Laugh or Death with Paul Osincup | Humor, Resilience, Humanity

Most comedians spend years perfecting their jokes. Very few spend that same amount of time building a brand.

In this episode, I sit down with David Uribe, founder of The Comedy Branding Agency, to talk about why being funny is only half the battle. If people can't find you online—or don't immediately understand what makes you different—you'll always be fighting an uphill battle.

David has one of the most unique jobs I've ever heard of: helping comedians build brands that get them seen, booked, and paid. We dive into why so many talented comics remain overlooked while creators with only a few minutes of material sell out clubs simply because they've mastered marketing.

Along the way we swap bombing stories (because every comic has them), talk about why pain eventually becomes material, and discuss how humor helps us navigate some of life's hardest moments.

David also shares the five foundations every comedian—and honestly every personal brand—should build before worrying about merch, viral videos, or fancy marketing tactics.

Whether you're a comedian, speaker, entrepreneur, or anyone trying to stand out online, this conversation is packed with practical ideas you can apply immediately.

• David's unusual path from writing jokes for pastors to branding comedians
• Why bombing on stage is a rite of passage
• How comedians can discover what truly makes them unique
• The surprising connection between comedy and great marketing
• Why your website matters more than most creators realize
• The biggest mistake comics make with social media
• Why every performer needs an email list
• The difference between fans and superfans
• Building offers that generate income beyond live performances
• Finding the audience that will become lifelong supporters

If you've ever wondered why some incredibly talented people stay hidden while others seem to explode overnight, this episode explains why—and what you can do about it.

Links:

Thanks to our Sponsor! Download Caveman to Casanova: https://www.cavemantocasanova.com

App Store: Caveman to Casanova App - App Store https://apps.apple.com/us/app/caveman-to-casanova/id6752959430

Google Play: Caveman to Casanova - Apps on Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pash.c2c&utm_source=na_Med

FREE GIFT! Download the Fun Over Funny Guide For Leaders! https://www.paulosincup.com/freegift

If you enjoyed this episode and want to build your own humor habit, make sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who could use a little more levity in their life.

To learn more about Paul's work, book him for speaking engagements, or explore the science behind humor and resilience, visit: 👉 https://www.paulosincup.com You can also dive deeper into the tools discussed in this episode in Paul's book: 👉 The Humor Habit

All Links For Paul: https://stan.store/PaulOsincup

Guest Socials & Website:

Connect with David: https://comedybranding.com

Episode Minute-By-Minute:

01:00 David's Weird Talent: Writing Jokes for Pastors

03:10 How David Found Comedy Branding

05:00 Combining Design, Marketing & Stand-Up

09:20 The Pain of Bombing on Stage

12:30 Being "The Funny Guy"

15:00 Finding Your Authentic Comedy Voice

18:00 Why Great Marketing Feels Like Great Comedy

20:45 Humor During Difficult Seasons of Life

23:20 Sponsor: Caveman to Casanova

24:40 Turning Pain Into Material

27:40 Helping Comedians Build Their Brand

30:00 Why Great Comics Still Struggle Online

33:00 The Five Foundations of Comedy Branding

39:00 Finding Your Ideal Audience

43:00 Final Advice for Comedians & Creators

Ever notice your best ideas show up on a walk, in the shower, or while unloading the dishwasher?

In this clip from Laugh or Death, creativity expert Dr. Natalie Nixon explains why our brains do their best thinking when we step away from our desks. Discover the science behind creativity, the power of movement, and why slowing down might actually make you more productive.

🎙 Watch the full conversation with Dr. Natalie Nixon on the Laugh or Death podcast.

Creativity isn't just for artists—it's one of the most valuable skills for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating change.

In this episode of Laugh or Death, Paul sits down with creativity strategist and bestselling author Dr. Natalie Nixon to explore why curiosity, improvisation, and intuition are essential in today's world. Together, they discuss innovation, leadership, humor, and how to unlock your best thinking at work and in life.

🎙 Listen to the full conversation and subscribe for new episodes every week.

