LaughBox

This Special Edition of Laughbox is for Steve Wilson to hand off the Internatioinal Humor Month to Drew Tarvin. Enjoy the history of National Humor Month with Larry Wilde and others in the story of how humor was proven to be the best medicine (and continues to be ).

Steve Wilson, known as the “Cheerman of The Bored” and the one and only “Joyologist”, is the founder of World Laughter Tour, Inc. and has trained 7,000 laughter therapists.

He is the author of seven books and dozens of articles and blogs, and is an internationally acclaimed, award-winning humor expert. As one of America's top-rated professional speakers, Wilson offers popular programs on joy, motivation, teamwork, health and humor. He has also served as a design consultant and spokesperson for the SunChips Laughalizer campaign.

In addition, he earned a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor, and the Rire d'Or Award (Golden Laughter) from L'Ecole Internationale Du Rire et du Bonheur. He is President of the Laughter Arts & Sciences Foundation (501.c.3) and has been featured in numerous radio & TV talk shows and other media around the world.

Dani Klein Modisett is the Founder/CEO of the award-winning company bringing comic relief to those facing Alzheimer’s, Laughter On Call. LOC was launched to help her mother who became depressed facing the disease. In the ensuing 6 years the company has grown to help all people feeling isolated. To date it has trained thousands of caregivers and worked with over 600 companies around the world including META,

Amazon, Capital One, Bristol Myers and FEMA. LOC has been featured in The Washington Post, The London Times, The NY Times and AARP Magazine. Dani is also a comedian/actor and author of the books, “Afterbirth: stories you won’t read in a parenting magazine (St. Martin’s Press) “Take My Spouse, Please.” (Penguin Random House) a part-memoir, part how-to for creating shared laughter to keep your marriage happy and healthy. Dani taught Stand-Up at UCLA for 10 years and has coached keynote speakers, business leaders, and Congressional candidates to use more humor in their communication. She has been a keynote speaker at Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, Dartmouth Entrepreneur Forum, CALA, ICAA and UCLA.

She has run workshops at Stanford, MIT, Columbia, Duke’s Fuqua and Harvard Business School where Laughter On Call is currently a case study. Her writing has appeared in AARP, NY Times, LA Times, Parents Magazine and many websites. Her many podcast appearances include Stanford’s “When I’m 64,” and “The Tony Robbins Podcast.” Before becoming an entrepreneur, Dani was an actor who appeared on Broadway and many TV shows including “Law & Order,” “The Lottery,” and “Las Vegas,” for NBC. She was listed in Forbes 50>50 in 2023. 

Dani Klein Modisett 

Laughter On Call 

Founder/CEO

(213) 840-6798

Named Forbes 50 over 50

Author Take My Spouse, Please 

Andrew Tarvin is the world’s first Humor Engineer teaching people how to get better results while having more fun. He has worked with thousands of people at 200+ organizations, including P&G, GE, and Microsoft.

In 2025, Andrew became Director of International Humor Month for AATH.

Combining his background as a project manager at Procter & Gamble with his experience as an international comedian, Andrew’s program are engaging, entertaining, and most important, effective.

He is a best-selling author, has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and TEDx, and has delivered programs in 50 states, 18 countries, and 3 continents. He loves the color orange and is obsessed with chocolate.

https://www.aath.org/humor-month

https://www.humorthatworks.com/

Dr. Sam Shay, DC, IFMCP is a functional medicine expert, speaker, and comedian who has helped countless individuals optimize their health through personalized, data-driven strategies. Specializing in energy optimization, brain health, and overcoming fatigue and stress, Dr. Sam combines his health expertise with his unique comedic perspective to make health transformation accessible, engaging, and empowering.

His 25+ years of experience have led him to create the Neuro-Harmony Model, a comprehensive framework designed to nurture and optimize mental, emotional, and physical health. He uses this model to provide clear, actionable strategies to help professionals manage stress, boost focus, and sustain high performance in demanding environments.

Dr. Sam also uses his platform to support professionals navigating the unique challenges of high-stakes careers, offering tools to maintain balance and resilience while achieving their goals. Drawing on his deep understanding of functional medicine, he blends humor and science to empower individuals to tap into their full potential in work and life.

Dr. Sam has been featured on over 100 podcasts and stages, sharing his transformative approach to unlocking human potential and helping professionals thrive through functional medicine.

Dr. Shay also shares practical health insights in his stand-up comedy, making health transformation fun and relatable. His one-hour comedy special, "NeuroSpicy: Love, Life, & Comedy on the Spectrum", shares his journey and includes powerful insights on embracing neurodiversity.  

