Comedy Saved Me

Have you ever wondered how laughter can emerge from the darkest moments of our lives? In this gripping episode of Comedy Saved Me, host Lynn Hoffman sits down with the incredibly talented comedian Ryan Hamilton, who takes us on a transformative journey from a near-fatal bus accident to discovering the healing power of humor. Growing up in rural Idaho, Ryan has not only made a name for himself in the bustling New York comedy scene but has also been recognized by esteemed publications like The New York Times and Rolling Stone. Ryan's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a

Have you ever wondered how laughter can be a lifeline during our darkest moments? In this encore episode of Comedy Saved Me, host Lynn Hoffman sits down with comedian and author Mark Malkoff, who reveals the profound impact that comedy has had on his life and the lives of many others. Mark’s journey through the world of humor is not just about punchlines and laughter; it’s a heartfelt exploration of how the healing power of humor can transform personal struggles into stories of resilience and triumph. Mark Malkoff has spent years diving deep into the legacy of Johnny Carson, the iconic figure

Have you ever wondered how laughter can be a powerful tool for healing? In this episode of Comedy Saved Me, host Lynn Hoffman sits down with the incredibly talented stand-up comedian Ophira Eisenberg, who opens up about the healing power of humor and its profound impact on her life. Ophira’s journey is a testament to how comedy saved meand can save others, as she shares her latest comedy special, "I Used to Be Nicer," which dives deep into themes of personal growth and the evolution of her comedic voice.   As a woman in the comedy industry, Ophira Eisenberg reflects on her transformation fro

What if the key to overcoming personal struggles lies in laughter? In this enlightening episode of Comedy Saved Me, host Lynn Hoffman sits down with the incredibly talented stand-up comedian Jamel Johnson, whose sharp wit and originality have made waves in the comedy scene. Together, they explore the healing power of humor and how comedy serves not just as entertainment, but as a vital survival tool for many. Jamel shares his inspiring journey from the bustling DC comedy scene to notable appearances on platforms like Comedy Central, revealing how comedy saved me during challenging times. Join

Have you ever wondered how humor can be a lifeline in the stormy seas of heartbreak? In this enlightening episode of Comedy Saved Me, host Lynn Hoffman sits down with Kelsey Darragh, a comedian, writer, and Amazon bestselling author known for her unfiltered take on mental health and relationships. Kelsey brings her unique blend of humor and vulnerability to the table as she discusses her latest book, Don't Do What I Did: Break Up and Bounce Back, a refreshing guide that combines memoir, psychology, and a hefty dose of laughter to help readers navigate the tumultuous waters of heartbreak.   K

Have you ever wondered how the healing power of humor can transform personal struggles into comedic gold? In this captivating episode of "Comedy Saved Me," host Lynn Hoffman sits down with the incredibly talented comedian, writer, and podcaster Skyler Higley. Together, they delve into the rich tapestry of Skyler's unique upbringing, adopted by white Mormon parents, and how this fascinating background has profoundly shaped his comedic voice and perspective on race and culture. Skyler's  journey through comedy is not just about making people laugh; it’s a heartfelt exploration of resilience and

What if the key to overcoming life's toughest challenges lies in laughter? Join host Lynn Hoffman in this enlightening episode of Comedy Saved Me as she sits down with the incredibly talented comedian Ben Gleib, who shares his inspiring journey through the world of comedy and the creation of his innovative late-night talk show, "Good Night with Ben Gleib. " Gleib's passion for comedy ignited at a young age, fueled by iconic shows like Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show, and he reflects on how this passion has not only shaped his career but also served as a healing force during personal s

Have you ever wondered how a leap of faith can transform your life? Join host Lynn Hoffman in this captivating episode of Comedy Saved Me, where she sits down with the incredibly talented comedian Anjelah Johnson-Reyes. From her days as an NFL cheerleader for the Oakland Raiders to becoming a celebrated comedian and actress, Anjelah shares her inspiring journey filled with laughter, resilience, and heartfelt stories. As Anjelah Johnson-Reyes reveals, the path to comedy is often paved with challenges. She candidly discusses her decision to dive into the world of comedy without any connections

