The Laughter Clinic

This special episode is dedicated to my friend and fellow comedian Andrew Nason, who sadly passed away recently after a short illness.

Andrew Nason (Nas) was a fixture of the Brisbane comedy scene long before I turned up in 1998. He was a comedian, actor, improviser, writer, trivia host and former teacher, and one of the most generous and genuine people I've ever met in the entertainment industry. 

For this World Mental Health Day Special, we’re taking a breath, and paying tribute to Andrew Nason by sharing the moments that shaped our friendship.

Topics also covered in the first half of this ep:
• Why thinking “there’s always time” can be a dangerous assumption
• Why people laugh at funerals and the role of laughter in the grieving process
• Real voices from past guests who find humour in hard times

In line with World Mental Health Day the second half of this episode gets very practical about suicide prevention and checking in properly.

There is a CONTENT WARNING for the second half of this episode:
• Warning signs to notice when someone is struggling
• Evidence shows asking about suicide is safe
• Five steps to go beyond “Are you okay?”
• Social prescribing and Comedy on Referral in the UK
• Simple actions we can take today to build connection
• Thrive and Laugh live event details with Buddy Up Australia

Thank you for listening, please subscribe, and share this episode with someone who you feel as though may benefit from this type of content, or leave a comment. 

Finally, thank you Rachael, for your blessing to share Andrew with everyone.

To purchase Tickets to the THRIVE & LAUGH event on the Gold Coast on the 23rd of Oct.. Visit: https://buddy-up-thrive-and-laugh.raiselysite.com

To purchase Tickets to TUMOUR HAS IT in Melbourne with Craig Coombes and Damian Cosgriff. Visit: https://www.melbournefringe.com.au/whats-on/events/tumour-has-it?shem=aimgspe,

For info on BUDDYUP Australia Visit: https://buddyupaustralia.org

Website: www.thelaughterclinic.com.au

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thelaughterclinicAus

"If you or someone you know needs support, please contact one of these Australian mental health services. In an emergency, always call 000."

Lifeline Australia
Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
Web: lifeline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service
Phone: 1300 659 467 (24/7)
Web: suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Beyond Blue
Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
Web: beyondblue.org.au

Kids Helpline (for people aged 5-25)
Phone: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
Web: kidshelpline.com.au

MensLine Australia
Phone: 1300 78 99 78 (24/7)
Web: mensline.org.au

SANE Australia (complex mental health issues)
Phone: 1800 18 7263
Web: sane.org

QLife (LGBTIQ+ support)
Phone: 1800 184 527 
Web: qlife.org.au

Open Arms (Veterans & Families Counselling)
Phone: 1800 011 046 (24/7)
Web: openarms.gov.au

1800RESPECT (sexual assault, domestic violence)
Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7)
Web: 1800respect.org.au

Headspace (youth mental health, ages 12-25)
Phone: 1800 650 890 
Web: headspace.org.au

13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support)
Phone: 13 92 76 (13YARN) (24/7)
Web: 13yarn.org.au

Music by Hayden Smith
https://www.haydensmith.com

⚠️ A note before you listen: this episode includes a frank discussion of Leukaemia diagnosis and treatment, and of the darker places Darren went to mentally during it.  

Listener Discretion is advised: Support details are below.

When Australian comedian Darren Sanders was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APML) in March, his partner Robyn Linkhorn became his full-time carer overnight, while still running her own business.

Darren, a 30-year veteran of the Australian comedy scene, thought he possibly had tonsillitis, then their GP called and told them to get him to emergency now. That’s the day Darren and Robyns' life flips into a new reality: a rare blood cancer diagnosis, and a treatment plan that starts with a 45-day hospital stay, cycles of drips, bone marrow biopsies, isolation and waiting.

Robyn walks us through the challenges of managing life both inside and outside the ward from the carers perspective, and why she started writing her heartfelt blog 'Between the Laughs', which can be viewed here: https://betweenthelaughs.substack.com/

As a couple, humour is part of their identity, but we don’t romanticise it. Darren is very open and honest about the days when laughter helps, the days when it doesn’t, and the days when he'd simply just had enough. 