Links:

Thanks to our Sponsor! Download Caveman to Casanova: https://www.cavemantocasanova.com

App Store: Caveman to Casanova App - App Store https://apps.apple.com/us/app/caveman-to-casanova/id6752959430

Google Play: Caveman to Casanova - Apps on Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pash.c2c&utm_source=na_Med

FREE GIFT! Download the Fun Over Funny Guide For Leaders! https://www.paulosincup.com/freegift

If you enjoyed this episode and want to build your own humor habit, make sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who could use a little more levity in their life.

To learn more about Paul's work, book him for speaking engagements, or explore the science behind humor and resilience, visit: 👉 https://www.paulosincup.com You can also dive deeper into the tools discussed in this episode in Paul's book: 👉 The Humor Habit

All Links For Paul: https://stan.store/PaulOsincup

Guest Socials & Website:

Website and social media:

• https://www.figure8thinking.com/natalie-nixon
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalienixonphd
• https://www.instagram.com/natwnixon/?hl=en
• New Book: https://www.amazon.com/Creativity-Leap-2nd-Curiosity-Improvisation/dp/B0FN3F19SR

Episode Minute-By-Minute:

• 01:00 Meet Dr. Natalie Nixon
• 02:00 An Old Soul: Books, Braces & Growing Up
• 04:05 Follow What You Love
• 06:15 From Anthropology to Fashion Design
• 10:00 How Side Hustles Become Your Calling
• 15:00 Leaving Academia for Entrepreneurship
• 19:00 When You Know It's Time to Leap
• 23:15 Why Soft Skills Are Actually Hard Skills
• 30:50 What Creativity Really Is
• 32:00 Wonder + Rigor: The Formula for Creativity
• 36:00 Why Your Best Ideas Don't Happen at Your Desk
• 38:00 Move, Think, Rest
• 42:00 Improvisation, Creativity & Not Knowing
• 46:00 Why Humor Makes Us More Creative
• 49:00 Shared Laughter Builds Better Teams
• 50:00 Humor During Difficult Times

What do you do when life hands you something terrifying, uncertain, and completely outside your control?

If you're Jamie Campbell, you start looking for the joke.

Jamie is a comedian and actor you may recognize from Chicago Fire, Hollywood Darlings, and the Emmy-nominated series Boondoggle. He also recently released a comedy special with Dry Bar Comedy.

But here's the part he didn't know while filming it:

He had cancer.

During the special, Jamie talks about struggling with an iron deficiency. A short time later, he learned that the deficiency was being caused by colon cancer. That diagnosis eventually led to surgery to remove his entire large intestine, genetic testing, ongoing screenings, and another uncertain medical situation involving his thyroid.

In this conversation, Jamie gets incredibly honest about what it's like to live with that uncertainty—and how he decides what deserves his energy.

His approach is simple but powerful: focus on what you can control, take action where you can, and refuse to let fear steal the joy from the life you still get to live.

We also talk about Jamie's journey into comedy, from moving constantly as a kid and using humor to connect with people, to studying at Second City and receiving an unforgettable vote of confidence from Hannibal Buress.

Jamie shares why he made a decision years ago to stop using comedy as a weapon and start using it to bring people together. We discuss the real connection created when a room laughs together, why positive comedy still has the power to challenge people, and what happens when an audience refuses to laugh because you suggest that we should listen to women.

And somehow, this episode also includes Jamie getting into a wrestling ring with WWE Hall of Famer Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake, taking several fake punches, being placed in a sleeper hold, and receiving a surprisingly decent haircut.

This conversation is funny, vulnerable, hopeful, and a strong reminder that laughter doesn't mean we're ignoring the hard parts of life.

Sometimes laughter is how we find enough light to keep moving through them.

🎙 Listen to the full episode of Laugh or Death with Jamie Campbell.

Learn more about Jamie, find his comedy, and see his upcoming appearances at JamieCampbellComedy.com.

