A look back at the first year of The Laughter Clinic Podcast

On this day a year ago, I hit publish on the first ever Laughter Clinic Podcast episode. This anniversary wrap-up is me being honest about the wins, the numbers, the standout conversations, and the parts of producing these first 40 episodes that have been harder than I expected.  I walk through the guests who made the year what it is, from comedians sharing stories about illness, bullying, balance, and the craft of stand-up comedy, to suicidology and suicide prevention leaders digging into moral injury, research, and what evidence-based practice looks like in the real world. I also reflect on the solo episodes and the practical themes people keep coming back to: loneliness and connection, social health, journalling with my WATT method (What Action Taken Today), the hidden mental health benefits of sport, and building a daily routine that supports you when life gets noisy.  We also get into the bigger picture: why social prescribing in Australia matters, and why I’m determined that comedy, humour, and laughter aren’t left out of health and wellbeing conversations. I also share what I’ve struggled with behind the scenes and the areas in which I'm want to improve. If you’re new here, this is a great place to start. If you’ve been around for a while, thank you for sticking with me. If you're a fan of this type of work, I invite you to please subscribe, share the podcast with someone who could use it, or leave a review. It all helps .. Cheers Thanks for listening.. Website: www.thelaughterclinic.com.auYoutube: 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 AustraliaPhone: 13 11 14 (24/7)Web: lifeline.org.auSuicide Call Back ServicePhone: 1300 659 467 (24/7)Web: suicidecallbackservice.org.auBeyond BluePhone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)Web: beyondblue.org.auKids Helpline (for people aged 5-25)Phone: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)Web: kidshelpline.com.auMensLine AustraliaPhone: 1300 78 99 78 (24/7)Web: mensline.org.auSANE Australia (complex mental health issues)Phone: 1800 18 7263Web: sane.orgQLife (LGBTIQ+ support)Phone: 1800 184 527 Web: qlife.org.auOpen Arms (Veterans & Families Counselling)Phone: 1800 011 046 (24/7)Web: openarms.gov.au1800RESPECT (sexual assault, domestic violence)Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7)Web: 1800respect.org.auHeadspace (youth mental health, ages 12-25)Phone: 1800 650 890 Web: headspace.org.au13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support)Phone: 13 92 76 (13YARN) (24/7)Web: 13yarn.org.auMusic by Hayden Smithhttps://www.haydensmith.com