In tough times, joy can feel out of reach. But sometimes, a single shared laugh has the power to lift the weight of the world—even in a hospital room, a funeral, or a difficult conversation.In this special episode, I’m adding my voice to Podcasthon , a global movement of over 1,600 shows across 47 countries. Instead of just mentioning a charity at the end, I wanted to go deeper and dedicate this episode to the incredible work of Clown Doctors—specially trained performers who bring laughter into hospitals to ease anxiety and pain.Together, we’ll explore what laughter does to our bodies and our relationships, why it matters so much in hard moments, and how we can all make space for more playfulness in everyday life.Episode SummaryThis episode is a warm and science-backed reflection on the power of laughter—how it supports our mental health, deepens connection, and even has physical benefits. I talk about the inspiring work of Clown Doctors in Australia, how humour can be a tool for emotional repair, and why laughter belongs in even the most serious spaces.Key TakeawaysLaughter triggers feel-good chemicals like endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin, reducing pain and improving connectionScientific research shows laughter can reduce cortisol (our stress hormone) by up to 32%Humour can strengthen relationships, ease conflict, and build trust, especially with teens and in familiesClown Doctors Australia use laughter as a tool in hospitals to reduce anxiety and support healingLaughter helps us regulate our emotions and reconnect with others, especially in high-stress momentsSharing a laugh can shift the tone in difficult conversations and promote closenessWe can intentionally create more opportunities for laughter in everyday lifePlayful moments—even small ones—can offer relief, connection, and a sense of hopehttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37220157/https://humourfoundation.org.au/clown-doctors/https://www.podcasthon.org/Connect with Marie https://thetherapyhub.com.au/ https://marievakakis.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/Submit a question to the Podcasthttps://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6

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