Links:

Thanks to our Sponsor! Download Caveman to Casanova: https://www.cavemantocasanova.com

App Store: Caveman to Casanova App - App Store https://apps.apple.com/us/app/caveman-to-casanova/id6752959430

Google Play: Caveman to Casanova - Apps on Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pash.c2c&utm_source=na_Med

FREE GIFT! Download the Fun Over Funny Guide For Leaders! https://www.paulosincup.com/freegift

If you enjoyed this episode and want to build your own humor habit, make sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who could use a little more levity in their life.

To learn more about Paul's work, book him for speaking engagements, or explore the science behind humor and resilience, visit: 👉 https://www.paulosincup.com You can also dive deeper into the tools discussed in this episode in Paul's book: 👉 The Humor Habit

All Links For Paul: https://stan.store/PaulOsincup

Guest Socials & Website:

Website: https://www.jamiecampbellcomedy.com/

Episode Minute-By-Minute:

• 00:00 Meet Comedian Jamie Campbell
• 00:48 The Childhood Pony That Taught Jamie About Mortality
• 03:29 Using Humor to Survive Being the New Kid
• 06:44 The National Guard, Theater, and an Unexpected Career Path
• 08:33 The Late Acceptance Letter That Led to Second City
• 11:20 When Hannibal Buress Called Jamie Hilarious
• 13:25 Why Jamie Refuses to Use Comedy to Hurt People
• 16:29 How Shared Laughter Creates Human Connection
• 18:44 The Joke About Listening to Women That Divided a Crowd
• 22:25 When an Audience Snapped Instead of Laughing
• 23:45 Jamie Reveals His Colon Cancer Diagnosis
• 24:50 Filming a Comedy Special Without Knowing He Had Cancer
• 25:55 Focusing on What You Can Control
• 27:23 Jamie's Health Today and Living With Lynch Syndrome
• 30:30 Why Men Avoid Important Health Screenings
• 31:30 Paul Attempts to Write a Colonoscopy Joke
• 32:45 Getting Into the Ring With Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake
• 39:45 Choosing Adventure in the Face of Fear
• 41:15 Jamie's Next Comedy Special and Where to Find Him

What if one of the most powerful things you could do for someone's mental health took less than 30 seconds?

No special training. No psychology degree. No perfectly crafted words.

Just a simple text message.

In this episode of Laugh or Death, Paul sits down with speaker, mental health advocate, and former comedian Greg Kettner for a conversation about friendship, connection, risk-taking, and the small actions that can have a massive impact on the people around us.

Greg shares his journey from stand-up comedy stages to becoming a leading voice in workplace mental health and wellbeing. Along the way, he opens up about the experiences that shaped his mission, the lessons he learned from some of the most difficult moments of his life, and why human connection has never been more important than it is today.

The conversation explores the courage it takes to say "yes" to opportunities before you feel ready, how taking risks can completely change the trajectory of your life, and why so many people are quietly struggling behind the scenes even when everything appears fine on the surface.

One of the most powerful themes throughout the episode is the simple act of checking in on people.

Not because you have the perfect advice.

Not because you know exactly what to say.

But because sometimes knowing someone is thinking about you can make all the difference.

Greg shares practical ways to build stronger connections, support friends who may be struggling, and create a culture where people feel seen, valued, and cared for.

You'll also hear stories about comedy, vulnerability, mental health awareness, friendship, and why laughter remains one of the most powerful tools we have for navigating life's challenges.

Whether you're looking for ways to support someone you care about, improve your own mental wellbeing, or simply be reminded of the impact one person can have on another, this episode offers a simple but powerful message:

Reach out.

Send the text.

Make the call.

Check on your people.

Because you never know who might need it.

• Greg's journey from comedy to mental health advocacy
• The power of saying yes to opportunities
• Why human connection matters more than ever
• Mental health in the workplace
• How to check in on friends in meaningful ways
• The role humor plays in resilience and wellbeing
• Practical ways to support the people you care about
• Why one simple text message can make a difference

🎙 Listen now and share this episode with someone you're thinking about today.

