EPISODE · Apr 23, 2026 · 33 MIN
From Improv Comedy to Cancer: A “Horrible Blessing” | Les McGehee (Part 1)
from Bouncing Back Podcast · host Melissa McCurley
In this episode of Bouncing Back, host Melissa McCurley sits down with Les McGehee, a speaker, author, coach, and serial entrepreneur whose background in improv comedy and positive psychology took on a whole new meaning when he received a sudden cancer diagnosis just two days before Christmas.Les opens up about the chaotic and terrifying first eight weeks of his journey, the "horrible blessing" of learning how to accept help, and why he chose to advance rather than retreat when his life was threatened. Together, Melissa and Les explore the profound difference between comedy (a commodity) and humor (a deeply rooted human health condition), and how shared laughter can literally alter our biology, build trust, and foster life-saving resilience.They also dive into the PERMA model of positive psychology, the historical medical definition of "humors," and how humor can be a light in our darkest, most humbling moments.🎧 Hosted by: Melissa McCurley🎙 Guest: Les McGeheeLes McGehee is the President and co-founder of Rialto Academy, a real estate education, coaching, and training organization serving professionals and associations across North America. He has delivered thousands of live and virtual presentations in the U.S. and internationally, authored the leadership book Plays Well With Others, and co-created the original The ONE Thing Trainer Certification Program based on the bestselling book The ONE Thing. Under his leadership, Rialto Academy’s training team was twice named the #1 training organization in the world by Training Magazine. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ How Les processed a life-threatening cancer diagnosis while on a comedy tour✔️ The “horrible blessing” of learning to ask for and accept help✔️ Why choosing to “advance” instead of “retreat” changed his cancer journey✔️ The profound difference between comedy (a commodity) and humor (a human condition)✔️ How shared laughter builds instant trust, connection, and physical resilience✔️ The historical medical background of “humors” and positive emotion✔️ How the PERMA model in positive psychology can help you navigate dark moments✔️ The story of how Les got his start in comedy (and his first gig opening for Sinbad!)📇 Connect with Les McGehee:🌎 Website → https://rialtoacademy.com/📘 Book → https://surl.li/wwrvkm🎙 Follow the Bouncing Back Podcast:📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/groups/bouncingbackpodcast/📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/melmccurley/🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-mccurley/📺 Youtube → https://www.youtube.com/@BouncingBackwithMelissa📱Pinterest → https://www.pinterest.com/bouncingbackwithmelissa/🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate – https://iconsofrealestate.com/
What this episode covers
In this episode of Bouncing Back, host Melissa McCurley sits down with Les McGehee, a speaker, author, coach, and serial entrepreneur whose background in improv comedy and positive psychology took on a whole new meaning when he received a sudden cancer diagnosis just two days before Christmas.Les opens up about the chaotic and terrifying first eight weeks of his journey, the "horrible blessing" of learning how to accept help, and why he chose to advance rather than retreat when his life was threatened. Together, Melissa and Les explore the profound difference between comedy (a commodity) and humor (a deeply rooted human health condition), and how shared laughter can literally alter our biology, build trust, and foster life-saving resilience.They also dive into the PERMA model of positive psychology, the historical medical definition of "humors," and how humor can be a light in our darkest, most humbling moments.🎧 Hosted by: Melissa McCurley🎙 Guest: Les McGeheeLes McGehee is the President and co-founder of Rialto Academy, a real estate education, coaching, and training organization serving professionals and associations across North America. He has delivered thousands of live and virtual presentations in the U.S. and internationally, authored the leadership book Plays Well With Others, and co-created the original The ONE Thing Trainer Certification Program based on the bestselling book The ONE Thing. Under his leadership, Rialto Academy’s training team was twice named the #1 training organization in the world by Training Magazine. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ How Les processed a life-threatening cancer diagnosis while on a comedy tour✔️ The “horrible blessing” of learning to ask for and accept help✔️ Why choosing to “advance” instead of “retreat” changed his cancer journey✔️ The profound difference between comedy (a commodity) and humor (a human condition)✔️ How shared laughter builds instant trust, connection, and physical resilience✔️ The historical medical background of “humors” and positive emotion✔️ How the PERMA model in positive psychology can help you navigate dark moments✔️ The story of how Les got his start in comedy (and his first gig opening for Sinbad!)📇 Connect with Les McGehee:🌎 Website → https://rialtoacademy.com/📘 Book → https://surl.li/wwrvkm🎙 Follow the Bouncing Back Podcast:📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/groups/bouncingbackpodcast/📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/melmccurley/🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-mccurley/📺 Youtube → https://www.youtube.com/@BouncingBackwithMelissa📱Pinterest → https://www.pinterest.com/bouncingbackwithmelissa/🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate – https://iconsofrealestate.com/
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From Improv Comedy to Cancer: A “Horrible Blessing” | Les McGehee (Part 1)
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