What if the key to overcoming life's greatest challenges lies in resilience through laughter? Join host Lynn Hoffman in this enlightening encore episode of Comedy Saved Me, where she welcomes the remarkable Judy Gold, a two-time Emmy winner and the author of the bestselling book Yes, I Can Say That. Together, they delve into the healing power of humor and explore how comedy can serve as a vital coping mechanism, especially when navigating the complexities of family dynamics. Judy Gold  shares her personal journey and triumphs and challenges of performing at comedy shows,, reflecting on her ch

What happens when a legendary comedian like Lewis Black reflects on the healing power of humor during one of the most challenging times in recent history? Join host Lynn Hoffman in this captivating encore episode of Comedy Saved Me, where they dive deep into the world of comedy as a lifeline and a source of resilience. Lewis Black, known for his sharp wit and heartfelt storytelling, shares how comedy has been essential not just for his career, but for his very existence, especially during the isolation of the pandemic. At the age of 40, Lewis finally embraced his passion for stand-up, and his

What happens when a freak accident turns your life upside down, but instead of succumbing to despair, you find the healing power of humor? Join host Lynn Hoffman in this inspiring encore episode of Comedy Saved Me, where we delve into the remarkable journey of comedian Drew Lynch. After a traumatic brain injury from a softball game left him with a stutter, Drew Lynch faced unimaginable challenges. Yet, he transformed this adversity into a thriving career in comedy, proving that laughter truly is the best medicine. Drew's story is a testament to resilience and authenticity. He candidly shares

What if the key to understanding profound autism lies within the laughter shared between siblings? Join host Lynn Hoffman in this enlightening episode of "Comedy Saved Me," as she welcomes comedian Graham Kay to explore the delicate balance of humor and authenticity in his new stand-up special, "Pete and Me. " This heartfelt comedy special is not just a performance; it’s a tribute to Graham's older brother, Pete, who lives with profound autism. Graham Kay opens up about the challenges he faced while crafting comedy that honors his brother, emphasizing the healing power of humor and the importa

What if the key to overcoming life's toughest challenges lies in laughter? In this enlightening encore episode of "Comedy Saved Me," host Lynn Hoffman invites the legendary comedian Greg Proops, whose sharp wit and improvisational brilliance have entertained audiences for decades. Join us as Proops takes us on a captivating journey through his life, revealing how comedy saved him and continues to serve as a healing power of humor for himself and others.   From his childhood in Arizona, where classic shows like "Laugh-In" sparked his passion for humor, to his formative years in the vibrant Sa

What if the key to overcoming life's toughest challenges lies in the laughter we share? Join host Lynn Hoffman in this enlightening episode of Comedy Saved Me, where we dive deep into the world of musical comedy with the incredibly talented Gabe Gibbs. Known for his unique blend of music and humor, Gabe takes us on a journey from his upbringing as a pastor's kid in Detroit to the bright lights of Broadway and his rise as a viral sensation. Gabe Gibbs opens up about the healing power of humor and how it has shaped his life and career. He shares personal stories of comedy that highlight the pro

Have you ever wondered how laughter can be a lifeline during the toughest times in life? In this captivating encore episode of Comedy Saved Me, host Lynn Hoffman sits down with the legendary comedian Bill Engvall, known for his iconic catchphrase, "Here's Your Sign. "Bill Engvall opens up about the profound impact of comedy on our lives, sharing heartfelt stories that highlight the healing power of humor and its role as a vital survival mechanism. From his humble beginnings selling cars in Texas to becoming a household name through the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, Engvall’s journey is a testament

What if the key to overcoming life’s challenges lies in laughter? Join host Lynn Hoffman as she welcomes Jeremy DeBardi the charismatic frontman of the band Steel Beans, in this enlightening episode of Comedy Saved Me. Together, they dive deep into the captivating intersection of music and comedy, exploring how the healing power of humor can transform not only performances but also personal struggles. Jeremy’s journey from a solo musician to leading a band that fuses theatricality with music is a testament to the profound role that laughter plays in both art and life. As the conversation unfo