Links:

Download Caveman to Casanova on App Store: Caveman to Casanova App - App Store https://apps.apple.com/us/app/caveman-to-casanova/id6752959430

Download Caveman to Casanova on Google Play: Caveman to Casanova - Apps on Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pash.c2c&utm_source=na_Med

Guest Socials & Website:

• http://www.gregkettner.com
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkettner
• https://www.youtube.com/gregkettner
• https://www.facebook.com/gregory.kettner
• https://www.instagram.com/gregkettner

FREE GIFT! Download the Fun Over Funny Guide For Leaders!

https://www.paulosincup.com/freegift

If you enjoyed this episode and want to build your own humor habit, make sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who could use a little more levity in their life.

To learn more about Paul's work, book him for speaking engagements, or explore the science behind humor and resilience, visit: 👉 https://www.paulosincup.com You can also dive deeper into the tools discussed in this episode in Paul's book: 👉 The Humor Habit

All Links For Paul: https://stan.store/PaulOsincup

Episode Minute-By-Minute:

• 00:00 Intro & Why Greg Reached Out
• 03:12 From Sales Rep to Stand-Up Comedian
• 06:42 The Night Everything Changed in Las Vegas
• 10:58 Taking the Biggest Risk of His Life
• 15:21 Why Saying "Yes" Matters
• 19:34 From Comedy to Corporate Speaking
• 24:07 The Mental Health Wake-Up Call
• 28:46 What Robin Williams Taught Greg
• 33:18 Humor, Grief, and Healing Through Loss
• 37:42 Why Laughter Doesn't Erase Pain
• 41:15 The Text Message That Could Save a Life
• 45:08 Check On Your Friends
• 49:11 Mental Health Awareness Month Challenge
• 52:34 Final Thoughts & How to Support Someone Today

What happens when men are expected to be strong, capable, and dependable—but never taught how to talk about what they're feeling?

In this episode of Laugh or Death, Paul sits down with entrepreneur, therapist, and relationship expert Erin Pash to tackle one of the most important conversations happening today: the male loneliness epidemic.

Together they explore why so many men struggle with connection, why emotional intelligence often feels harder for men than women, and how decades of cultural expectations have left many men feeling isolated despite being surrounded by people they love.

Erin shares insights from years of working as a therapist, explains why many couples get stuck in unhealthy communication patterns, and introduces her new relationship app, Caveman to Casanova, designed specifically to help men build stronger relationships and deeper connections.

The conversation covers everything from emotional validation and therapy to modern dating, marriage, friendship, vulnerability, and the surprising role humor can play in helping people navigate life's toughest moments.

Whether you're a man trying to better understand yourself, a woman trying to better understand the men in your life, or someone simply interested in healthier relationships, this episode offers practical insights, powerful stories, and plenty of laughs along the way.

Links:

Caveman to Casanova on App Store: Caveman to Casanova App - App Store https://apps.apple.com/us/app/caveman-to-casanova/id6752959430

Caveman to Casanova on Google Play: Caveman to Casanova - Apps on Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pash.c2c&utm_source=na_Med

If you enjoyed this episode and want to build your own humor habit, make sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who could use a little more levity in their life.

To learn more about Paul's work, book him for speaking engagements, or explore the science behind humor and resilience, visit: 👉 https://www.paulosincup.com You can also dive deeper into the tools discussed in this episode in Paul's book: 👉 The Humor Habit

Episode Minute-By-Minute:

• 00:00 Intro & Erin Pash Returns
• 03:32 Speed Round: Weird Facts, Fears & Conspiracy Theories
• 09:55 Are Women More Evolved Than Men? 😂
• 14:18 The Male Loneliness Epidemic Explained
• 17:48 Why Men Struggle to Talk About Feelings
• 21:36 The Emotion Most Men Can't Name
• 23:39 Why Couples Therapy Feels So Hard for Men
• 27:15 Why Men Always Try to Fix Problems
• 29:43 "Pain Shared Is Pain Divided"
• 31:35 Can Humor Become Emotional Avoidance?
• 38:15 Introducing Caveman to Casanova
• 41:22 The Relationship Manual Men Never Got
• 46:03 Why Behavior Matters More Than Feelings
• 48:15 Why Small Actions Change Relationships
• 50:49 The Secret Power of Private Self-Improvement
• 53:03 How Caveman to Casanova Works

What happens when you win a stand-up comedy competition… and then slowly lose your sense of humor?

