Laughter is Medicine…

Sparkle with Your Smile!!!

'Karen and Jay share the joy of laughter!'

A good hearty laugh can lighten up your spirits, bring joyful energy and as we all know, has contagious positive effect for those around us. Karen and I love to laugh and smile. And it’s well documented – laughter has a positive impact on your physiology. It can improve your immune system, stimulate cellular regeneration and ignites the flow of life enhancing chemicals through our system. Even in tense situations, and perhaps especially in tense situations, sharing a funny story or just finding a good way to laugh can ease the tension and instantly lighten up the situation.

So, let’s commit to laugh more. And here’s a question: When is the last time you had a really good belly laugh? Think about it. How did you feel? What caused it? Laughter has a way of connecting us to our shared humanity. When we laugh, our brains release endorphins and dopamine—those feel-good neurotransmitters that enhance mood and reduce stress. At the same time, our breathing deepens, our blood oxygen levels rise, and our hearts get a gentle workout. The result is an overall sense of relaxation and renewal. Science tells us that laughter can lower cortisol levels, support better immunity, and even ease physical pain. But beyond all the studies and clinical evidence, the simple experience of laughter feels like sunshine from within, illuminating our mood and radiating warmth to everyone nearby.

In a world that often moves too fast, laughter offers a moment of pause—a reprieve. It reminds us that even in the midst of life’s challenges, joy still exists and can be shared. When we laugh with others, we bridge gaps, dissolve differences, and find a common rhythm. That shared joy fosters connection and community, making interactions lighter and relationships stronger. A genuine laugh signals safety and trust, inviting others to relax and open up. In that instant, we all breathe a little easier.

Physiologically, laughter acts as a natural stress reliever. It triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps the body shift from a “fight or flight” mode to a “rest and restore” state. Muscles loosen, blood pressure drops, and the body’s internal chemistry recalibrates toward balance. Even a few moments of laughter can create a ripple effect that endures for hours—lifting energy, sharpening focus, and brightening perspective. It’s nature’s own medicine, freely available and miraculously effective.

Most of all, laughter is joy embodied. It’s spontaneous, sincere, and boundless. It turns ordinary moments into memories and transforms strangers into friends. When we choose to laugh—to find humor, to see the lighter side—we choose positivity, resilience, and hope. So let’s keep finding those moments that make us laugh until our sides ache and tears of joy stream down our faces. Let’s share that sound and spirit generously. In the end, laughter doesn’t just heal the body—it nourishes the soul.

The Man Who Laughed His Way Back to Life

The Incredible True Story of Norman Cousins

In the late 1960s, journalist and author Norman Cousins was handed a terrifying diagnosis: a rare and painful spinal disease that left him immobilized and given little hope by doctors. But Cousins wasn’t about to go quietly. Instead of resigning himself to a hospital bed, he checked into a hotel room—armed with a projector, reels of Marx Brothers films, and an unshakable belief in the healing power of laughter.

To the surprise of his doctors (and pretty much everyone else), Cousins noticed that just ten minutes of deep belly laughing gave him hours of pain-free sleep. He documented the experience and credited laughter—along with high doses of vitamin C and a positive attitude—as the key to his remarkable recovery. It wasn’t just a fluke; he later wrote a best-selling book, Anatomy of an Illness, that helped launch an entire movement exploring mind-body healing.

Cousins’ story lit a spark in both the medical and popular world. Scientists began to take a closer look at how emotional states, particularly laughter, can influence immune function, stress response, and overall well-being. He essentially became the poster child for what’s now called "laughter therapy."

Today, his legacy lives on in hospitals, wellness programs, and even laughter yoga classes around the globe. Cousins reminded us all of something simple and powerful: joy isn't just a luxury—it can be a form of medicine.

When the Room Cracked Up—And Everything Changed

How a Well-Timed Laugh Diffused a Disaster

Here’s one I actually remember. Imagine a high-stakes business negotiation, two rival companies at the brink of a deal—millions on the line. Emotions are tight, egos are flaring, and the room is about to implode. That's exactly what happened in a tense boardroom in Chicago in the early 2000s, where an acquisition deal was moments from falling apart over a petty misunderstanding.

Just as the tension hit its peak, one of the junior execs (sweating bullets, by the way) accidentally dropped his pen, which ricocheted off the table and landed perfectly into his coffee cup. The entire room went silent—then burst into uncontrollable laughter. That one silly, unexpected moment cracked the ice. What had felt like battle lines suddenly became a table of human beings, sharing a genuine laugh.

After that, the tone shifted completely. The executives began speaking more candidly, making jokes, and finding common ground. The deal, which had teetered on collapse, was signed that very afternoon. And later, both parties credited that spontaneous moment of humor as the turning point.

