EPISODE · Oct 14, 2025 · 1H 47M
Chatting with comedian Ellen Briggs: Relationships, Rural Comedy Shows and Redifining Success.
from The Laughter Clinic · host Mark McConville
A good joke can change a room; the right night can change a town. That’s the pulse of this conversation with Ellen Briggs—mother of twins, touring comedian, and co-creator of the hit show Women Like Us.We chat about the craft behind creating an “alive silence,” and the hidden workings of a sustainable comedy career that doesn’t rely on festivals or TV appearances. Ellen walks us through a decade of building shows that bring people together across Australia. There are stories that land hard about drought-stricken audiences using a comedy show to reconnect with neighbours after months, a woman turning to humour days after a traumatic home invasion, and the way post-show chats open doors to conversations about domestic violence, anxiety, and suicide risk in remote communities. The theme is constant: laughter creates connection; and connection is vital for our well-being.If you’ve ever wondered how stand-up intersects with mental health, why small towns pack out big halls, or what it takes to craft a life in the arts, you’ll find something here to hold onto. Like the episode, share with a friend, and leave a review to help more curious minds find us.Follow Ellen: Instagram: @ellenbriggsFacebook: Ellen Briggs Website: www.ellenbriggs.comWebsite: 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
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A good joke can change a room; the right night can change a town. That’s the pulse of this conversation with Ellen Briggs—mother of twins, touring comedian, and co-creator of the hit show Women Like Us. We chat about the craft behind creating an “alive silence,” and the hidden workings of a sustainable comedy career that doesn’t rely on festivals or TV appearances. Ellen walks us through a decade of building shows that bring people together across Australia. There are stories that land...
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Chatting with comedian Ellen Briggs: Relationships, Rural Comedy Shows and Redifining Success.
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