Website: www.DrSamShay.com 

Genetics program: https://go.drsamshay.com/sp-dna-decoded

Facebook: www.DrSamShay.com/sam.shay.792 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/tenpointwellness 

Mike Goodwin is a refreshingly funny comedian, keynote speaker, and content delivery coach. His signature bowtie represents his expectation-defying brand of comedy that leaves a variety of audiences - from churches to corporate events to swanky galas - laughing hysterically and completely inspired, without a foul or vulgar word spoken. 

A native of Camden, South Carolina, Mike holds a master’s degree in Education from the University of South Carolina, is a veteran of the U.S. Army, and a former primary and secondary education professional. He infuses his varied life experiences into his act, making him relatable to audiences from all walks of life. 

Using his ability to merge leadership and laughter, Mike is a powerful communicator whose primary goal is to leave places and people better than he found them. The TEDx speaker has appeared on America’s Got Talent, Dry Bar Comedy, Today Show, Lifetime, BET, Amazon Prime,TBN, Daystar, USA, the Word Network, Circle TV, and SiriusXM.

 A southern gentleman with a curious mind, love for people, and heart for God, Mike Goodwin is in a class all his own. He resides in Columbia, SC with his beautiful wife Rozalynn and their two children.  

mikegoodwin.com

I am an Executive Coach, Trainer, Speaker, and Humor Ambassador.

I specialize in translating evidence-based techniques into actionable

tools for teams. I have 25+ years of leadership experience in

multinational companies and organizations. s and individuals, focusing

on mindset shifts, communication, and leadership skills. I hold

workshops integrating humor and improv with psychological research to

enhance creativity, flexibility, and performance.

I hold presentations and workshops at international conferences. My

passion is helping people laugh more and complain less.

  As a speech coach, I supported 100+ presenters for TEDx and

professional conferences.

I am a member of the Association of Applied and Therapeutic Humor

(aath.org), the Applied Improv Network

(https://www.appliedimprovisationnetwork.org/), the International

Society for Humor Studies (https://www.humorstudies.org/) and

Toastmasters International.

My links:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bea-bincze-pcc-actc-dtm-4679bb13

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bea.bincze

Company: https://businesscoach.hu/en/humor/

For over forty years, John Johnson (Simply Saint Nick) has been a character actor and historical presenter, notably bringing the role of Santa Claus to life in the most authentic way. His debut on stage (and as Santa no less) was at the age of six in an elementary school production of “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Since then, John has gone on to study acting with the Alban Arts Academy in Saint Albans, West Virginia. He has also attended classes taught by such artists as Pam Chibora, Leah Turley, Sean Watkins, Adam Bryan, Marlette Carter, and Kelly Strom. He has performed regionally in such shows as “The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe” as Father Christmas (2011), “Miracle on 34th Street” as Kris Kringle (2012), “The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus” as Nicholas (2013), and “Adventures in Santa Claus Land” as Santa (2019). He has also performed the role on local television commercials and on various Christmas specials regionally.

But it isn’t his acting abilities that make Santa John unique. Rather, it is his great faith in Christ – the Reason for the Season. Yes, John has always portrayed the role from the Christian perspective which goes all the way back to Nicholas of Myra (270-343AD). Nicholas was the prototype of the Santa we know and love today. Santa John has studied carefully over his lifetime both the history and the traditions of the character that he portrays. His portrayal emphasizes service to Christ, love, joy, peace, and hope – the bedrocks of the season. Couple these things with the fact that Santa John truly loves children, maintains a jolly demeanor, and a deep love of the role and you have something special in him. The additions of real whiskers, custom tailored suits, and real accessories make Santa John someone to believe in. In 2023, Santa John even wrote a book about his life, his faith, and role as Santa Claus. It is available at Westbow Press, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Christianbooks.com. Click the title to get a copy of “Simply Saint Nick: My Life as a Real-Life Christian Santa Claus.”

Amazon link https://a.co/d/97qKnNo

Interview with the Christian Chronicle, December 2023 https://christianchronicle.org/peace-on-earth-and-goodwill-to-men-christian-santa-professes-christ/

https://simplysaintnick.com/

Marco was born in Chicago but has also lived in Mexico City and San Antonio. He holds two bachelor’s degrees in English and Psychology, as well as a Master of Jurisprudence. With 15 years of experience in the corporate sector, his roles have spanned product management, operations, governance, and call center positions.

In 2011, after the birth of his first daughter, Marco began to feel ill. For nine years, he was told it was anxiety, but nothing seemed to help. It wasn’t until 2020 that he was finally diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. From 2011 to 2022, Marco struggled with agoraphobia, but with the help of medication, therapy, and supportive friends, he was able to overcome these limitations.