Sometimes, all it takes is one genuine laugh to remind us we're all on the same team. Whether it's a business deal or a family disagreement, humor has a way of stripping down defenses and opening the door to real connection.

From Vaudeville to Viral Memes: A Laughing Matter in American History

The Role of Comedy in U.S. Culture

From Mark Twain’s witty writings to Richard Pryor’s stand-up and Saturday Night Live, laughter has been a throughline in the American story. In fact, humor has often done more than entertain—it’s helped us process pain, challenge power, and come together during tough times.

During the Great Depression, Americans found relief in slapstick films like those from the Three Stooges (one of my favorites!) and Charlie Chaplin. In times of war, comedy was a morale booster; Bob Hope famously brought laughter to troops overseas, helping to lift spirits in otherwise dark environments. And let’s not forget how TV sitcoms like I Love Lucy or The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reflected the changing face of American society—through laughter.

Comedy has also been a vehicle for social change. From George Carlin’s hilarious critiques to Family Guy and my favorite, Brian the dog, comedians and TV shows have helped us confront serious truths with a lighter touch. Humor creates space for dialogue—and often, disarms resistance more effectively than argument ever could.

So yes, while we in America have faced its share of storms, we’ve also been a nation that knows how to laugh—even through the tears. And maybe that’s one of the reasons we've managed to keep going. So, let’s continue to rise above the divisiveness and enjoy some great laughter! All as one nation – united together!

Locker Room Laughs and Championship Cheers

Why Jokes Might Be the Real MVP in Pro Sports

You might think professional sports are all grit and grind—and mostly they are. But behind the intense competition and high-pressure moments, there’s a secret weapon that many teams swear by: laughter. A well-timed joke or prank can lift spirits, release tension, and even change the momentum of a game.

Take the 2016 Chicago Cubs, for example. Amid a historic World Series drought and media frenzy, the players kept things light with dance-offs, inside jokes, and the infamous “Rally Zobrist” banana costume. Their ability to stay loose under pressure played a huge part in their historic win. Coaches and psychologists alike now stress the importance of keeping the locker room culture upbeat and humorous. Or how about the grounds crew at Yankee Stadium who does a dance to the song, YMCA, as they sweep the infield between innings?

Even during intense games, athletes often share a laugh on the sidelines, reminding each other not to take every play too seriously. Tennis stars, NBA teammates, and even NFL rivals have been caught cracking jokes mid-match. These moments help athletes reset and focus—and remind fans that yes, they’re human too.

In the end, laughter in sports isn’t just fun—it’s strategic. It builds camaraderie, lightens the mood, and reminds players why they fell in love with the game in the first place. Because sometimes, the best way to win is to relax... and laugh a little.

Positive Profile of the Week: Jay Leno

America’s Everyman of Late Night—and a Gentleman of Genuine Laughter

This week, we’re proud to shine the spotlight on a true icon of good-natured humor: Jay Leno, our Positive Profile of the Week! Best known for his decades-long run as host of The Tonight Show, Jay brought his signature blend of clean, observational comedy into millions of homes every night. Whether he was poking gentle fun at politics or cracking jokes about everyday life, Leno made it his mission to entertain without ever being mean-spirited—a refreshing rarity in comedy, then and now.

Off-camera, Jay Leno is just as remarkable. Famous for his work ethic and humility, he’s long been known for never spending a dime of his NBC salary—choosing instead to live off the earnings from his stand-up gigs. While many celebrities chase extravagance, Jay stayed grounded, often performing hundreds of shows a year, not for fame, but because he genuinely loves making people laugh. And he’s a class act—always professional, always kind to his crew and fans alike.

One classic Jay story that still makes people smile happened during his Tonight Show days. A young intern accidentally spilled coffee on Jay’s desk right before the show was set to air. Mortified, the intern expected to be fired on the spot. Instead, Jay grabbed a mop, helped clean it up, and joked, “At least it wasn’t on the guest!” Then he smiled and said, “Hey, it’s only a desk.” That moment stuck with staff as pure Jay: funny, unfazed, and full of grace.

Beyond the stage and screen, Jay’s generosity is well-known—particularly his quiet, behind-the-scenes support for veterans, mechanics, and working-class folks who remind him of his own upbringing. He’s also a huge car enthusiast, and instead of just collecting classic cars, he uses his garage (and show Jay Leno’s Garage) to spotlight the stories of everyday people who’ve built or restored incredible vehicles with their own hands.

Jay Leno reminds us that comedy doesn't have to be cruel to be clever. With his tireless work ethic, sharp wit, and big heart, he’s more than a late-night legend—he’s a lifelong ambassador of laughter, kindness, and humility. Thanks, Jay, for keeping it classy and funny.

Quote of the Week: Laughter is Medicine

"The human race has only one really effective weapon, and that is laughter."

— Mark Twain