In one of the most significant episodes in The Laughter Clinic Podcast's short history, host Mark McConville welcomes his mentor, Associate Professor Jacinta Hawgood (AISRAP, Griffith University), for an intimate and wide-ranging discussion about suicide prevention, research, and the integration of lived experience into clinical practice.

This powerful conversation explores the evolution of suicide prevention. Topics include: the STARS needs-based assessment protocol, integrating lived experience with clinical practice, Mates in Construction's peer-led model, debunking suicide myths, supporting the suicide prevention workforce, and why humour and hope belong in this space. Content warning: discusses suicide throughout.

• the power of laughter and connection for wellbeing
• validating distress and why asking about suicide helps
• debunking myths about attention-seeking and “planting ideas”
• Jacinta’s path into suicidology and AISRAP’s evolution
• postgraduate education in suicidology and sector skills
• lived experience integrating with clinical practice
• STARS P needs-based assessment and collaborative safety planning
• STARS Young Persons co-design and youth risk
• universal, selected, indicated prevention explained
• community engagement, cost barriers, and belonging
• ripple effects of suicide and proactive postvention
• Mates in Construction’s peer model and workplace programs
• sustaining the workforce, supervision, and self-care
• safe storytelling and advice for new advocates

To follow Jacinta's work:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacinta-hawgood-3539a617/

To learn more about AISRAP:
https://www.griffith.edu.au/griffith-health/australian-institute-suicide-research-prevention

To learn more about the STARS Protocol:
https://www.griffith.edu.au/griffith-health/australian-institute-suicide-research-prevention/systematic-tailored-assessment-for-responding-to-suicidality

To learn more about Mates In Construction:
https://mates.org.au

Website: www.thelaughterclinic.com.au

Youtube: 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 Australia
Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
Web: lifeline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service
Phone: 1300 659 467 (24/7)
Web: suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Beyond Blue
Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
Web: beyondblue.org.au

Kids Helpline (for people aged 5-25)
Phone: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
Web: kidshelpline.com.au

MensLine Australia
Phone: 1300 78 99 78 (24/7)
Web: mensline.org.au

SANE Australia (complex mental health issues)
Phone: 1800 18 7263
Web: sane.org

QLife (LGBTIQ+ support)
Phone: 1800 184 527
Web: qlife.org.au

Open Arms (Veterans & Families Counselling)
Phone: 1800 011 046 (24/7)
Web: openarms.gov.au

1800RESPECT (sexual assault, domestic violence)
Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7)
Web: 1800respect.org.au

Headspace (youth mental health, ages 12-25)
Phone: 1800 650 890
Web: headspace.org.au

13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support)
Phone: 13 92 76 (13YARN) (24/7)
Web: 13yarn.org.au

Music by Hayden Smith
https://www.haydensmith.com

Kicking off 2026 with essential workplace wellness strategies!
Stephen Woods, founder of Employee Wellness Australia joins The Laughter Clinic Podcast to share practical, evidence-based tools for beating burnout and building trust at work.

Whether you're a team leader, manager, employee, or solo business owner, this episode delivers actionable strategies you can implement TODAY to reduce workplace stress and improve mental wellbeing.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
For Leaders & Managers:

• How to recognize early warning signs of burnout in your team
• 3 practical strategies to reduce workplace stress this week
• Building trust points and psychological safety
• The difference between leading and managing
• Why EAPs have low utilization (and how to fix it)

For Employees:

• Warning signs you're heading towards burnout
• How to protect your mental health when leadership isn't supportive
• Understanding Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
• Practical stress management toolkit

For Solo Entrepreneurs & Sole Traders:

• 15-minute morning routine for success
• Avoiding isolation and building connections
• "Putting on your armour" daily practices
• Life by design principles

KEY TOPICS:

• Presenteeism vs. absenteeism
• Post-COVID workplace engagement challenges
• Cost of living impact on mental health
• ROI of employee wellness programs
• Gratitude journaling and stress management
• Sleep hygiene and energy management

Stephen has helped over 500 companies create happier, healthier, and more productive workplaces. His insights come from real-world experience working with major organizations including Netflix, Shine Lawyers, and Ray White.

1st ACTION: Find ONE strategy from this episode and implement it this week.

2nd ACTION: Hit the follow button to keep up top date and join The Laughter Clinic community.

3rd ACTION: Share this episode with your network or someone you know who could benefit from this information.

