There’s a reason a good laugh feels like it reaches all the way down to your bones — it’s one of the quickest ways the body remembers joy. In this uplifting and evidence-based episode of 1,000 Waking Minutes, Dr. Wendy Bazilian explores why laughter matters — from its power to rewire the brain and support heart health to its ability to boost immunity, reduce stress, and even help us “jog internally” without leaving the house.

Blending research and real-life examples, including how comedy found its way back after 9/11, insights from Loma Linda University and Vanderbilt studies, and reflections on Andrea Martin’s Lady Parts, Dr. Bazilian connects humor and healing in ways that feel both relatable and inspiring.

You’ll also experience a mindful minute to smile, breathe, and feel the lightness laughter brings — plus practical tips to “find your funny,” watch something that cracks you up, and even “smile loudly” as a daily health tool.

FROM THE EPISODE

WE DISCUSS:

(00:00 ) Intro

(1:34 ) Why laughter matters — emotionally, physically, and socially

(2:47 ) The role of humor in healing and connection, from 9/11 to everyday life

(5:44 ) Andrea Martin, Edith Prickley, and Lil Edith P in her memoir “Lady Parts”

(12:13 ) How science shows laughter can help our brains, hearts, circulation, and immunity

(19:02 ) A Mindful Minute: breathing, smiling, and softening through joy

(21:04 ) Practical ways to bring more lightness and laughter into your 1,000 waking minutes

(29:59 ) Wrapping up and meeting life a little lighter:... “give me the love, give me the stage, give me the laughter”

CONNECT WITH WENDY:

Follow me on Instagram: @1000WakingMinutes

Visit my website: wendybazilian.com

Email me topics you want covered on the podcast: 1KWM@wendybazilian.com

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Thank you for tuning in to 1,000 Waking Minutes and being part of this journey–together. A huge thank you to our amazing collaborators including our production and marketing teams and Gabriela Escalante in particular. To the ultra-talented Beza for my theme music, my lifelong friend and artist Pearl Preis Photography and Design, to Danielle Ballantyne, Jen Nguyen, Joanna Powell, and of course, my family and everyone working tirelessly behind the scenes.

HEALTH DISCLAIMER:

The information shared in this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered individual medical or health advice. Always consult with your trusted healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, exercise, or medical treatment.

RESEARCH & REFERENCES

Martin, Andrea. (2014). Lady Parts. HarperCollins Publishers. https://www.harpercollins.com/products/lady-parts-andrea-martin 

Providence Heart & Vascular Team. (2021, April 14). Amazing ways laughter improves your heart health. Expert tips and advice for living your healthiest life. Providence Health Blog. Retrieved September 12, 2021, from

https://blog.providence.org/archive/amazing-ways-laughter-improves-your-heart-health

Berk, R. A. (2001). The active ingredients in humor: Psychophysiological benefits and risks for older adults. Educational Gerontology, 27(3–4), 323–339.

https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2001-07072-007 

Miller, M., & Fry, W. F. (2009). The effect of mirthful laughter on the human cardiovascular system. Medical Hypotheses, 73(5), 636–639. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2009.02.044

Pressman, S. D., & Cohen, S. (2005). Does positive affect influence health? Psychological Bulletin, 131(6), 925–971. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.131.6.925

Cohen, S., Doyle, W. J., Turner, R. B., Alper, C. M., & Skoner, D. P. (2003). Emotional style and susceptibility to the common cold. Psychosomatic Medicine, 65(4), 652–657. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.PSY.0000077508.57784.DA

Cohen, S., Alper, C. M., Doyle, W. J., Treanor, J. J., & Turner, R. B. (2006). Positive emotional style predicts resistance to illness after experimental exposure to rhinovirus or influenza A virus. Psychosomatic Medicine, 68(6), 809–815. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.psy.0000245867.92364.3c

Colmenares, C. (2005, June 10). No joke: Study finds laughing can burn calories. Vanderbilt University Reporter. Retrieved November 24, 2025, from

https://news.vumc.org/reporter-archive/no-joke-study-finds-laughing-can-burn-calories/

Wollmer, M. A., de Boer, C., Kalak, N., Beck, J., Götz, T., Schmidt, T., ... & Sönmez, D. (2012). Facing depression with botulinum toxin: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 46(5), 574–581. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2012.01.027

Magid M, Reichenberg JS, Poth PE, Robertson HT, LaViolette AK, Kruger TH, Wollmer MA. Treatment of major depressive disorder using botulinum toxin A: a 24-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Clin Psychiatry. 2014 Aug;75(8):837-44. doi: 10.4088/JCP.13m08845. PMID: 24910934. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24910934/