Carers need support too, and what that support actually looks like in real life is well covered in this episode. You’ll hear some of the most useful, concrete advice we’ve had on the show: say yes to help, be specific, and keep a list ready for the people who genuinely want to show up.

We talk frankly about humour, fear, carers’ stress, and the small practical choices that keep you moving when life feels out of control.

Thanks for listening, please share and subscribe. 

For booking info or to purchase Darrens's book:  
'How did I end up here? A Sort of Memoir'
Visit: https://darrensanders.com

To Read Robyns' blog "Between The Laughs' 
Visit:  https://betweenthelaughs.substack.com/

To show your financial support visit their Go Fund Me page here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-comedian-darren-sanders-fight-acute-leukaemia

COMPASS PILATES Reformer Studio:
https://www.compasspilates.com.au

The Australian Leukaemia Foundation
https://www.leukaemia.org.au

Website: www.thelaughterclinic.com.au

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thelaughterclinicAus

"If you or someone you know needs support, please contact one of these Australian mental health services. In an emergency, always call 000."

Lifeline Australia
Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
Web: lifeline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service
Phone: 1300 659 467 (24/7)
Web: suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Beyond Blue
Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
Web: beyondblue.org.au

Kids Helpline (for people aged 5-25)
Phone: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
Web: kidshelpline.com.au

MensLine Australia
Phone: 1300 78 99 78 (24/7)
Web: mensline.org.au

SANE Australia (complex mental health issues)
Phone: 1800 18 7263
Web: sane.org

QLife (LGBTIQ+ support)
Phone: 1800 184 527 
Web: qlife.org.au

Open Arms (Veterans & Families Counselling)
Phone: 1800 011 046 (24/7)
Web: openarms.gov.au

1800RESPECT (sexual assault, domestic violence)
Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7)
Web: 1800respect.org.au

Headspace (youth mental health, ages 12-25)
Phone: 1800 650 890 
Web: headspace.org.au

13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support)
Phone: 13 92 76 (13YARN) (24/7)
Web: 13yarn.org.au

Music by Hayden Smith
https://www.haydensmith.com

CONTENT WARNIING:
Stories 8 & 9 discuss the topics of suicide and suicide prevention, listener discretion is advised. 
In this PULSE episode I run through ten timely mental health stories, pulling out the practical bits you can use straight away and the research that shifts how we think about wellbeing. We move from coping with disappointment and the science of laughter to policy updates, suicide prevention resources, and why Sweden's social prescribing research matters. 
No. 1. 
Therapist-backed strategies to process disappointment at work, in relationships and in daily life 
https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-cope-with-disappointment-12061857
No. 2. 
Stand-up comedy courses supporting the LGBTQ+ community 
https://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2026/08/17/61321/how_comedy_courses_boost_the_wellbeing_of_lgbtq%2B_people#
No. 3.
 “Survival of the wittiest” theory on humour, language and human evolution 
https://www.psypost.org/survival-of-the-wittiest-how-humor-and-cleverness-shaped-human-evolution/
No. 4. 
The Purpose of Laughter
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/best-practices-in-health/202607/the-purpose-of-laughter
No. 5. 
Six core dimensions of positive mental health
https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/between-cultures/202608/what-exactly-is-positive-mental-health
No. 6. 
New Zealand approval for clinical MDMA-assisted therapy for severe PTSD
https://japantoday.com/category/features/health/new-zealand-approves-use-of-party-drug-mdma-to-treat-trauma
No. 7
Australian Medicare Mental Health Centres delivering free walk-in care
https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/government-delivers-half-a-million-free-mental-health-appointments?language=en
No. 8.
World Suicide Prevention Day and changing the narrative around suicide 
https://www.iasp.info/wspd/
No. 9.
RUOK? Day resources and the difference between “are you OK?” and asking about suicidal thoughts 
https://www.ruok.org.au/
No. 10.
Swedish social prescribing model led by occupational therapists
https://bioengineer.org/occupational-therapists-as-social-prescribers-insights-from-swedish-primary-care/

If you haven't already done so, we invite you to hit the follow button, subscribe, share, leave a comment, all that jazz. 
If you've got an experience of dealing with these mental health care centres in Australia, drop me a line through the Laughter Clinic website, Laughter Clinic Facebook page, the YouTube channel, however it is you want to get in touch with me, because I'd really be interested to hear your experience. 

