The Laughing Mind

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....

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...

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 i...

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 Instagra...

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 ther...

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 Instagr...

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 Pod...

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:...

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.anniemo...

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/ty...

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...

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 Art...

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...

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 fant...

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...

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 episo...

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.