During his time at home, Marco began writing a collection of fictional short stories. Originally, he intended to gift the stories to his daughters, the youngest of whom was born in 2013. However, after sharing the stories with friends, he was encouraged to consider publishing them.

In 2023, the stories were published as a novel titled Within Normal Limits. Shortly after its release, the novel became an Amazon Best Seller in the Multiple Sclerosis category.

The novel follows a fictional version of Marco as he navigates struggles with religion, relationships, fatherhood, and connecting with others who are also dealing with their own solitude.

After the publication, Marco began doing readings. Though the book is quite sad, Marco (the author) is not, which led to the readings evolving into comedy routines. This eventually opened the door for Marco to participate in stand-up comedy around town.

Book Synopsis:

This gripping collection of stories tells the story of Marco, a young man diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who must confront the harsh reality of his prognosis. Set against the backdrop of a life being slowly taken away from him, the reader is taken on a journey of strength, courage, and resilience as Marco learns to appreciate the beauty of life. With his relationships pushed to the limit, Marco must find the courage to face his illness and discover the weight of hope.

https://www.wnlmarco.com

https://www.instagram.com/wnlmarco

https://a.co/d/8ITF5BA (Amazon link to purchase, although folks can get it through Target, Barnes and Noble, and a ton of other online retailers).

Since his first open mic in 1999, Marc Yaffee has turned his love of stand up in to a thriving career. Stand up comedy has led Marc to perform in diverse locales far and wide around the globe. Marc’s 20 year comedic career has taken him across four continents, 11 countries and 43 states. 

Marc’s past performance venues includes a tool shed in Iraq, atop a large rock in the Sierra Nevada Mountains for a Tribal celebration, and on board an Alaska Airlines flight to Fairbanks. Whether it’s a Las Vegas showroom, a cruise ship theater, or a tribal gymnasium, Marc Yaffee comes ready to connect with his audiences and deliver all-out laughs.

Marc Yaffee’s Career

Marc Yaffee was the founder and co-star of the Pow Wow Comedy Jam. It featured performers at the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA), and top tribal casinos across the land. In 2010, Pow Wow Comedy Jam was named NIGA Entertainers of the Year. Additionally, it was also feature that year on the Showtime special Goin’ Native. This was a ground-breaking achievement, as it was the first-ever cable special showcasing an all Native American lineup.

Marc Yaffee’s TV appearances also include; PBS, The Latino Laugh Festival, Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen and FNX Network’s, First Nations Comedy Experience. His comedy special, Marc My Words, is a mainstay on the streaming site Nativeflix.com.

Recently, his new Dry Bar Comedy Special, Mid-Laugh Crisis showcased his “funny, not filthy” comedy style that has earned him a growing appeal among stand-up fans. Additionally, the special recently went viral and has garnered much attention as well.

Marc Yaffee has performed six times overseas for Armed Forces Entertainment. This includes the Pacific, Europe, the Far East and Middle East. He won the Ventura Comedy Festival in 2012 and is a former writer for laugh.com.

Marc’s wide experience has made him a hit with audiences of all types. His fans range from comedy club Millennials to casino showroom Baby Boomers. Marc skewers sacred cows, dissects societal stupidities, and confronts our common frustrations, all with humanity and humor.

Marc’s Podcast “How Does That Happen”

Marc Yaffee created the How Does That Happen Podcast in late 2018. How Does That Happen came about from Marc’c fascination with extreme people. More importantly, it came from those driven to seek out or survive record breaking behaviors that most people would never consider doing, and others many couldn’t imagine existed.

How Does that Happen spotlights not only the craziest record holders but  wannabe-record holders and should-be record holders. Marc Yaffee and his co-host, Dave Mencarelli, interview men and women who’ve claimed some of the most unusual records. Additionally, the podcast highlights people whose “achievements” aren’t in any record books, but in Marc’s opinion, should be.

Examples of guests include a comedian who performed stand-up shows 1002 consecutive nights in a row. Most recently, a female competitive eating champion came to chat. Marc Yaffee has also interviewed a man trying to become the worst rated Uber driver. Marc Yaffee’s How Does That Happen podcast is two extremely regular guys interviewing some not-so-regular people. It’s a ton of fun and we hope you’ll check it out here.

Website: https://laughwithmarc.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaughWithMarcYaffee/

Twitter: https://x.com/MarcYaffee

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcyaffee/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MarcYaffee

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcyaffee/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marcyaffeecomedy

Book Marc for your event! https://laughwithmarc.com/contact-marc-yaffee