The Laughter Clinic

Ash opens up about how laughter became a shield, a craft, and a calling. We chat about how laughter boosts immunity, compare cruise-ship crowds with comedy club audiences, and talk candidly about drugs, faith, and the changing face of the comedy industry. 

• How stress harms wellbeing and why laughter matters
• Bullying and self-deprecating humour as early survival tools
• First cruise gigs, brutal bombs and the first big win
• Mentors, comedy life, and the toll of drugs
• Choosing Australia, love, and starting over
• Fans who say jokes saved them and what that really means
• Crafted jokes vs crowd work and the social media trap
• Rituals, discipline, and faith for mental health
• Comedy as an escape and as social commentary

If you enjoyed the episode, please share and subscribe

To follow Ashley Fils-Aime head to his Instagram:

@ashthecomic1

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 Warning:  This episode discusses suicide and suicide prevention. 
Listener discretion is advised.

Insight 1
• Pressures facing Australian mental health nurses and the need for formal support beyond AI Chatbots.
https://360info.org/australias-mental-health-services-are-buckling-due-to-rising-demand-staff-shortages-and-patient-violence/

• Early evidence for AI chatbots supporting clinicians mental health.
https://humanfactors.jmir.org/2025/1/e67682

Insight 2
• Adolescent mental health access gaps in India and how AI chatbots create early touch points. 
https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/ai-chatbots-for-teen-mental-health-augmenting-india-s-counselling-services

• Evidence for rapid therapeutic alliance with conversational agents.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/390309549_Effectiveness_of_AI-driven_Conversational_Agents_in_Improving_Mental_Health_Among_Young_People_A_Systematic_Review_and_Meta-analysis

Insight 3
• Humour as a protective factor for nursing students against academic stress. 
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/395780108_The_protective_role_of_sense_of_humor_against_academic_stress_among_Indonesian_nursing_students_A_multivariate_analysis

Insight 4
• A call to mandate suicide prevention training for all doctors to lift preparedness and physican confidence. 
https://www.cureus.com/articles/383536-suicide-literacy-a-call-for-national-training-in-suicide-competencies-for-all-medical-doctors?score_article=true#!/

Insight 5
• A new organisational framework building on the recognized 4 styles of humour. Investigating humour intent, content, reaction.
https://news.clemson.edu/clemson-business-professor-is-rethinking-humor-in-the-workplace/

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/joms.13245

Thanks for listening. 
Please share, Follow, and leave a comment. 

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 Warning: 

This episode discusses suicide and suicide prevention. 
Listener discretion is advised. 

In this ep Mark chats with Dr Nikki Jameson—social worker, suicidologist, and founder of Moral Injury Australia—to unpack how a mother’s loss of her son Daniel to suicide ignited a national push for reform, shaped a Royal Commission, and gave people a new way to understand suffering that doesn’t fit neatly under PTSD.

Nikki shares Daniel’s story—his loyalty, humour, and service—and the different weight of suicide grief. From there, we explore what moral injury is: the enduring psychological and spiritual harm that follows a violation of one’s core values or moral code, whether from orders that feel wrong, systemic betrayal, or a moment where you couldn’t act. We talk about how treatment approaches based on compassion, forgiveness, meaning-making, and body-based practices like breathwork, movement, and even laughter can help people heal. We also tackle misconceptions about suicide, the difference between ideation and intent, and why belonging and reasons to live are powerful protective factors.

This is a story of systems and change. Nikki walks us through key Royal Commission recommendations, including the explicit call to prevent and treat moral injury, and explains why families and cross-agency coordination are vital. 

If you work in defence, health, education, justice, or any role where hard choices meet human values, this conversation offers language, tools, and hope.

If this conversation resonated with you, please share it with a friend or colleague, and subscribe for more thoughtful insights on mental health and suicide prevention, and leave a review so others can find the show. Your voice helps this message reach the people who need it most.

Thanks for listening. 