Thanks for listening. 

Website: www.thelaughterclinic.com.au

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thelaughterclinicAus

"If you or someone you know needs support, please contact one of these Australian mental health services. In an emergency, always call 000."

Lifeline Australia
Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
Web: lifeline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service
Phone: 1300 659 467 (24/7)
Web: suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Beyond Blue
Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
Web: beyondblue.org.au

Kids Helpline (for people aged 5-25)
Phone: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
Web: kidshelpline.com.au

MensLine Australia
Phone: 1300 78 99 78 (24/7)
Web: mensline.org.au

SANE Australia (complex mental health issues)
Phone: 1800 18 7263
Web: sane.org

QLife (LGBTIQ+ support)
Phone: 1800 184 527 
Web: qlife.org.au

Open Arms (Veterans & Families Counselling)
Phone: 1800 011 046 (24/7)
Web: openarms.gov.au

1800RESPECT (sexual assault, domestic violence)
Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7)
Web: 1800respect.org.au

Headspace (youth mental health, ages 12-25)
Phone: 1800 650 890 
Web: headspace.org.au

13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support)
Phone: 13 92 76 (13YARN) (24/7)
Web: 13yarn.org.au

Music by Hayden Smith
https://www.haydensmith.com

On this day a year ago, I hit publish on the first ever Laughter Clinic Podcast episode. This anniversary wrap-up is me being honest about the wins, the numbers, the standout conversations, and the parts of producing these first 40 episodes that have been harder than I expected.  

I walk through the guests who made the year what it is, from comedians sharing stories about illness, bullying, balance, and the craft of stand-up comedy, to suicidology and suicide prevention leaders digging into moral injury, research, and what evidence-based practice looks like in the real world. I also reflect on the solo episodes and the practical themes people keep coming back to: loneliness and connection, social health, journalling with my WATT method (What Action Taken Today), the hidden mental health benefits of sport, and building a daily routine that supports you when life gets noisy.  

We also get into the bigger picture: why social prescribing in Australia matters, and why I’m determined that comedy, humour, and laughter aren’t left out of health and wellbeing conversations. I also share what I’ve struggled with behind the scenes and the areas in which I'm want to improve. 

If you’re new here, this is a great place to start. If you’ve been around for a while, thank you for sticking with me. 

If you're a fan of this type of work, I invite you to please subscribe, share the podcast with someone who could use it, or leave a review. 

It all helps .. Cheers 

Thanks for listening.. 

Website: www.thelaughterclinic.com.au

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thelaughterclinicAus

"If you or someone you know needs support, please contact one of these Australian mental health services. In an emergency, always call 000."

Lifeline Australia
Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
Web: lifeline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service
Phone: 1300 659 467 (24/7)
Web: suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Beyond Blue
Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
Web: beyondblue.org.au

Kids Helpline (for people aged 5-25)
Phone: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
Web: kidshelpline.com.au

MensLine Australia
Phone: 1300 78 99 78 (24/7)
Web: mensline.org.au

SANE Australia (complex mental health issues)
Phone: 1800 18 7263
Web: sane.org

QLife (LGBTIQ+ support)
Phone: 1800 184 527 
Web: qlife.org.au

Open Arms (Veterans & Families Counselling)
Phone: 1800 011 046 (24/7)
Web: openarms.gov.au

1800RESPECT (sexual assault, domestic violence)
Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7)
Web: 1800respect.org.au

Headspace (youth mental health, ages 12-25)
Phone: 1800 650 890 
Web: headspace.org.au

13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support)
Phone: 13 92 76 (13YARN) (24/7)
Web: 13yarn.org.au

