The Lighten Up Project

If you've ever rolled out a change initiative and heard nothing but crickets, this episode is your wake-up call. Dr. Diane Dye — organizational change expert, founder of People Risk Consulting, and returning Lighten Up Nation favorite — breaks down why the hardest part of transformation isn't the strategy, it's the people. And why the bravest thing a leader can do is stop talking and start listeni...

Alignment coach, bestselling author, and singer-songwriter Kassandra Hamilton knows what it feels like to be wildly successful on the outside while running on empty on the inside. In this rich, wide-ranging conversation, she shares her four-phase framework for going from burnout to clarity — and why the power to get there has been inside you all along. What You'll Hear The four phases of Kassandra...

If you've ever thought, "I'm just not funny," and used it as a reason to keep humor out of your speaking, your leadership, or your life, this episode is your permission slip to think differently. Malcolm breaks down exactly how to find the humor that's already yours, and why the best laughs in any room never come from a written joke. What You'll Hear The crucial difference between the comedy branc...

This week the Lighten Up Project gets a fresh, younger perspective on pressure — on the court, on the track, and inside your own head. Seventh-grader, competitive tennis player, and TEDx speaker Vihaan Reddy shares the simple four-step framework he created to trade split-second reactions for calm, intentional choices. Proof that leading with intention (and a good laugh) isn't reserved for grown-up...

Speaker, author, and TEDx alum Jackie Bailey believes no child should ever feel they have nothing worth saying. In this tender Mental Health Month conversation, she shares how breaking a lifelong silence became her own path to healing — and how that same power of voice now helps quiet, overwhelmed young people discover they belong and have something the world needs to hear. What You'll Hear Why so...

In this Mental Health Month conversation, mindset and self-talk strategist Ly Smith shares the tender, funny, deeply human story of how a single word — laugh — became the anchor that lifted her out of a years-long depression and, later, helped her fall back in love with her husband. It's an invitation to remember that joy you've misplaced is never truly gone; it's just waiting to be found again. W...

What if you could understand any person you meet — your spouse, your boss, even that charming stranger at the bar — better than they understand themselves? Human development engineer Jim Marshall spent over 50,000 hours and four decades figuring out exactly that. The result is Septemics: a system of 35 measurable scales that takes the guesswork (and a whole lot of heartache) out of human relations...

What would you do if fear stopped being in charge? In this inspiring and laughter-filled conversation, Christy Fitzpatrick shares how one courageous moment transformed her life, helping her overcome self-doubt, find her voice, and become a sought-after communication and public speaking coach. If you've ever struggled with confidence, imposter syndrome, or speaking up when it matters most, this epi...

Having something important to say is only half the battle. In this engaging and practical conversation, public speaking expert Donna Riccardo shares how to communicate with clarity, confidence, and authenticity so your message doesn't just get heard—it gets remembered. What You'll Hear: Why confidence in speaking is an inside job, not a performance skill The biggest mistake speakers make when tryi...

You are the loudest voice in your child’s world—the question is, what are you saying? In this powerful conversation, best-selling author and parent sidekick Jodi Hill reveals how the words you speak every day are quietly writing your child’s identity, and exactly how to use that superpower on purpose. What You’ll Hear Why a parent’s voice is the single most powerful force shaping a child’s identit...

What if hiding is the most exhausting thing you’re doing right now—and the most expensive? In this soul-stirring conversation, international speaker and visibility coach Kimberly Crowe reveals why dimming your light is terrible branding, how to recommit to yourself every single day, and the small morning ritual that will change how you show up in the world—starting tomorrow. What You’ll Hear Why “...

What do you do when life completely changes the rules on you? In this powerful and deeply human episode, J.D. Leske shares how he rebuilt his life through resilience, laughter, community, and purpose after incarceration, major health battles, loss, and overwhelming setbacks. What You’ll Hear: Why healing isn’t about ignoring pain—it’s about learning how to move through it How laughter and humor be...

What if the biggest thing holding you back… is a story you don’t even realize you’re telling? In this eye-opening episode, Shiraz Babu reveals how unconscious patterns shape our reality—and how shifting from struggle to play can unlock joy, success, freedom, and a completely different life experience. What You’ll Hear: Why struggle can become an unconscious addiction How your brain gets “rewarded”...

