57: Comedy, Wrestling, and the Mission of God, with Dave Ebert

In this episode, we speak with Dave Ebert, Director and Founder of Well-Versed Comedy, and also the host of the Gifts for Glory podcast.  There's something life-giving about comedy, isn't there?  Why is that?  Why, after we have a good belly laugh, do we feel like the world is better than it was before?  Dave Ebert discusses what makes comedy so life-giving when it comes to restoring shalom in the world. THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDEDave Ebert is the Director and Founder of Well-Versed Comedy.Dave found his way into comedy from a season of deep depression.Laughter has a tangible healing quality.Laughter can unite people.  It can break down walls.Dave’s comedy team will often go onstage before a keynote speaker in order to get the audience laughing.  But the purpose is not mere entertainment; it’s to bring everyone together and break down walls.In Episode 55: Healing Our Polarized World, Markus spoke with Dan White, Jr. about breaking down walls in our polarized world.Markus tells a story about seeing Brian Regan and the shared experience it created for him and another person.Dave Ebert says that, of the qualities of God that get expressed in comedy, love and joy are two of the first.“Laughter is the tangible evidence of hope.” –Michael JuniorMarkus shares about how the comedy show, Impractical Jokers, kept hope alive in him during a dark season of his life.Dan has been able to use his comedy to bring hope and healing to women who have been rescued from sex trafficking.There is a restoration of shalom when people laugh.Dan shares his thoughts on humor in the Bible.Dan started an annual comedy event called PureFest.  Next year it will be on the last weekend in September.You can find out more about Dave Ebert and his comedy at Gifts4Glory.com.If you are struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, you are welcome to e-mail Dave Ebert anytime at [email protected]. RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKSDave EbertWell-Versed Comedy website:  www.gifts4glory.comPureFest website: https://purefest.wixsite.com/purefestBooks mentionedLove Over Fear by Dan White, Jr.Choose Joy by Kay WarrenTo leave a review of Spiritual Life and Leadership:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spiritual-life-and-leadership/id1435252632 ---Links to Amazon are affiliate links.  If you make a purchase through any of these links, I'll receive a small commission--which will help pay for the Spiritual Life and Leadership podcast!  :-)Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking!Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.