Have you ever wondered how laughter can be a powerful force for healing in our lives? In this encore episode of Comedy Saved Me, host Lynn Hoffman delves deep into the transformative world of humor with multi-talented comedian, actor, and author Wayne Federman. From his humble beginnings as a class clown in junior high during the vibrant 70s to becoming a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, Wayne Federman shares his personal stories of comedy that highlight the healing power of humor and the unique connection forged between comedians and their audiences.   Throughout this engagin

What if laughter truly is the best medicine? In this captivating episode of Comedy Saved Me, host Lynn Hoffman sits down with the remarkable Rosalee Mayeux, a multi-talented artist whose life journey is as inspiring as it is entertaining. From her early days strutting the runways of New York and Paris as a high fashion model to her courageous battle as a cancer survivor, Rosalee's story is a testament to the healing power of humor and the resilience of the human spirit. Rosalee Mayeux shares her unique perspective on how comedy has been a lifeline during her toughest moments, illustrating the

What if the key to overcoming life's challenges lies in laughter? Join host Lynn Hoffman in this enlightening episode of Comedy Saved Me, where we dive deep into the transformative journey of Fabrizio Guido, an up-and-coming actor and stand-up comedian whose life is a testament to the healing power of humor. Growing up in the vibrant arts scene of Los Angeles, Fabrizio was influenced by his mother's passion for community theater, which ignited his own love for performance. But it was a pivotal moment working alongside the legendary Gabriel Iglesias on the show Mr. Iglesias that propelled him i

What if the key to overcoming life's toughest challenges lies in laughter? In this enlightening encore episode of Comedy Saved Me, host Lynn Hoffman engages in a heartfelt conversation with multifaceted comedian, author, and healer Jeffrey Gurian. Gurian's journey from the world of dentistry to the vibrant realm of comedy is nothing short of inspiring, showcasing how the healing power of humor can transform pain into joy and connection. As Jeffrey Gurian recounts his emotional and mental struggles during dental school, where he often felt mistreated, he reveals how comedy saved me from the de

What if laughter could be your strongest ally in overcoming the toughest challenges life throws your way? In this enlightening encore episode of Comedy Saved Me, host Lynn Hoffman dives deep into the transformative journey of Thom Tran, a military veteran turned stand-up comedian, who discovered the healing power of humor amidst the chaos of war and personal struggles. Thom's story is a testament to how comedy saved me and can save others, showcasing the profound impact of laughter as therapy. Join us as Thom Tran shares his experiences during his deployment in Iraq, where he faced life-alter

What if the key to overcoming life's toughest challenges lies in the laughter we share? Join host Lynn Hoffman in this heartfelt encore episode of Comedy Saved Me, where she welcomes the incredible Wendy Liebman, a comedian whose journey through the highs and lows of life is a testament to the healing power of humor. Wendy opens up about her early struggles with depression and how discovering stand-up comedy became a transformative lifeline, allowing her to navigate personal struggles and emerge stronger than ever. Throughout their conversation, Wendy Liebman emphasizes the importance of perf

What if laughter could be the key to transforming not just your mood, but your entire life? Join host Lynn Hoffman in this enlightening episode of Comedy Saved Me as she welcomes the incredible comedian and political satirist Jimmy Tingle. Together, they explore the profound impact of comedy on personal resilience, societal change, and mental health, showcasing how comedy saved me in more ways than one. From his early influences like the iconic The Honeymooners to his unforgettable nights at the Ding Ho comedy club, Jimmy Tingle shares captivating personal stories of comedy that reveal the he

What if the key to overcoming life's toughest challenges lies in the laughter we share? Join host Lynn Hoffman in this enlightening encore episode of "Comedy Saved Me," where acclaimed comedian Greg Fitzsimmons takes us on a heartfelt journey through the healing power of humor. With over 35 years of sobriety, Fitzsimmons reveals how comedy has been his lifeline during dark times, turning personal struggles into laughter that resonates with audiences everywhere. This episode is not just a comedy interview; it’s a deep dive into how humor can serve as a therapeutic tool, transforming pain into c