CONNECT WITH STEPHEN:
Employee Wellness Australia:
https://employeewellnessaustralia.com.au

Website: www.thelaughterclinic.com.au

Youtube: 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 Australia
Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
Web: lifeline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service
Phone: 1300 659 467 (24/7)
Web: suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Beyond Blue
Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
Web: beyondblue.org.au

Kids Helpline (for people aged 5-25)
Phone: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
Web: kidshelpline.com.au

MensLine Australia
Phone: 1300 78 99 78 (24/7)
Web: mensline.org.au

SANE Australia (complex mental health issues)
Phone: 1800 18 7263
Web: sane.org

QLife (LGBTIQ+ support)
Phone: 1800 184 527
Web: qlife.org.au

Open Arms (Veterans & Families Counselling)
Phone: 1800 011 046 (24/7)
Web: openarms.gov.au

1800RESPECT (sexual assault, domestic violence)
Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7)
Web: 1800respect.org.au

Headspace (youth mental health, ages 12-25)
Phone: 1800 650 890
Web: headspace.org.au

13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support)
Phone: 13 92 76 (13YARN) (24/7)
Web: 13yarn.org.au

Music by Hayden Smith
https://www.haydensmith.com

In this final episode for 2025 I reflect on a year of big decisions, both personal and professional. From leaving cruise ships to going off my ADHD medication and growing the Laughter Clinic, it's been a year of significant life changes.
I also take a moment to hold space for a national tragedy.

• acknowledging the Bondi Beach victims
• stepping away from cruise ships to prioritise The Laughter Clinic
• delivering 53 Laughter Clinic presentations nationwide
• collaborations with Employee Wellness Australia, Ellen Briggs, and Linda Alexander
• personal update on ADHD management without medication
• daily routines of exercise, meditation and journaling
• launching the podcast, lessons learned, and community impact
• 2026 roadmap: Life Skills Masterclass Series with Jodi Allen, new guests, key conferences
• choosing a break to return stronger and more focused
• gratitude to listeners, clients, and communities

For more info on Employee Wellness Australia
Visit: https://employeewellnessaustralia.com.au

For more info on the 4 Aussie Heroes Foundation
Visit: https://4aussieheroes.com.au

For info on booking Mark as a speaker at your event.
Visit: https://www.icmi.com.au/mark-mcconville/

Website: www.thelaughterclinic.com.au

Youtube: 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 Australia
Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
Web: lifeline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service
Phone: 1300 659 467 (24/7)
Web: suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Beyond Blue
Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
Web: beyondblue.org.au

Kids Helpline (for people aged 5-25)
Phone: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
Web: kidshelpline.com.au

MensLine Australia
Phone: 1300 78 99 78 (24/7)
Web: mensline.org.au

SANE Australia (complex mental health issues)
Phone: 1800 18 7263
Web: sane.org

QLife (LGBTIQ+ support)
Phone: 1800 184 527
Web: qlife.org.au

Open Arms (Veterans & Families Counselling)
Phone: 1800 011 046 (24/7)
Web: openarms.gov.au

1800RESPECT (sexual assault, domestic violence)
Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7)
Web: 1800respect.org.au

Headspace (youth mental health, ages 12-25)
Phone: 1800 650 890
Web: headspace.org.au

13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support)
Phone: 13 92 76 (13YARN) (24/7)
Web: 13yarn.org.au

Music by Hayden Smith
https://www.haydensmith.com

Out of the studio and on the road, in this episode I'm chatting with seasoned stand-up comedian Bev Killick. Hear how making people laugh can change your life. Bev shares raw stories of rowdy comedy venues, performing for the troops, and caring for a family member with schizoaffective disorder. Bev also offers great insights in regard to practical advice for carers.

We share lived, practical guidance for supporting someone through psychosis and reduce stigma with clear, useful steps anyone can apply.

