experts, aiming to build a community through comedy and the healing power of humor.
Throughout the episode, listeners will discover how Gleib used comedy as a lifeline during some of his darkest moments, including the profound loss of his father and the emotional turmoil of a breakup. His heartfelt comedy stories reveal the transformative power of laughter and its role in fostering resilience and emotional healing. Gleib's insights into the creative process behind his show highlight the significance of authenticity in entertainment, reminding us that humor can be a powerful tool for mental health and well-being.

Join us for this captivating episode of Comedy Saved Me, where we explore personal stories of resilience and humor, the intersection of comedy and mental health, and the invaluable life lessons that comedians like Ben Gleib can impart. Whether you're a fan of comedic storytelling or seeking laughter as therapy, this episode promises to be a source of inspiration and joy. Tune in to experience the warmth of laughter and the wisdom of comedic voices that remind us all: laughter truly is the best medicine.



Don't miss out on this enriching conversation that highlights the profound impact of comedy on our lives and how it can help us navigate the complexities of society and culture. Subscribe now to the Lynn Hoffman podcast and join us on this journey of laughter, healing, and personal triumphs!

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Have you ever wondered how a leap of faith can transform your life? Join host Lynn Hoffman in this captivating episode of Comedy Saved Me, where she sits down with the incredibly talented comedian Anjelah Johnson-Reyes. From her days as an NFL cheerleader for the Oakland Raiders to becoming a celebrated comedian and actress, Anjelah shares her inspiring journey filled with laughter, resilience, and heartfelt stories.
As Anjelah Johnson-Reyes reveals, the path to comedy is often paved with challenges. She candidly discusses her decision to dive into the world of comedy without any connections or a clear roadmap, emphasizing the importance of taking risks and following your passion. Her experiences in a joke-writing class ignited her career, leading to the creation of her breakout character, Bon Qui Qui, and the viral nail salon sketch that captured the hearts of audiences everywhere.
This episode of Comedy Saved Me delves deep into the healing power of humor, showcasing how laughter can serve as therapy during tough times. Anjelah reflects on her financial struggles and moments of self-doubt, reminding us that the journey to success is rarely smooth. Yet, through faith and perseverance, she has navigated the ups and downs of the entertainment industry, proving that comedy can indeed save lives.
As a new mother, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes shares how this recent transition has influenced her comedy and personal storytelling, offering listeners an authentic glimpse into her life. Her insights on embracing authenticity, gratitude, and taking control of one’s career resonate deeply, encouraging everyone to pursue their dreams without waiting for external validation.
Throughout this engaging conversation, the themes of comedy and resilience shine brightly. Anjelah Johnson-Reyes embodies the spirit of laughter and well-being, reminding us that humor is an essential part of life’s journey. Whether you’re seeking comedy advice or simply looking for a dose of inspiration, this episode is a treasure trove of comedic wisdom and heartfelt stories.
Join us as we explore the intersection of comedy and mental health, uncovering personal stories of resilience through humor. This episode is not just an interview; it's a celebration of the transformative power of laughter and the lessons we learn along the way. Tune in to Comedy Saved Me for a dose of inspiration and a reminder that laughter truly is the best medicine.

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What if the key to overcoming life's greatest challenges lies in resilience through laughter? Join host Lynn Hoffman in this enlightening encore episode of Comedy Saved Me, where she welcomes the remarkable Judy Gold, a two-time Emmy winner and the author of the bestselling book Yes, I Can Say That. Together, they delve into the healing power of humor and explore how comedy can serve as a vital coping mechanism, especially when navigating the complexities of family dynamics.
Judy Gold shares her personal journey and triumphs and challenges of performing at comedy shows,, reflecting on her childhood in a family that shied away from discussing uncomfortable topics. This comedic environment ignited her passion for using humor as a means of expression and connection. Through humorous storytelling and comedic advice, she recounts her experiences with bullying and her path as a comedian in a society that often stifles free speech. The conversation is rich with personal anecdotes, illustrating how laughter as therapy has shaped her life and career.
Throughout the episode, Judy emphasizes the significance of authenticity in comedy, highlighting how it can foster understanding and unity among diverse audiences. She candidly discusses her battle with depression and how she found resilience in laughter, even during dire situations like her time spent in bomb shelters on a trip to Israel. These heartfelt comedy stories serve as a testament to the idea that comedy saved my life and can provide solace in the darkest of times.
As they navigate the current landscape of comedy, Judy offers invaluable comedic advice on the challenges faced by comedians today. She underscores the necessity of speaking truthfully through laughter, reinforcing the idea that laughter is the best medicine in overcoming personal struggles. This episode is not just a comedy interview; it's a celebration of the comedy and resilience that can emerge from life's trials.
Join us for this captivating episode of Comedy Saved Me as we explore the intersection of comedy and mental health, and discover how laughter can be a powerful tool in facing life's adversities. Tune in to hear Judy Gold's unique perspective, and let her insights inspire you to embrace the healing power of humor in your own life. Whether you're a fan of blue collar comedy or simply looking for entertainment and culture, this episode promises to resonate with anyone who has ever turned to laughter during tough times.
Thanks for making Comedy Saved Me on of the top Comedy Podcasts on Apple Podcasts.
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What happens when a legendary comedian like Lewis Black reflects on the healing power of humor during one of the most challenging times in recent history? Join host Lynn Hoffman in this captivating encore episode of Comedy Saved Me, where they dive deep into the world of comedy shows as a lifeline and a source of resilience. Lewis Black, known for his sharp wit and heartfelt storytelling, shares how comedy has been essential not just for his career, but for his very existence, especially during the isolation of the pandemic.
At the age of 40, Lewis finally embraced his passion for stand-up, and his journey is a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. As they navigate the impact of the pandemic on live performances, Lewis opens up about the feelings of isolation and loss that came when audiences disappeared. This conversation is not just about laughter; it’s about the profound connection between the comedian and the audience—a relationship that brings joy and validation to both.
Throughout the episode, they explore the themes of Lewis's latest special, "Tragically I Need You," which addresses the collective trauma experienced during lockdown. In a world where laughter is often seen as the best medicine, Lewis emphasizes the importance of comedy in processing shared pain and highlights how humor can serve as a form of therapy. This episode is filled with personal stories of resilience and humor, illustrating how comedy saved him and can save others too.
Lewis also encourages listeners to engage with his work, including his podcast, Rantcast, where he addresses audience frustrations. This episode of Comedy Saved Me is not just an interview; it's a heartfelt exploration of comedy and mental health, offering comedic advice and insights that resonate deeply in today’s society. If you’re looking for stories of resilience through humor, impactful comedic voices, and lessons on laughter and well-being, this episode is a must-listen.
Join Lynn Hoffman and Lewis Black as they remind us all that in the face of adversity, laughter and comedic voices can be a powerful tool for healing, connection, and personal triumph. Tune in to this episode of Comedy Saved Me and discover how the healing power of humor can transform lives, one laugh at a time.
Thanks for making Comedy Saved Me one of Apple Podcasts most popular Comedy Podcasts.
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