Have you ever wondered how laughter can be a lifeline during the toughest times? Join us as host Buzz Knight takes you on a captivating journey through the transformative power of comedy with the legendary Lewis Black on this episode of "Comedy Saved Me. " Known for his razor-sharp wit and unapologetic humor, Lewis Black shares his unique insights on how comedy has not only saved his life but has also become a vital source of healing for countless others. As we dive deep into his career, Lewis reflects on his early dreams of being a playwright and the unexpected twist that led him to discover

Have you ever wondered how laughter can transform pain into joy? In this heartfelt episode of Comedy Saved Me, host Lynn Hoffman sits down with Mark Malkoff, a passionate comedy enthusiast and author of "Love Johnny Carson: The One Obsessive Fan's Journey to Find the Genius Behind the Legend. " Mark shares his personal journey, revealing how comedy not only saved him during the turbulent years of high school bullying but also became a crucial tool in managing his struggles with depression. This engaging conversation delves deep into the healing power of humor, showcasing how laughter truly is

What if the key to overcoming life's toughest challenges lies in laughter? In this enlightening episode of "Comedy Saved Me," host Lynn Hoffman invites the legendary comedian Greg Proops, whose sharp wit and improvisational brilliance have entertained audiences for decades. Join us as Proops takes us on a captivating journey through his life, revealing how comedy saved him and continues to serve as a healing power of humor for himself and others. From his childhood in Arizona, where classic shows like "Laugh-In" sparked his passion for humor, to his formative years in the vibrant San Francisc

What if laughter truly is the best medicine? In this enlightening encore episode of "Comedy Saved Me," host Lynn Hoffman invites the iconic Paula Poundstone to share her remarkable journey through the healing power of humor. As a comedy legend, Paula opens up about how comedy saved her life, offering personal stories that resonate with anyone who has faced life's absurdities. From her childhood memories of watching "I Love Lucy" and "The Three Stooges" to her rise as a celebrated comedian and contributor on the hit NPR Show "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me" , Paula Poundstone reflects on the pivotal m

What if the key to overcoming life's greatest challenges lies in laughter? Join host Lynn Hoffman in this enlightening episode of Comedy Saved Me, where she welcomes the remarkable Judy Gold, a two-time Emmy winner and the author of the bestselling book Yes, I Can Say That. Together, they delve into the healing power of humor and explore how comedy can serve as a vital coping mechanism, especially when navigating the complexities of family dynamics. Judy Gold  shares her personal journey, reflecting on her childhood in a family that shied away from discussing uncomfortable topics. This enviro

Comedian Dave Landau joins host Lynn Hoffman on Comedy Saved Me to share his powerful story of survival, resilience, and redemption through standup comedy. Best known as the co-host of Gutfeld! on Fox News and for his raw, honest standup, Landau opens up about the darkest chapters of his life and how comedy became his lifeline. In this deeply personal conversation, Dave discusses his battles with addiction and the challenges that nearly derailed his life and career. He reveals how discovering standup comedy gave him purpose during his lowest moments and provided a path forward when everything

What happens when a freak accident turns your life upside down, but instead of succumbing to despair, you find the healing power of humor? Join host Lynn Hoffman in this inspiring episode of Comedy Saved Me, where we delve into the remarkable journey of comedian Drew Lynch. After a traumatic brain injury from a softball game left him with a stutter, Drew faced unimaginable challenges. Yet, he transformed this adversity into a thriving career in comedy, proving that laughter truly is the best medicine. Drew's story is a testament to resilience and authenticity. He candidly shares his initial d

Comedy Legend Craig Shoemaker Opens Up About Depression, Addiction & Finding His Voice | Comedy Saved Me Join host Lynn Hoffman for an unforgettable replay conversation with comedy icon Craig Shoemaker, the comedic genius behind “The Lovemaster” character and one of stand-up’s most versatile performers. In this deeply personal replay episode, Craig reveals how comedy literally saved his life during his darkest battles with depression and addiction. Craig Shoemaker believes in the healing power of humor. From his early days struggling to find his comedic voice to becoming a headlining perform

