When Laughter Leads: Humors Role in Healing, Connecting, and Sharing Joy

Welcome to the Today is the Day Changemaker Podcast.

You know that feeling when laughter fills a room - the kind that draws people closer? That’s what this episode is all about. Welcome to the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast.

This week, I’m joined by my special guest cohost, Michael Gershe - speaker, comedian, photographer, and author of The Magic of Life: A Son’s Story of Hope After Tragedy, Grief, and a Speedo. He is also a senior advisor at Kent State University’s Professional Pilot Program, and if you missed his full story on a previous episode, be sure to go back and listen—it’s powerful.

Together, Michael and I explore the incredible backgrounds of Lenny Dave and Kermit Cole, co-founders of the upcoming Humor Camp 2025.

🎭 Lenny Dave is a nationally recognized comedy historian and speaker who’s spent decades studying how laughter shapes culture, connection, and healing.

🧠 Kermit Cole is a marriage and family therapist with degrees in both psychology and philosophy—bringing a unique lens to how humor impacts human relationships, vulnerability, and emotional well-being.

In this episode, we unpack how humor has influenced their personal and professional journeys, and how it’s become a tool for transformation—not just relief. We talk about the difference between comedy and humor, and why that distinction matters more than most people realize.

And of course, we dive into the heart behind Humor Camp 2025—an upcoming event this October designed not to teach you how to be funny, but how to bring humor into your work with purpose.

Whether you’re a therapist, coach, teacher, clinician, or creative—this camp is for professionals who want to engage more authentically, deepen human connection, and maybe even earn some continuing education credits while they’re at it.

Because humor isn’t just about laughs—it’s about lightening what’s heavy, and creating space for truth, connection, and growth. 

Before we dive in, don’t forget to subscribe to the Today is the Day Changemakers YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @TodayIsTheDayLive

Today is the Day is more than this podcast—

It’s a movement rooted in clarity, courage, connection, and impact.

Through coaching and consulting, I help individuals and teams find clarity of focus, the courage to move forward, and the connections that lead to growth. Whether you’re leading a mission, launching a vision, or navigating change, I help you build the kind of network that lifts you up—and supports the impact you’re meant to create.

And be sure to save the date for the Today is the Day Changemakers International Forum, where global voices come together to embrace transformation and inspire action. Go to our website with more information. 

Lastly, if this episode or any prior episodes have helped you to feel connected, inspired, empowered or just seen a little more consider giving back. Your contribution, no matter the size, helps keep these stories alive and accessible to all. Today is the Day is not just a podcast. It includes an International Forum and soon to be a new Changemakers Connective. Help us keep growing this connective movement. Today is the Day Changemakers (Today is the Day Changemakers Support)

Let’s get into this incredible conversation.

Because today is the day - Live It!

Have a great week!

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