In this solo episode of Laugh or Death, I'm sharing the story behind the two framed comedy posters hanging in my studio. They're from two stand-up competitions I won 23 years apart.

But honestly, this episode isn't really about winning.

It's about everything that happened in between.

When I was 23, I was in graduate school, stressed out, overworked, and taking life way too seriously. Comedy became one of the things that helped me get through it. I tried stand-up for the first time at a house party, started doing open mics, and eventually won a local comedy competition in Denver.

And then I made the mistake of deciding I needed to take comedy VERY seriously.

Which, looking back, is kind of the fastest way to ruin comedy.

I started overthinking every joke. A bad set could completely derail me. I stopped enjoying the process. Eventually, I quit doing comedy altogether… and I even stopped watching it because I couldn't stop comparing myself to other people.

I had completely lost the plot.

Over the years, I started realizing that humor wasn't just something I enjoyed. It was actually an important part of my mental health and wellbeing. Through therapy, research, improv, working with students, and a few ridiculous real-life moments — including spilling an entire Dr Pepper on my pants before a serious meeting — I learned that carrying yourself a little more lightly can change everything.

In this episode, I also talk about the way humor helped me through hard seasons, including COVID, losing most of what we owned in a house fire, and moving somewhere new without an established community.

Eventually, I found my way back to improv, stand-up comedy, and a much healthier relationship with laughter.

This time, I wasn't trying to prove anything.

I close the episode with a few lessons I wish I could go back and give my 23-year-old self:

• Your competition may actually be your community.
• Stop comparing your insides to other people's outsides.
• Don't live your life like an actor in a drama only to reach the end and realize you were the director… and it could have been a comedy.

If you've ever taken life, work, or even something you love way too seriously… this episode is for you.

And here's a line I keep coming back to:

"You don't stop laughing because you get old. You get old because you stop laughing."

🎙 Listen to the full episode of Laugh or Death with Paul Osincup wherever you get your podcasts.

Links:

If you enjoyed this episode and want to build your own humor habit, make sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who could use a little more levity in their life.

To learn more about Paul's work, book him for speaking engagements, or explore the science behind humor and resilience, visit: 👉 https://www.paulosincup.com You can also dive deeper into the tools discussed in this episode in Paul's book: 👉 The Humor Habit

Episode Minute-By-Minute:

• 00:00 – Winning two comedy competitions 23 years apart
• 01:15 – Why Paul hates stand-up comedy competitions
• 02:15 – Graduate school, stress & discovering stand-up
• 03:45 – Paul's first stand-up set at a house party
• 05:20 – The Crocodile Hunter joke that somehow worked
• 06:15 – When comedy became too serious
• 07:15 – Bombing at a pizza-place open mic
• 08:00 – Quitting comedy and losing the plot
• 09:00 – Why even watching comedy became difficult
• 10:00 – Therapy, Colorado & rediscovering levity
• 11:00 – The science behind humor and wellbeing
• 12:00 – Why humor is like exercise
• 13:30 – How improv helped Paul stop overthinking
• 14:15 – Taking another serious job too seriously
• 15:15 – Realizing he could not bottle up who he was
• 16:00 – Becoming better at work by becoming lighter
• 18:00 – Humor as an olive branch
• 19:45 – Fake tattoos, eyeliner & staying sane
• 20:30 – Finding community through comedy in Montana
• 21:30 – Returning to stand-up without taking it too seriously
• 22:15 – Winning Montana's Funniest Person
• 24:00 – Three lessons for his 23-year-old self
• 24:30 – Your competition might be your community
• 26:00 – Stop comparing your insides to other people's outsides
• 27:00 – Chronic seriousness & the comedy IV drip
• 28:30 – You do not stop laughing because you get old

What does leadership look like when the CEO shows up in a bright red sequin jacket quoting Biggie Smalls?