In this replay episode of Comedy Saved Me, our host Lynn Hoffman talks with comedian Raymond Orta, whose larger-than-life storytelling and razor-sharp humor have made him one of the most dynamic voices in stand-up comedy today. Raymond Orta opens up about the challenges he’s faced offstage—from personal struggles to the pressures of everyday life—and how comedy and laughter became his outlet, his therapy, and ultimately, his way through. With honesty, heart, and of course a lot of laughs, Raymond Orta shares how comedic advice with his unique perspective and bilingual punchlines not only conn

What if the key to overcoming life's challenges lies in laughter? Join host Lynn Hoffman in this enlightening replay episode of Comedy Saved Me, where we dive deep into the world of comedy with the incredibly talented Adam Ferrara. Known for his captivating performances on Comedy Central and The Tonight Show, Adam takes us on a journey through his life, revealing how the healing power of humor has shaped his path. From the moment he sneaked into a basement to watch Richard Pryor, he discovered that laughter could be a lifeline, a sentiment that resonates throughout his career. As Adam shares

Welcome back to Comedy Saved Me! I’m your host Lynn Hoffman, and today we’re revisiting one of our most memorable conversations - my sit-down with the incomparable Rich Vos. Rich Vos is a comedy institution. With over four decades in the business, he’s gone from the gritty streets of New Jersey to becoming one of the most respected names in stand-up comedy. You know him from his countless appearances on the Opie & Anthony Show, his work as a Comedy Central Roast Battle veteran, and his scene-stealing role in the acclaimed series “Crashing.” But what you’re about to hear goes deeper than the

REPLAY: Comedy songwriter and parody music legend Red Peters joins host Lynn Hoffman to share how comedy saved his life and shaped his legendary career. Best known for his appearances on The Howard Stern Show and as a Dr. Demento Show favorite, Red Peters opens up about creating viral comedy songs, navigating the comedy music industry, and finding his voice as a musical comedian. In this Comedy Saved Me conversation, Red Peters discusses: • His journey from aspiring musician to comedy songwriter and parody artist • Behind-the-scenes stories from The Howard Stern Show appearances • The crea

Join host Lynn Hoffman in this encore presentation of one of Comedy Saved Me’s most beloved episodes featuring television icon Tom Bergeron. In this insightful and hilarious conversation, the legendary host of Dancing with the Stars and America’s Funniest Home Videos opens up about how comedy became his lifeline throughout a remarkable career in entertainment. In This Episode, Tom Bergeron shares comedic advice: Tom takes listeners on a journey from his early days in local radio to becoming one of America’s most trusted and beloved TV hosts. Discover how his quick wit and comedic instincts h

: Join us as Comedy Saved Me host Lynn Hoffman talks with Jeremy DeBardi of Steel Beans, a creative force who’s blending unique style with fresh sonic experimentation, while utilizing a comedic approach to performance. In this comedy interview, Jeremy opens up about his distinctive artistic vision, the creative process behind his new music, and how he’s carving out his own lane in today’s landscape. From the comedic inspiration that fuels his sound to the risks he takes in pushing boundaries, we explore what it means to stay true to your creative instincts while constantly evolving and embraci

What if the laughter and authenticity you share could be the key to healing your deepest wounds? Join host Lynn Hoffman in this captivating episode of Comedy Saved Me, where comedian Bret Ernst takes us on a remarkable journey from the football field to the comedy stage. Brett's story is a testament to the healing power of humor, showcasing how his experiences in football instilled discipline and resilience that later shaped his unique comedic voice. As he shares his first stand-up experience, Brett dives into the challenges of performing and the fierce competition that drives comedians to hon

What if laughter could truly change your life? In this replay episode of "Comedy Saved Me," host Lynn Hoffman dives deep into the world of comedy with the incredibly talented Vic DiBitetto, known for his viral sensation "Bread and Milk" and his high-energy performances that have captivated audiences everywhere and healed the soul . Vic's journey from the schoolyard class clown to the bustling comedy clubs of Brooklyn is a testament to the healing power of humor and the resilience of the human spirit. Discover how comedy saved him during challenging times, proving that laughter is not just ente