Music by Hayden Smith
https://www.haydensmith.com

This week I chat grief, humour, and family love as Dane Hiser shares the story of his brother Trent and the decades of care that helped him live a full life with Prader-Willi syndrome. We also get honest about anxiety, OCD, medication, loneliness, and why connection through comedy can be a real path back to ourselves. 
• why “laughter is the best medicine” still holds up in dark seasons 
• what Prader-Willi syndrome looks like day to day at home 
• routines, safety planning, and the hidden labour of caregiving 
• mental health support for someone with intellectual disability 
• people pleasing, self-stigma, and feeling “seen” by everyone 
• adult friendship and disconnection in a post-COVID world 
• OCD compulsions, long-term risperidone, and chronic exhaustion 
• dystonia diagnosis and the shock of coming off medication 
• brain fog at work, finding lighter options, then choosing natural supports 
• morning routines, movement, mindfulness, and community as pillars 
• the wild start in stand-up and what “trial by fire” teaches 
• building comedy rooms in Sydney and what changed in the scene 
• storytelling, authenticity, and what Dane is building next 

To follow Dane on Facebook visit: 
https://www.facebook.com/danehisercomedy

Hope you like the ep, if you did hit the follow button, subscribe, all that jazz. 

Website: www.thelaughterclinic.com.au

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thelaughterclinicAus

"If you or someone you know needs support, please contact one of these Australian mental health services. In an emergency, always call 000."

Lifeline Australia
Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
Web: lifeline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service
Phone: 1300 659 467 (24/7)
Web: suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Beyond Blue
Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
Web: beyondblue.org.au

Kids Helpline (for people aged 5-25)
Phone: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
Web: kidshelpline.com.au

MensLine Australia
Phone: 1300 78 99 78 (24/7)
Web: mensline.org.au

SANE Australia (complex mental health issues)
Phone: 1800 18 7263
Web: sane.org

QLife (LGBTIQ+ support)
Phone: 1800 184 527 
Web: qlife.org.au

Open Arms (Veterans & Families Counselling)
Phone: 1800 011 046 (24/7)
Web: openarms.gov.au

1800RESPECT (sexual assault, domestic violence)
Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7)
Web: 1800respect.org.au

Headspace (youth mental health, ages 12-25)
Phone: 1800 650 890 
Web: headspace.org.au

13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support)
Phone: 13 92 76 (13YARN) (24/7)
Web: 13yarn.org.au

Music by Hayden Smith
https://www.haydensmith.com

CONTENT WARNIING:
This episode does discuss the topics of suicide and suicide prevention, listener discretion is advised. 

This week host Mark McConville chats with Buddy Up Australia CEO Craig Heslop, about how laughter, community, and practical decompression keep first responders and defence personnel well during service and after it. We break down what Buddy Up offers, why evidence-based prevention matters, and how connection can beat isolation when the job gets heavy. 
• Craig’s take on laughter as medicine and trusted “tribes” 
• dark humour as a coping tool and the need for safe spaces 
• Buddy Up Australia’s community model for first responders, defence, and families 
• decompression after shift through breathing, movement, recovery, and better routines 
• social prescribing and why loneliness cannot be solved with medication 
• funding realities for charities and the case for diversified revenue 
• tactical nutrition and performance thinking for shift work 
• leadership vs management and why good operators are not always good leaders 
• mentorship culture that supports younger members without judgement 
• how free membership works and what a first event feels like 
• the push for external evaluation and an evidence-based lens 

Thanks for listening. 

For more info on BUDDYUP Australia visit:
https://buddyupaustralia.org

To follow BUDDYUP on Linkedin visit: 
https://www.linkedin.com/company/buddy-up-australia/posts/?feedView=all

To keep in touch with Craig Helop visit: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-heslop/

Website: www.thelaughterclinic.com.au

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thelaughterclinicAus

"If you or someone you know needs support, please contact one of these Australian mental health services. In an emergency, always call 000."