• Evidence-backed benefits of laughter and smiling as mood shifters
• Bev’s route into stand-up and the Sydney Comedy Store breakthrough
• Touring lessons, rowdy rooms and building stage craft
• Supporting troops on deployment
• Audience impact stories, including suicide prevention moments
• Stigma versus reality of psychosis and hospital care
• Practical steps for carers during crisis and recovery
• Safer comedy rooms, inclusion and higher industry standards
• Starter advice for new comics and building five solid minutes
• Acting and voiceover wins, momentum after years of groundwork

If you enjoyed the episode, please share and subscribe
Want more info, Visit thelaughterclinic.com.au

For more info on what Bev is up to visit:

https://www.facebook.com/BevKillickOfficial

https://www.facebook.com/AlistComedy

Website: www.thelaughterclinic.com.au

Youtube: 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 Australia
Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
Web: lifeline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service
Phone: 1300 659 467 (24/7)
Web: suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Beyond Blue
Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
Web: beyondblue.org.au

Kids Helpline (for people aged 5-25)
Phone: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
Web: kidshelpline.com.au

MensLine Australia
Phone: 1300 78 99 78 (24/7)
Web: mensline.org.au

SANE Australia (complex mental health issues)
Phone: 1800 18 7263
Web: sane.org

QLife (LGBTIQ+ support)
Phone: 1800 184 527
Web: qlife.org.au

Open Arms (Veterans & Families Counselling)
Phone: 1800 011 046 (24/7)
Web: openarms.gov.au

1800RESPECT (sexual assault, domestic violence)
Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7)
Web: 1800respect.org.au

Headspace (youth mental health, ages 12-25)
Phone: 1800 650 890
Web: headspace.org.au

13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support)
Phone: 13 92 76 (13YARN) (24/7)
Web: 13yarn.org.au

Music by Hayden Smith
https://www.haydensmith.com

This week I catch up with B105 breakfast radio host Stav Davidson. We chat about how he has built a 20‑year career on honesty, quick wit, and mindfulness, and why laughter still works as medicine when the world feels heavy. Stav provides a masterclass in being yourself on air and how that has contributed to his longevity. Stories range from an honorary Knighthood, skydiving cash storms to interviews gone sideways and the quiet wins that have meant the most.

• positive mindset as a resilience tool
• why authenticity matters
• spontaneous radio vs rigid scripting
• boundaries, innuendo, and self‑editing
• stunts, ethics, and the shift from shock to service
• celebrity access then vs now and why it has changed
• routines, and sustainable creativity
• ratings pressure, mindfulness, and staying present
• gratitude, and the joy of jokes

To follow Stav head to his Instgram: @stavb105

If you enjoyed the episode, please share and subscribe

Website: www.thelaughterclinic.com.au

Youtube: 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 Australia
Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
Web: lifeline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service
Phone: 1300 659 467 (24/7)
Web: suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Beyond Blue
Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
Web: beyondblue.org.au

Kids Helpline (for people aged 5-25)
Phone: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
Web: kidshelpline.com.au

MensLine Australia
Phone: 1300 78 99 78 (24/7)
Web: mensline.org.au

SANE Australia (complex mental health issues)
Phone: 1800 18 7263
Web: sane.org

QLife (LGBTIQ+ support)
Phone: 1800 184 527
Web: qlife.org.au

Open Arms (Veterans & Families Counselling)
Phone: 1800 011 046 (24/7)
Web: openarms.gov.au

1800RESPECT (sexual assault, domestic violence)
Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7)
Web: 1800respect.org.au

Headspace (youth mental health, ages 12-25)
Phone: 1800 650 890
Web: headspace.org.au

13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support)
Phone: 13 92 76 (13YARN) (24/7)
Web: 13yarn.org.au

Music by Hayden Smith
https://www.haydensmith.com

This week I chat with comedian Mike Van Acker and we take a trip down memory lane talking about the origins of stand up comedy in Brisbane and touring road trips. We also explore how Mike enriched his comedy career by running multiple trivia nights that keep people entertained and connected.

• from open mic to headlining, the early days of stand up in Brisbane
• lessons from the golden era of Australian stand-up
• being a good MC and the art of stagecraft
• bombing, crutches, and wanting to be better
• travelling comics and customs shake downs
• building trivia nights and community mental health
• writing fair, interesting questions that people care about
• the success formula to creating a good time for trivia goers
• raising boys, mobile phones, and scrolling entertainment
• fitness, sobriety, and reinvention

To follow Mike Van Acker visit: https://www.facebook.com/triviatribe

If you enjoyed the episode, please share and subscribe

Website: www.thelaughterclinic.com.au

Youtube: 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 Australia
Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
Web: lifeline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service
Phone: 1300 659 467 (24/7)
Web: suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Beyond Blue
Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
Web: beyondblue.org.au

Kids Helpline (for people aged 5-25)
Phone: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
Web: kidshelpline.com.au