To follow the work Nikki is doing: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-nikki-jamieson-658835154/

https://moralinjuryaustralia.com.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

A good joke can change a room; the right night can change a town. That’s the pulse of this conversation with Ellen Briggs—mother of twins, touring comedian, and co-creator of the hit show Women Like Us.

We chat about the craft behind creating an “alive silence,” and the hidden workings of a sustainable comedy career that doesn’t rely on festivals or TV appearances. 

Ellen walks us through a decade of building shows that bring people together across Australia. There are stories that land hard about drought-stricken audiences using a comedy show to reconnect with neighbours after months, a woman turning to humour days after a traumatic home invasion, and the way post-show chats open doors to conversations about domestic violence, anxiety, and suicide risk in remote communities. The theme is constant: laughter creates connection; and connection is vital for our well-being.

If you’ve ever wondered how stand-up intersects with mental health, why small towns pack out big halls, or what it takes to craft a life in the arts, you’ll find something here to hold onto. 

Like the episode, share with a friend, and leave a review to help more curious minds find us.

Follow Ellen: 
Instagram:  @ellenbriggs
Facebook: Ellen Briggs 
Website: www.ellenbriggs.com

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 ep I catch up with Ivan Aristiguieta, award winning stand-up comedian, writer, and now he's just added acting to his already impressive CV.  

Originally from Venezuela, Ivan now proudly calls Australia home, and the audiences have been returning the love all around the country.

Ivan talks about walking the famous Camino De Santiago, a brutal, beautiful route that ends with the important reminder: we’re all on borrowed time.  From there, we peel back common myths about comedians and talk about the quiet, analytical work that turns life into laughs. Becoming an Australian citizen for example is one of his favorite topics to talk about. 

Our conversation moves effortlessly through social health and community—rural green rooms stocked with homemade biscuits, and the power of shy patrons who brave the outside world for an hour of joy. Finally, Ivan shares lessons from his acting debut in the dark comedy 'Yesterday Island'. 

Ivan is a lovely guy, a great comic, and he has some wonderful insights into the inner workings of a professional comedian. Honestly we could of kept going for another 2 hours, needless to say, he'll be back...  

As always, thanks for listening my friends, be kind to yourself, and be kind to those around you. 

Contact Ivan here : https://ivancomedy.com.au/

Follow on Instagram: @ivancomedy

Yesterday Island Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mj7sY1BfnU

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

Sport is often sold as fitness and fun, but the deeper, quieter gift of sport is its power to bring people back into community. 

In this episode Mark dives into the hidden mental health superpowers of sport, from the jersey effect that sparks instant connection to the weekly rhythm of seasons that gives us structure, hope, and a reason to reach out. 

Mark also explores the deeper psychology of fandom and belonging, identity, and how rivalry paradoxically binds communities with respectful disagreement. You’ll hear why a season’s ups and downs can train resilience and optimism. From grandstands to golf greens, the lessons are the same: you can do everything right and still lose; and that's ok, because it's just a game. 

This ep also offers practical tools: choose a sporting code that fits your interest, pick a team, wear one visible item that shows support for your team, and then say hello to one person in your colours. For adults who feel isolated, a low-barrier entry can be as simple as buying a cap and watching at the local pub. Colours open conversations: “How do you reckon we’ll go this weekend?” becomes an invitation to swap stories, vent nerves, and share hope. 

For parents, the benefits to your child are numerous, the learning of sportsmanship, reward for effort, resilience, communication skills, relationship building. All of which are valuable life skills. Community sport at the grassroots level is the invisible web that holds suburbs together. Small clubs need sponsors, volunteers, and vocal supporters; in return, they offer kids and adults a place to show up and connect. Business owners who back local teams gain more than signage: they join the area’s social heartbeat.