In this episode of Laugh or Death, Paul sits down with Mike Wilson, President and CEO of Members 1st Credit Union, to talk about leadership, culture, humor, and why authenticity matters more than pretending to be perfect. Mike oversees an organization with more than 1,300 employees and over 630,000 members, but what stood out most to Paul wasn't just the growth of the company… it was the culture.

After being invited to speak at Members 1st's all-staff rally — where every branch across Pennsylvania shut down for the day so the entire team could gather together — Paul witnessed something rare: employees who genuinely seemed excited to be there. Between wellness fairs, parody commercials made by staff, hip-hop references, and Mike's now-famous red sequin jacket, the event felt less like a corporate obligation and more like a community gathering built around purpose, humor, and connection.

Mike shares how his unconventional leadership style developed from humble beginnings. Raised in a military family, moving constantly, and supporting himself through school, he learned early on the importance of empathy, adaptability, and creating spaces where people feel seen. That perspective now shapes how he leads Members 1st, where the philosophy is simple: take care of your employees first, and they'll take care of the members.

Paul and Mike also dive into the growing importance of authenticity in leadership. From discussing psychological safety in the workplace to balancing professionalism with personality, this conversation explores how humor can actually strengthen trust, improve communication, and help teams thrive — even in serious industries like banking and finance.

Along the way, there's plenty of laughter too: conversations about 90s hip-hop, karaoke, Dr. Dre, rap battles between credit union CEOs, AI, leadership pressure, imposter syndrome, and why "Culture of We" became the heartbeat of the organization.

If you've ever wondered whether you can lead seriously without taking yourself too seriously… this episode is for you.

Links:

FREE GIFT! Download the Fun Over Funny Guide For Leaders!

https://www.paulosincup.com/freegift

If you enjoyed this episode and want to build your own humor habit, make sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who could use a little more levity in their life.

To learn more about Paul's work, book him for speaking engagements, or explore the science behind humor and resilience, visit: 👉 https://www.paulosincup.com You can also dive deeper into the tools discussed in this episode in Paul's book: 👉 The Humor Habit

All Links For Paul: https://stan.store/PaulOsincup

Episode Minute-By-Minute:

• 00:00 – Meet Mike Wilson, CEO of Members 1st Credit Union
• 01:10 – Biggie Smalls, rescue dogs & 90s hip-hop
• 02:45 – The red sequin jacket story
• 04:20 – Building a "Culture of We"
• 06:00 – Why authenticity matters in leadership
• 07:00 – Escaping traditional corporate culture
• 08:30 – Psychological safety in the workplace
• 10:00 – Happy employees create happy members
• 11:00 – Growing up in a military family
• 13:00 – Why credit unions matter to communities
• 15:00 – Humor in leadership & workplace culture
• 16:30 – Why Members 1st hired Paul to speak
• 17:30 – Wellness, purpose & employee engagement
• 19:30 – Culture by design vs culture by default
• 21:00 – Funny employee commercials & leadership buy-in
• 22:00 – Why leaders need to "play along"
• 23:00 – Rap battles between credit union CEOs?
• 24:00 – Mike's GOAT rapper debate
• 26:00 – Leading through rapid growth & change
• 27:00 – Transparency as a leadership tool
• 28:00 – AI, technology & critical thinking
• 30:00 – The human side of banking
• 32:00 – Humor, humanity & helping people
• 33:00 – Imposter syndrome as a CEO
• 36:00 – Leadership pressure & finding balance
• 37:00 – Why culture drives business success
• 39:00 – Empathy in leadership
• 40:00 – "Easy We Records" & final laughs

What happens when a 61-year-old former Republican Congressman moves into a Harvard dorm surrounded by students young enough to be his grandchildren? According to Ric Keller… a lot of unexpected connection, comedy, and surprisingly hopeful conversations.