MensLine Australia
Phone: 1300 78 99 78 (24/7)
Web: mensline.org.au

SANE Australia (complex mental health issues)
Phone: 1800 18 7263
Web: sane.org

QLife (LGBTIQ+ support)
Phone: 1800 184 527
Web: qlife.org.au

Open Arms (Veterans & Families Counselling)
Phone: 1800 011 046 (24/7)
Web: openarms.gov.au

1800RESPECT (sexual assault, domestic violence)
Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7)
Web: 1800respect.org.au

Headspace (youth mental health, ages 12-25)
Phone: 1800 650 890
Web: headspace.org.au

13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support)
Phone: 13 92 76 (13YARN) (24/7)
Web: 13yarn.org.au

Music by Hayden Smith
https://www.haydensmith.com

In this episode I break down why humour and laughter work differently and how self‑enhancing humour helps reduce stress and build resilience. I also offer a simple three‑step plan to help you bring more laughter into your life and the lives of those around you.

• physical effects of laughter
• limits of one‑size‑fits‑all comedy in research
• four humour styles and why self‑enhancing is the best
• how to find what genuinely makes you laugh
• building a personal laughter library
• micro‑doses versus structured laughter therapy sessions
• sharing comedy in a mindful way
• using affiliative humour to build connection in relationships

View Marks Thesis Here:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343151055_Benefits_of_a_Humour_and_Laughter_Education_HALE_program_to_improve_Knowledge_and_Skills_to_promote_psychological_wellbeing

https://thelaughterclinic.com.au/services/humour-laughter-education-program/

If you enjoyed the episode, please share and subscribe

Website: www.thelaughterclinic.com.au

Youtube: 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 Australia
Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
Web: lifeline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service
Phone: 1300 659 467 (24/7)
Web: suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Beyond Blue
Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
Web: beyondblue.org.au

Kids Helpline (for people aged 5-25)
Phone: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
Web: kidshelpline.com.au

MensLine Australia
Phone: 1300 78 99 78 (24/7)
Web: mensline.org.au

SANE Australia (complex mental health issues)
Phone: 1800 18 7263
Web: sane.org

QLife (LGBTIQ+ support)
Phone: 1800 184 527
Web: qlife.org.au

Open Arms (Veterans & Families Counselling)
Phone: 1800 011 046 (24/7)
Web: openarms.gov.au

1800RESPECT (sexual assault, domestic violence)
Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7)
Web: 1800respect.org.au

Headspace (youth mental health, ages 12-25)
Phone: 1800 650 890
Web: headspace.org.au

13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support)
Phone: 13 92 76 (13YARN) (24/7)
Web: 13yarn.org.au

Music by Hayden Smith
https://www.haydensmith.com

Ash opens up about how laughter became a shield, a craft, and a calling. We chat about how laughter boosts immunity, compare cruise-ship crowds with comedy club audiences, and talk candidly about drugs, faith, and the changing face of the comedy industry.

• How stress harms wellbeing and why laughter matters
• Bullying and self-deprecating humour as early survival tools
• First cruise gigs, brutal bombs and the first big win
• Mentors, comedy life, and the toll of drugs
• Choosing Australia, love, and starting over
• Fans who say jokes saved them and what that really means
• Crafted jokes vs crowd work and the social media trap
• Rituals, discipline, and faith for mental health
• Comedy as an escape and as social commentary

If you enjoyed the episode, please share and subscribe

To follow Ashley Fils-Aime head to his Instagram:

@ashthecomic1

Website: www.thelaughterclinic.com.au

Youtube: 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 Australia
Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
Web: lifeline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service
Phone: 1300 659 467 (24/7)
Web: suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Beyond Blue
Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
Web: beyondblue.org.au

Kids Helpline (for people aged 5-25)
Phone: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
Web: kidshelpline.com.au

MensLine Australia
Phone: 1300 78 99 78 (24/7)
Web: mensline.org.au

SANE Australia (complex mental health issues)
Phone: 1800 18 7263
Web: sane.org

QLife (LGBTIQ+ support)
Phone: 1800 184 527
Web: qlife.org.au

Open Arms (Veterans & Families Counselling)
Phone: 1800 011 046 (24/7)
Web: openarms.gov.au

1800RESPECT (sexual assault, domestic violence)
Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7)
Web: 1800respect.org.au

Headspace (youth mental health, ages 12-25)
Phone: 1800 650 890
Web: headspace.org.au

13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support)
Phone: 13 92 76 (13YARN) (24/7)
Web: 13yarn.org.au

Music by Hayden Smith
https://www.haydensmith.com