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share it with a mate who could use a friendly nudge toward community, and leave a quick review so others can find the show. 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

Insight 1
Australia's National Mental Health Commission's 2024 Report Card reveals increasing financial strain affecting mental healthcare access, with one in four Australians avoiding mental health services due to cost. The proportion of Australians struggling financially has doubled in recent years. 
https://insightplus.mja.com.au/2025/34/insights-from-the-national-mental-health-commissions-2024-report-card/

https://www.mentalhealthcommission.gov.au/publications/national-report-card-2024

Insight 2
Three often overlooked suicide warning signs include: sudden mood improvement after depression, unusual generosity with possessions, and unexpected interest in estate planning.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/up-and-running/202501/3-overlooked-warning-signs-of-suicide

Insight 3
Research published in PLOS confirms that parental humour strengthens family bonds, with adults who had humorous parents describing them as more effective, approachable and loving. 
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/parenting/moments/being-funny-parent-is-best-hack-3-tips-to-add-humour-to-your-parenting/articleshow/124025354.cms

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0306311

Insight 4
"1 Degree of Separation" program in the US uses comedy and comedians to facilitate mental health conversations through five powerful questions about depression.
https://youtu.be/TOfYXtBTfPU?si=a9n6Dz1zWIIqYbXW

https://www.1degreeofseparation.life/

Insight 5
Bradley Cooper's upcoming film "Is This Thing On?" explores stand-up comedy as a coping mechanism during personal crisis. 

https://deadline.com/2025/08/is-this-thing-on-trailer-bradley-cooper-will-arnett-1236497452/

https://youtu.be/TE5v3U79i6s?si=hXsJmXVXpA8vINoK

Please subscribe, share this episode with someone who might benefit, and remember to 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

Australian comedian Mick Meredith shares his remarkable journey through 25+ years in the comedy industry and reveals how finding the right balance in his life changed everything.

Growing up influenced by his mother's joyful personality and sense of humour, Mick began his performing career in bands before transitioning to stand-up comedy. While he's entertained audiences across Australia and internationally for decades, it was discovering the power of physical exercise that truly transformed his approach to both comedy and life itself.

"If I can't work out, then the black dogs come sniffing around," Mick reveals, describing how his daily workout routine provides not just physical benefits but the mental resilience needed in an unpredictable industry. Now running half-marathons at age 60, he credits this transformation with helping him maintain perspective when facing career challenges.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Mick shares his profound experiences entertaining troops overseas—including performing for 25 different nationalities in Egypt, which he calls one of the most memorable gigs of his career. These experiences, along with his evolution from self-described "negative person" to someone who practices positive self-talk, highlight the powerful connection between physical fitness, mental wellbeing, and human connection.

Whether you're struggling with your own mental health challenges or simply curious about the intersection of comedy and wellbeing, this candid conversation offers valuable insights into finding your own "medicine"—be it laughter, exercise, or creative expression.

Subscribe to The Laughter Clinic Podcast for more conversations that inspire, educate and entertain.

You can follow Mick on Instagram: @mickomeredith

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

Unlock the transformative power of journaling with comedian and suicidologist Mark McConville as he explores a simple practice that's been embraced by history's greatest minds—from Marcus Aurelius to Oprah Winfrey.

Drawing from personal experience and scientific research, Mark introduces the WATT Framework—What Action Taken Today—a powerful approach that transforms traditional journaling into a catalyst for meaningful life change. This isn't just about writing down your thoughts; it's about creating a system that drives purposeful action in three crucial life domains: self-care, career development, and connection with others.

You'll discover why the "Power of Three" works so effectively (even for those with ADHD), and practical ways to begin your own journaling practice with just 10-15 minutes each morning. Mark shares specific prompts to overcome the blank page syndrome and explains how consistent journaling enhances creativity, improves problem-solving, and sharpens decision-making.

Whether you're navigating relationship challenges, career decisions, financial concerns, or grief, this episode provides a clear roadmap for using journaling to process emotions, gain clarity, and take meaningful action. The beauty of this approach lies in its simplicity and flexibility—it's completely customizable to your needs while providing enough structure to create real momentum in your life.

Ready to experience the benefits that have made journaling a cornerstone practice for successful people throughout history? Grab a notebook, find a comfortable spot, and join Mark on this journey to improved mental wellbeing through the simple yet powerful act of purposeful journaling.

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 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 insights and actionable strategies.

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