In this episode of Laugh or Death, Paul sits down with speaker, lawyer, TEDx presenter, and former U.S. Congressman Ric Keller for a conversation about humor, humility, politics, and why self-deprecating humor might be one of the most powerful leadership tools we have.

Ric shares the story behind his viral TikTok documenting life as a 61-year-old graduate student living in a Harvard dorm room with no car, no cable TV, and no private bathroom. What started as a joke from his daughter ("The Rise and Fall of Ric Keller") turned into an experiment in human connection. Instead of staying in political bubbles, Ric intentionally spent a year disconnecting from cable news and connecting face-to-face with people who think differently than he does.

The conversation dives into everything from stand-up comedy and psychological safety to leadership, relationships, and how humor helped Ric win a seat in Congress against impossible odds. Paul and Ric also explore why vulnerability and authenticity matter more than perfection — especially in today's social media-driven world.

Ric opens up about his upcoming book Disagree Better, the lessons he learned as a trial lawyer and politician, and why listening to understand (instead of listening to win) completely changes conversations. Along the way, there are stories about Harvard comedy clubs, motorcycle rallies, "girly drinks," viral TikToks, and why spending time with people different from you might be the antidote to modern division.

If you've ever felt burned out by outrage culture, exhausted by politics, or just needed a reminder that humans have more in common than we think… this episode is for you.

And yes… there's also a story about getting fired from Wendy's.

Links:

• Connect with Ric on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ric-keller-866a05118
• Watch Ric' TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiX85UzI86Y

FREE GIFT! Download the Fun Over Funny Guide For Leaders!

https://www.paulosincup.com/freegift

If you enjoyed this episode and want to build your own humor habit, make sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who could use a little more levity in their life.

To learn more about Paul's work, book him for speaking engagements, or explore the science behind humor and resilience, visit: 👉 https://www.paulosincup.com You can also dive deeper into the tools discussed in this episode in Paul's book: 👉 The Humor Habit

Episode Minute-By-Minute:

• 00:00 – Meet Ric Keller: Former Congressman, TEDx Speaker & Harvard Dorm Resident
• 01:00 – Ric's obsession with commencement speeches
• 03:00 – Living in a Harvard dorm at 61 years old
• 04:00 – A Republican's experiment at liberal Harvard
• 05:00 – Joining Harvard's stand-up comedy club
• 07:00 – Why adults still crave belonging
• 08:00 – The 19-year-old mentor who changed Ric's TEDx Talk
• 10:00 – Listening to understand vs. listening to win
• 12:00 – The emotional story that led Ric to Congress
• 14:00 – How humor helped him win a congressional race
• 16:00 – Creating psychological safety through humor
• 18:00 – Why vulnerability builds trust
• 21:00 – Cable news, social media & outrage culture
• 24:00 – Comedy, cancel culture & free speech
• 28:00 – Corporate humor vs. stand-up comedy
• 31:00 – Why Ric went back to school at Harvard
• 33:00 – Writing the book Disagree Better
• 37:00 – The LAW framework for better conversations
• 39:00 – Why apologies are underrated
• 40:00 – Self-deprecating humor at work
• 42:00 – Why Ric avoids partisan comedy
• 44:00 – The viral Harvard dorm TikTok
• 47:00 – Why Ric is optimistic about humanity
• 48:00 – What all humans actually have in common

What's funny is that this episode proves humor isn't just entertainment — it's one of the fastest ways to build trust, lower defenses, and remind people they're more alike than different.

🎙️ Laugh or Death is a podcast hosted by Paul Osincup exploring how humor, resilience, and human connection help us navigate life's hardest moments. Through conversations with comedians, creators, speakers, and everyday people with incredible stories, Paul uncovers the power of laughter to bring people together — even in the middle of chaos.

What starts as a joke between a mother and daughter… can apparently turn into millions of followers and a career in stand-up comedy.

