In this episode, Joanne and her guest Jim Mendrinos dive deep into the complexities of processing grief and finding solace through comedy. They share personal stories from their past, including Joanne's journey into stand-up comedy during a difficult time in her life and the beautiful, critical support she received from Jim. The discussion includes a candid recounting of a challenging dissociative episode Joanne experienced following her mother's passing and how she used comedy as a tool for healing. They talk about the importance of emotional connections with the audience, the role of self-deprecation in comedy, and the therapeutic value of writing and performing. This episode offers an intimate look at how laughter can be a powerful mechanism for dealing with emotional pain.  It, quite literally, changes the brain.