Lifeline Australia
Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
Web: lifeline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service
Phone: 1300 659 467 (24/7)
Web: suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Beyond Blue
Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
Web: beyondblue.org.au

Kids Helpline (for people aged 5-25)
Phone: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
Web: kidshelpline.com.au

MensLine Australia
Phone: 1300 78 99 78 (24/7)
Web: mensline.org.au

SANE Australia (complex mental health issues)
Phone: 1800 18 7263
Web: sane.org

QLife (LGBTIQ+ support)
Phone: 1800 184 527 
Web: qlife.org.au

Open Arms (Veterans & Families Counselling)
Phone: 1800 011 046 (24/7)
Web: openarms.gov.au

1800RESPECT (sexual assault, domestic violence)
Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7)
Web: 1800respect.org.au

Headspace (youth mental health, ages 12-25)
Phone: 1800 650 890 
Web: headspace.org.au

13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support)
Phone: 13 92 76 (13YARN) (24/7)
Web: 13yarn.org.au

Music by Hayden Smith
https://www.haydensmith.com

This week I catch up with Australian comedian Danny McGinlay. We unpack Danny's comedy career, acting gigs, his behind the scenes work as a TV audience warm-up guy, along with his role writing the banners for his beloved Western Bulldogs. We also talk weird gigs, footy culture, why following sport is good for your mental health, and fundraising for Ukraine.
• from open mics to paid gigs
• why audiences need a reset after heavy stories and serious speeches
• weird gigs, from strip clubs to fundraisers and why “yes” can be a trap
• mentors who shape craft, resilience, and long-term career habits
• acting versus stand-up and the shock of losing instant feedback
• pop culture Shakespeare and making classic language accessible
• TV audience warm-up as crowd work, and leaving your ego at the door
• arguing about food as a safe way to vent stress and practise disagreement
• AFL banner history, Bulldogs culture, and writing jokes that get approved
• sport as a practical antidote to loneliness
• Ukraine fundraising, comedy as solidarity, and Zelensky’s comedian mindset

For tickets to Danny's upcoming Comedy Special recordings
 (In Melbourne on Sat 1st Aug 26)
 https://tickets.avclive.com.au/outlet/event/fa4887a4-58d2-44c8-8bd6-97bed4c9ea48?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio

To follow Danny on Instagram:  @danny.mcginlay

To contact Danny for bookings visit: 
https://dannymcginlay.godaddysites.com

The  Danny Boyd Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/danny-boyd-bulldogs/id1556376394

Thanks for listening. 
If you liked the episode please share it with a friend, hit the follow button, leave a comment, you know, all that jazz.... 

Website: www.thelaughterclinic.com.au

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thelaughterclinicAus

"If you or someone you know needs support, please contact one of these Australian mental health services. In an emergency, always call 000."

Lifeline Australia
Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
Web: lifeline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service
Phone: 1300 659 467 (24/7)
Web: suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Beyond Blue
Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
Web: beyondblue.org.au

Kids Helpline (for people aged 5-25)
Phone: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
Web: kidshelpline.com.au

MensLine Australia
Phone: 1300 78 99 78 (24/7)
Web: mensline.org.au

SANE Australia (complex mental health issues)
Phone: 1800 18 7263
Web: sane.org

QLife (LGBTIQ+ support)
Phone: 1800 184 527 
Web: qlife.org.au

Open Arms (Veterans & Families Counselling)
Phone: 1800 011 046 (24/7)
Web: openarms.gov.au

1800RESPECT (sexual assault, domestic violence)
Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7)
Web: 1800respect.org.au

Headspace (youth mental health, ages 12-25)
Phone: 1800 650 890 
Web: headspace.org.au

13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support)
Phone: 13 92 76 (13YARN) (24/7)
Web: 13yarn.org.au

Music by Hayden Smith
https://www.haydensmith.com

In this episode, Mark chats with filmmaker Medhavi Fernando about her upcoming docuseries Seriously Unserious, a project exploring the real-life power of humour and laughter. They discuss documentary storytelling, therapeutic humour, comedy as craft, the science of laughter, and why being unserious might be one of the most serious things we can do for our wellbeing.

