This first TLC Pulse Episode unpacks five developments reshaping our understanding of mental health and wellbeing.

Insight 1
Laughter truly might be the best medicine according to groundbreaking research from Japan showing that just four minutes of comedy viewing can significantly reduce stress and improve focus in adults. 
https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12906-025-04863-5

Insight 2
The alarming state of teacher mental health in Australia demands urgent attention, with research revealing educators experience depression, anxiety, and stress at three times the national average. 
https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2025/08/teachers-depression-anxiety-and-stress-three-times-national-norm

Insight 3
As we approach World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th, the theme "Changing the Narrative on Suicide" challenges us to move beyond stigma toward openness and community support. 
https://www.iasp.info/wspd/

Insight 4
Meanwhile, Australia prepares to implement controversial social media age restrictions for under-16s by December 2025, a policy supported by research linking social media exposure to declining youth mental health.
https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions

Insight 5
Perhaps most exciting is the UK's innovative "comedy on prescription" initiative, where the NHS is trialing comedy shows and workshops as alternatives to antidepressants for mild depression. With overwhelming positive feedback from participants, this approach recognizes humor's powerful physiological benefits - decreasing cortisol while boosting serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins.
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/no-brainer-fund-comedy-prescription-201737762.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAKc3Lio1V38kGBnPQjOFd9sTfDIC6zqgyXFo9OBSm0qY0JvrugyU5WdHpbBlFb1B_NW7EYk7WgXYE5TiFSBhXgC8auHWoWMI3LBfSgL8cw6edcL_GeLvlZY5SMBu8Neirc_BJ02C7Ytd83FnXTCGc559sYXxzdX1Ym3l_QGu3sPo

Throughout this episode, Mark McConville shares practical strategies for incorporating laughter into your wellbeing routine, including building your own "laughter library" for quick mental health boosts during busy days. Whether you're interested in cutting-edge research, concerned about social media's impact, or simply looking for evidence-based ways to improve your mental health, this episode delivers valuable insi

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

Loneliness and isolation contribute to various mental health conditions, but day-to-day community interactions can significantly improve our wellbeing. Research from Blue Zones—regions with high numbers of healthy centenarians—shows social connectedness is a primary driver for living a long, happy life.

• Belonging to a community decreases loneliness, lowers stress, and provides crucial support during challenging times
• Contributing to community activities fosters purpose, empathy, and enhances overall wellbeing
• Blue Zones demonstrate the power of social connectedness for living to 100+ with good health
• Practical strategies for connecting include reaching out to friends and family
• Joining local clubs, business networking groups, or volunteering for causes you care about
• Becoming a regular at local establishments helps build recognition and small conversations
• Taking classes, using online resources to find offline communities, and joining peer support groups
• Seeking help from a mental health professional if engaging with a community feels challenging or overwhelming
• Laughter is a powerful connector when spending time with like-minded individuals
• Finding communities that match your interests creates meaning and fosters a sense of belonging

Remember, you matter. Be kind to yourself and be kind to those around you.

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

An unexpected birthday barbecue with over 30 friends becomes a powerful reminder of the critical importance of social health alongside mental and physical wellbeing. Mark shares his personal experience of reconnecting with friends after months apart and explores how these connections provide essential emotional support, reduce loneliness, and create a meaningful sense of belonging.

• Social health involves building and maintaining interpersonal relationships and effectively navigating different social situations
• Strong social connections reduce feelings of loneliness, stress, anxiety and depression
• Friends provide emotional and practical support, helping build resilience during difficult times
• Shared laughter and planning future catch-ups creates anticipation
• The sense of belonging to a community significantly improves quality of life and life satisfaction

The challenge: Be the one to reach out and organise a catch-up with people you've been missing – it's worth the effort and it will fill your cup.

You matter, you're important, so be kind to yourself and be kind to those around you.

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

What would you do if doctors told you that you had just 18 months to live? For Craig Coombes, the answer came in an unexpected form. 

When Craig received his terminal cancer diagnosis in 2012, he made a simple yet profound decision: "Make the rest of your life the best of your life." What followed was an extraordinary journey that has defied medical expectations and inspired countless people along the way.

In this deeply moving conversation, Craig shares how humor transformed his relationship with mortality. From his reluctant first steps into stand-up comedy to performing alongside Adam Hills at London's Apollo Theatre and creating the viral sensation "Naked Tuesday," Craig discovered that making others laugh brought him a quality of life he never imagined possible. His story isn't just about surviving cancer – it's about finding purpose, connection, and joy in the face of death.

Craig speaks with remarkable candor about the full spectrum of his experience: the crushing moment of diagnosis, the physical challenges of treatment, moments of suicidal ideation, and the heart attack that recently complicated his journey. Yet throughout these trials, his commitment to finding humor remains unwavering. Most powerfully, he reveals how friendship and social connection have literally saved his life.

This conversation contains profound lessons about resilience, the healing power of laughter, and how making other people happy can ultimately bring us the greatest happiness. Craig's philosophy – that humor can be a legitimate form of medicine – isn't just inspirational; it's backed by emerging research showing how self-enhancing humor improves quality of life and psychological wellbeing.

Whether you're facing your own health challenges, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking wisdom about living fully in the face of mortality, Craig's story will change how you think about laughter, friendship, connection, and what it truly means to make every day count.

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

Comedy meets science in this groundbreaking exploration of how both humor and laughter can transform mental health. Comedian and suicidologist Mark McConville takes us on a deeply personal journey that began with a profound encounter – a soldier who hadn't laughed in three years found more healing in one comedy show than years of traditional therapy.

Through the Laughter Clinic Podcast, Mark bridges his two worlds: decades of stand-up comedy experience across Australia's comedy clubs, and his academic credentials in suicide prevention. After navigating his own 15-year mental health journey (including a life-changing ADHD diagnosis that had been misdiagnosed as depression), Mark became passionate about researching the healing power of humor and laughter. This led him to pursue a master's degree in suicidology at age 45 and develop evidence-based approaches that recognize laughter isn't just complementary to healing – it's essential.

The podcast offers three distinct formats to support your mental wellbeing: solo episodes providing practical self-care strategies, "TLC Pulse" segments highlighting fascinating research (like how just four minutes of laughter positively affects the brain), and in-depth interviews with remarkable individuals sharing powerful stories. Whether you're navigating your own mental health journey, supporting someone through difficult times, or simply curious about the power of humor and laughter, this podcast delivers content that's equally informative and entertaining. Subscribe now and discover how the intersection of humour and mental health education can transform lives – perhaps even your own.

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