What if healing didn’t have to feel heavy? In this rich and gently playful conversation, Dr. Michele Greenwell shows us how laughter, movement, and simple body-based practices can shift our nervous system, soften stress, and bring us back into balance—without forcing, fixing, or furrowing our brows too hard. What You’ll Hear: Why laughter is a powerful pattern interrupter for stress, fear, and ove...

What happens after life completely changes you? In this deeply moving episode, Savio P. Clemente shares how surviving cancer twice reshaped his understanding of resilience, healing, and leadership—and why true strength comes from honesty, surrender, and learning to trust the process. What You’ll Hear: Why resilience isn’t about “bouncing back”—it’s about adapting and evolving How laughter and joy...

What if the words playing in your head could actually heal you? In this powerful episode, Ruth Wishingrad reveals how music, repetition, and emotion can help you shift your inner dialogue, reconnect with your heart, and create lasting change from the inside out. What You’ll Hear: Why the words you repeat become who you are How music helps anchor positive beliefs deep into the body The emotional po...

What if laughter could help save a life—including your own? In this powerful and deeply honest episode, Frank King shares how humor opens the door to conversations about depression and suicide—and why speaking up might be the most important step toward healing. What You’ll Hear: How humor can help break the stigma around mental health and suicide Why vulnerability is the key to connection, healing...

What if one moment—one sound—could change everything? In this deeply personal episode, Malcolm shares the story of how laughter interrupted his darkest moment, helped him reclaim his voice, and became a lifelong tool for healing, connection, and resilience. What You’ll Hear: The powerful difference between the inner critic and the inner bully How a single moment of laughter can interrupt isolation...

What if feeling better could be simple, natural—and even a little playful? In this uplifting episode, Cathy Nesbitt shares how laughter, movement, and even composting can help you reduce stress, reconnect with joy, and create a healthier life from the inside out. What You’ll Hear: Why laughter is the antidote to stress (and how to use it daily) The surprising connection between wellness, energy, a...

What if laughter wasn’t just a feel-good moment—but a scientifically proven path to healing? In this fascinating episode, Frank Cimato reveals how humor impacts pain, stress, and recovery—and why it might be the most overlooked medicine we have. What You’ll Hear: The science behind laughter: how it reduces pain, stress, and cortisol Why humor isn’t just entertainment—it’s a powerful healing tool T...

What if laughter could literally change your life? In this heartfelt and hilarious episode, comedy legend Wendy Liebman shares how humor, timing, and vulnerability can help you heal, connect, and step fully into who you’re meant to be. What You’ll Hear: Why laughter isn’t just entertainment—it’s healing for the mind and body The truth about comedy: how timing, silence, and space create connection...

When life feels heavy, humor isn’t a luxury—it’s survival. In this powerful and honest conversation, Paul Brumbaugh shares how laughter, vulnerability, and connection can help you navigate mental health challenges and rediscover light even in your darkest moments. What You’ll Hear: - How humor can be a lifeline during depression, anxiety, and stress - Why laughing at yourself is one of the most po...

When the pressure is real and the stakes are high, leadership gets exposed. In this episode, Neil Jerd shares hard-earned lessons from the military and beyond on how to stay calm, build trust, and lead with clarity—even when everything around you feels uncertain. What You’ll Hear: - The biggest myth about leadership—and why shouting and control don’t build trust - How great leaders stay calm and c...

Most workplace cultures don’t fail because of bad intentions—they fail because of blind spots. In this eye-opening episode, Natalie Holder breaks down what leaders misunderstand about inclusion, accountability, and psychological safety—and how to build cultures where people and performance truly thrive. What You’ll Hear: - The difference between checking the box vs. truly inclusive leadership - Wh...

Ever wondered what would happen if you just went for it—on stage or in life? In this fun and insightful episode, comedian Danny Dechi shares how humor, play, and perspective can help you take risks, read people better, and bring more joy into everyday life. What You’ll Hear: Why comedy is really about seeing life differently The truth about stand-up: why beginners fail (and why that’s a good thing...