• what “laughter is the best medicine” means in real life 
• Medhavi’s mix of tech, journalism, and self-taught filmmaking 
• why the series is called Seriously Unserious 
• the personal moments that spark the project
• shifting from one feature documentary to an episodic docuseries 
• Kevin MacIsaac role as host and how he draws stories out 
• guest arcs across cancer, workplace humour, productivity, and resilience 
• the inclusion of neuroscience and psychology
• humour as reframing, coping, and emotional distance 
• the hidden craft of comedy, including bombing and bouncing back 
• the editing challenge of keeping story, context, and jokes 
• how film festivals, broadcasters, and streaming pickups can work 
• takeaways from the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor conference 
• Medhavi’s Feel Good Five and what keeps her grounded 

Thank you for listening. 

For more info on Medhavi Fernando visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/medhavifernando/

If you haven’t already done so, we invite you to hit the follow button, leave a comment, let us know your thoughts, or flick through the archives to see if there’s any other episodes that you think you may be interested in. 

Website: www.thelaughterclinic.com.au

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thelaughterclinicAus

"If you or someone you know needs support, please contact one of these Australian mental health services. In an emergency, always call 000."

Lifeline Australia
Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
Web: lifeline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service
Phone: 1300 659 467 (24/7)
Web: suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Beyond Blue
Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
Web: beyondblue.org.au

Kids Helpline (for people aged 5-25)
Phone: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
Web: kidshelpline.com.au

MensLine Australia
Phone: 1300 78 99 78 (24/7)
Web: mensline.org.au

SANE Australia (complex mental health issues)
Phone: 1800 18 7263
Web: sane.org

QLife (LGBTIQ+ support)
Phone: 1800 184 527 
Web: qlife.org.au

Open Arms (Veterans & Families Counselling)
Phone: 1800 011 046 (24/7)
Web: openarms.gov.au

1800RESPECT (sexual assault, domestic violence)
Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7)
Web: 1800respect.org.au

Headspace (youth mental health, ages 12-25)
Phone: 1800 650 890 
Web: headspace.org.au

13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support)
Phone: 13 92 76 (13YARN) (24/7)
Web: 13yarn.org.au

Music by Hayden Smith
https://www.haydensmith.com

In this episode, host Mark McConville speaks with Australian comedian and writer David Smiedt about laughter, cancer, stand-up comedy, resilience and mental health. David discusses his journey from South Africa to Australia, his early days in Sydney comedy, the lessons comedians learn from bombing, his throat cancer diagnosis and treatment, and his show Finding Chemo. Mark and David also explore bedside comedy in hospitals, humour in cancer treatment wards, healthcare worker wellbeing, dark humour, loneliness, AI, critical thinking and the role of laughter as a coping tool.
• laughter as a coping tool with clear limits 
• growing up in apartheid South Africa and migrating to Sydney at 19 
• discovering stand-up at the Comedy Store and the appeal of raw joke craft 
• what bombing teaches about failure, learning and resilience 
• old-school jokes, modern boundaries and why audiences still want gags 
• critical thinking in the age of algorithms, polarised media and AI chatbots 
• youth mental health, loneliness and the cost of losing real connection 
• throat cancer diagnosis, treatment and using humour to get through it 
• turning illness into writing and the show Finding Chemo 
• bedside comedy in hospital, staff shows and what nurses’ humour reveals 

Thank you for listening. 

We invite you to hit the follow button or share this episode or have a flick through and see what content you think your friends and family might be interested in.

For More info on David Smiedt: 

Insta: @davidsmiedt

Website: davidsmiedt.com.au

Wil Anderson Inst: @officialwilanderson

Want more info? 

Website: www.thelaughterclinic.com.au

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thelaughterclinicAus

"If you or someone you know needs support, please contact one of these Australian mental health services. In an emergency, always call 000."