In this episode of Laugh or Death, Paul sits down with content creator and comedian Kimmi Kaiy to talk about her unexpected journey from posting dark humor videos on TikTok to performing live stand-up comedy in front of packed crowds. What began as a playful challenge with her daughter quickly exploded online, with Kimmi building a massive audience through relatable dark humor, honesty, and a style that connected deeply with people going through difficult seasons in life.

Kimmi opens up about the strange world of internet fame, dealing with criticism online, and why dark humor resonates so strongly with people who have experienced pain, anxiety, depression, or hardship. Rather than seeing humor as offensive, she explains how laughter can actually disarm difficult situations and give people the psychological distance they need to cope and heal. The conversation dives into the surprising emotional connection people form through comedy and how humor can become a form of resilience.

The episode also explores Kimmi's transition into stand-up comedy—a move she never originally planned to make. After performing her first five-minute set "just to try it once," she immediately fell in love with the adrenaline, connection, and energy of live audiences. Paul and Kimmi talk honestly about bombing on stage, social anxiety, crowd work, hecklers, and the emotional highs and lows that come with comedy.

Along the way, the two swap stories about social media culture, the weirdness of online comments, Minecraft obsessions, crowd work trends, and how comedy changes depending on who's telling the joke. Kimmi also shares how reading Paul's book The Humor Habit helped her through a difficult season and even inspired a new "laugh jar" ritual in her home with her daughter.

This episode is funny, thoughtful, brutally honest, and full of insight into why people laugh at the darkest things—and why sometimes, that laughter is exactly what helps them survive.

PS!

One of my favorite parts of this conversation was hearing how The Humor Habit helped Kimmi and her daughter create more laughter at home.

🎧 Grab the audiobook here: Listen to The Humor Habit Audiobook

Links:

Downloads the FREE Fun Over Funny Guide for Leaders: https://www.paulosincup.com/freegift

All Links For Paul: https://stan.store/PaulOsincup

If you enjoyed this episode and want to build your own humor habit, make sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who could use a little more levity in their life.

To learn more about Paul's work, book him for speaking engagements, or explore the science behind humor and resilience, visit: 👉 https://www.paulosincup.com You can also dive deeper into the tools discussed in this episode in Paul's book: 👉 The Humor Habit

Guest Links:

TikTok: Kimmi Kaiy on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@kimmi.kaiy?_r=1&_t=ZN-91FnMne4oT8

Instagram: Kimmi Kaiy (@kimmi.kaiy) • Instagram profile https://www.instagram.com/kimmi.kaiy?igsh=MWYzMDdjdW5ka2lseg%3D%3D

Facebook: Kimmi Kaiy: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091805300931&rdid=3lgRbZL6EklZ47j1&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F15NHEU8feXN%2F#

YouTube: Kimmi Kaiy http://youtube.com/@kimmi_kaiy?si=x2lkPtNViPv6cZSv

Episode Minute-By-Minute:

• 0:00 – Intro: Meet Kimmi Kaiy
• 1:00 – Minecraft obsession & escaping reality
• 2:15 – The TikTok bet with her daughter
• 3:30 – Viral dark humor videos & millions of views
• 4:45 – Why she stopped reposting jokes online
• 6:00 – Trying stand-up comedy for the first time
• 7:30 – The adrenaline of getting your first laugh
• 9:00 – Bombing on stage & comedy highs/lows
• 11:00 – Social anxiety vs performing on stage
• 12:30 – Why dark humor helps people cope
• 15:00 – Joking about difficult topics responsibly
• 16:30 – Dreaming comedy jokes in her sleep 😂
• 18:00 – Crowd work, hecklers & comedy trends
• 20:00 – Matt Rife, viral crowd work & social media comedy
• 21:30 – Looking sweet while telling dark jokes
• 23:00 – Her favorite audience "bait and switch" joke
• 25:00 – Motherhood, social media & balancing everything
• 27:00 – How Kimmi found Paul's book The Humor Habit
• 29:00 – The good and bad sides of social media
• 31:00 – Online laughs vs in-person laughs
• 33:00 – What comedy taught Kimmi about herself
• 35:00 – Becoming a "real comedian" & final thoughts