Have you ever felt uncomfortable and made a joke? Or perhaps laughed at an inappropriate time? At the very least, it’s likely you’ve used laughter to diffuse a heavy situation or can think of someone you know who does it. Today we get to figure out why we do it, why it works so well, and how humor can connect us and help us communicate better. Also, you’ll hear me do improv with an accent, so for that alone, this episode is a must-listen.
To help me with this chuckle-worthy conversation, I’m delighted to welcome Lisa David Olson to the Positively Living Podcast. Lisa is a speaker, author, podcaster and prank enthusiast. She’s a creative consultant who leads workshops to find humor, creativity and storytelling to reignite your projects. Lisa is a humorist speaker and curious creative with a Project in Bravery to share. She shares that she escaped a traumatic childhood through humor and this later became her business.
Today you’ll hear a bit about Lisa’s story and why she found humor…or as she says, humor found her. Once again, Lisa is an example of someone whose struggles inspired her to make a difference. So many of my podcast guests have been through tough times that inspired them to help others like Michelle Perry, Episode 23 on finding your purpose and Tim Ringgold, Episode 50 on the power of music to reduce stress and boost productivity. You’ll also want to listen to Episode 29 with Mallory Jackson to lock in what trauma truly is and the modalities we have to help us heal. One of those is what we’re talking about today: humor
In addition to the pure laughs — I had to get it together to continue more than once — we cover the benefits of laughter and how humor can be used in business and relationships to encourage creativity, communication, and empathy. Lisa has so many incredible suggestions on how we can make a difference in others’ lives with humor, play, and joy. What I love most about this conversation, besides the laughter and fun, is how we as humans can juxtapose painful, challenging life experiences with joy and gratitude. Lisa embodies this and I hope it inspires you and gives you hope for whatever you’re going through.
Thank you for listening! Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips to create space for what really matters in your life.
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CONNECT WITH LISA DAVID OLSON:
Counter Clockwise Facebook Group
Laughs On Wry: An Improvisor’s Memoir
CONNECT WITH LISA ZAWROTNY:
LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Ep. 23 of the Positively Living Podcast – Pay Attention, Find Your Purpose with Michelle Perry
Ep. 29 of the Positively Living Podcast- Trauma Informed Life with Mallory Jackson
Dance Song Playlist Volume 1 & Volume 2
Music by Ian and Jeff Zawrotny