Lifeline Australia
Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
Web: lifeline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service
Phone: 1300 659 467 (24/7)
Web: suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Beyond Blue
Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
Web: beyondblue.org.au

Kids Helpline (for people aged 5-25)
Phone: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
Web: kidshelpline.com.au

MensLine Australia
Phone: 1300 78 99 78 (24/7)
Web: mensline.org.au

SANE Australia (complex mental health issues)
Phone: 1800 18 7263
Web: sane.org

QLife (LGBTIQ+ support)
Phone: 1800 184 527 
Web: qlife.org.au

Open Arms (Veterans & Families Counselling)
Phone: 1800 011 046 (24/7)
Web: openarms.gov.au

1800RESPECT (sexual assault, domestic violence)
Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7)
Web: 1800respect.org.au

Headspace (youth mental health, ages 12-25)
Phone: 1800 650 890 
Web: headspace.org.au

13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support)
Phone: 13 92 76 (13YARN) (24/7)
Web: 13yarn.org.au

Music by Hayden Smith
https://www.haydensmith.com

In this episode Jodi Allen joins me to unpack the first ever Australia and New Zealand Moral Injury Conference that we both attended recently. We get clear on what moral injury is and what it is not. We talk through how betrayal, guilt, shame, and “stuckness” can show up in service and everyday workplaces, then map out what moral repair can actually look like in real life. 

• Why moral injury is different from normal moral distress 
• The ADF definition and the three common moral injury pathways 
• How moral injury overlaps with PTSD and where it diverges 
• Why chaplains and spirituality keep coming up, even for the non-religious
• Why moral injury is not a formal diagnosis yet
• Adaptive Disclosure Therapy and the power of safe disclosure
• Dean Yates’ lived experience and why forgiveness can be part of recovery 
• Organisational betrayal, WorkCover stress, and how systems block healing 
• Evidence-based therapies that come up most: ACT, CBT, EMDR
• The non-clinical essentials: social connection, mindfulness
• Moral injury in teaching, nursing, whistleblowing, and rural and remote work 
• Why lived experience voices matter and how stigma can silence people 
• Practical workplace steps from Nikki Jamieson and Moral Injury Australia 

Thanks for listening. 
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Want more info on Moral Injury Australia visit:  https://moralinjuryaustralia.com.au

Want more info on Jodi Allen visit: 
https://www.jodiallennutrition.com

Want more info on the Australia & New Zealand Moral Injury Conference:
Visit: https://anzmoralinjuryconference.com.au

Dean Yates book 'Line in the Sand'
https://www.booktopia.com.au/line-in-the-sand-dean-yates/book/9781761264429.html?source=pla&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21618361565&gclid=CjwKCAjw8uTQBhAdEiwAVvtJyuEAB_z_v1FxO4md1O1x0nFgTBuiiJcxZwGrYrfPheD5XoUB4d9tQRoCG5gQAvD_BwE

Website: www.thelaughterclinic.com.au

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thelaughterclinicAus

"If you or someone you know needs support, please contact one of these Australian mental health services. In an emergency, always call 000."

Lifeline Australia
Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
Web: lifeline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service
Phone: 1300 659 467 (24/7)
Web: suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Beyond Blue
Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
Web: beyondblue.org.au

Kids Helpline (for people aged 5-25)
Phone: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
Web: kidshelpline.com.au

MensLine Australia
Phone: 1300 78 99 78 (24/7)
Web: mensline.org.au

SANE Australia (complex mental health issues)
Phone: 1800 18 7263
Web: sane.org

QLife (LGBTIQ+ support)
Phone: 1800 184 527 
Web: qlife.org.au

Open Arms (Veterans & Families Counselling)
Phone: 1800 011 046 (24/7)
Web: openarms.gov.au

1800RESPECT (sexual assault, domestic violence)
Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7)
Web: 1800respect.org.au

Headspace (youth mental health, ages 12-25)
Phone: 1800 650 890 
Web: headspace.org.au

13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support)
Phone: 13 92 76 (13YARN) (24/7)
Web: 13yarn.org.au

Music by Hayden Smith
https://www.haydensmith.com