What if laughter could be your lifeline in the darkest of times? Join host Lynn Hoffman as she dives deep into the healing power of humor with the legendary Bill Engvall, a comedic force known for his unforgettable catchphrase, "Here's Your Sign. " This episode of Comedy Saved Me explores the profound impact of laughter not just as entertainment, but as an essential tool for survival and healing in our everyday lives.   Bill Engvall, a star of the iconic Blue Collar Comedy Tour, shares personal stories that highlight the unifying power of laughter in massive arenas and intimate settings alik

Jim Florentine opens up about how comedy became his therapy on this powerful Comedy Saved Me podcast  replay episode with host Lynn Hoffman. In this candid conversation, the legendary comedian known for his contribution to The Howard Stern Show, shares personal stories about using laughter as medicine to navigate life’s darkest moments. From his groundbreaking work on Crank Yankers to hosting That Metal Show, Jim Florentine reveals how stand-up comedy and mental health intersect in ways most people never see. This episode dives deep into: • How comedy therapy helped Jim process grief and lo

Wayne Federman has been in the comedy trenches for decades—as a stand-up, writer, actor, and self-proclaimed comedy historian. But his path to success was anything but overnight. In this episode with your host Lynn Hoffman, Wayne Federman shares the secret to his success in his career and how and why he continues to make comedy his calling.  He is a master of improv and he discusses how it was to work on episodes of Curb Your Enthusiasm with Larry David. Wayne Federman gives his hilarious take on the power of comedy and why laughter truly is the best medicine.   See omnystudio.com/listener fo

Join Host Lynn Hoffman for this replay of Comedy Saved Me with Boston Comedy Legend Tony V. He has forged his own path in the Hub and found his way to headlining nationally, even having a memorable appearance as the man with the umbrella on the Seinfeld Show.He traces his career, what led him to comedy and why laughter and comedic advice is so important. This Tony V comedy interview is truly comedy therapy for the soul. Thanks for checking out the Comedy Saved Me podcast with Lynn Hoffman which is part of Buzz Knight Media Productions and part of the IHeart Podcast Network. See omnystudio.com

Margaret Cho joined Buzz Knight on the Takin A Walk podcast some months ago and we share this on Comedy Saved Me to showcase the power of laughter. Margaret Cho talks about her music project on this Takin A Walk podcast episode with Buzz Knight but also shares her wisdom and comedic advice on how to navigate in everyday life. Listen to the Comedy Saved Me podcast with host Lynn Hoffman See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join our host Lynn Hoffman with one of the most iconic figures in comedy, the one and only Paula Poundstone. Always authentic and forever bold Paula shares the inspiration behind her work, her influences and how connecting with her audience drives her everyday. She shares her secrets on the power of laughter on this comedian interview podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Lynn Hoffman on this episode of Comedy Saved Me with the legendary comedian Wendy Liebman. Wendy has had an amazing career of Stand Up and Television work and she shares the stories behind her career about the true power of comedy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wendy Liebman is an American Stand Up Comic who has starred in specials for HBO, Showtime and Comedy Central and she shares with host Lynn Hoffman on the upcoming episode the power of comedy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We go back to episode one with host Lynn Hoffman and Emmy Award Winning Comedian Paul Mercurio. He give us his unique take on the power of laughter and how Paul got into a comedy career. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedy Saved Me Podcast - Episode Show Notes Guest: Thom Tran Episode Description In this powerful episode of Comedy Saved Me, host Lynn Hoffman sits down with multi-talented veteran, comedian, musician, and activist Thom Tran for an inspiring conversation about resilience, healing, and finding purpose through laughter. Thom’s journey from combat soldier to comedy stage is nothing short of remarkable. After enlisting in the U.S. Army at just 18 years old, Thom served as a Communications and Civil Affairs Sergeant within the Army’s Special Operations Community. His military career came to a