The Laughter Clinic

Mark McConville
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

The Laughter Clinic Podcast brings a refreshingly different approach to mental health education. Your host Mark McConville, is an Australian professional Comedian of 25+ years who also has a Masters Degree In Suicidology from Griffith University. Mark delivers you evidence-based self-care strategies, curated research insights, and meaningful conversations that inspire, educate and entertain.

  1. Love, Laughter, and Belonging: How One Mentoring Program is Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth with John Godwin.

    6D AGO

    Love, Laughter, and Belonging: How One Mentoring Program is Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth with John Godwin.

    What if the root cause of disadvantage isn't a lack of money—it's a lack of love? In this deeply moving episode, Mark McConville sits down with John Godwin, founder and CEO of Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation, to unpack a values-first mentoring model that is changing lives.  John shares the story of how his organisation has grown to over 600 volunteer mentors across Queensland, working with at-risk youth, domestic violence survivors, ex-offenders, and long-term unemployed individuals through their evidence-based Onward and Upward program. • laughter as prevention and treatment for stress and disconnection  • humour rituals to build team trust and safety  • self‑love, belonging, and values as core protective factors  • founder’s journey from teacher to CEO and program architect  • the eight‑session mentoring structure and journalling  • values, role models, and reframing negative thoughts  • outcomes in schools, apprenticeships, and graduation  • mentor selection, training, safeguarding, and debriefs  • limits of mentoring and when to refer to clinicians  • scaling through principals, private support, and local networks  • a ten‑year vision for school‑to‑work pathways To Learn More about Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation Visit: https://inspiringbrighterfutures.com Follow on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/inspiringbrighterfutures Follow on Instagram:  @InspiringBrighterFutures 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

    1h 34m
  2. Hope, Humour, and Evidence-Based Suicide Prevention with special guest Associate Professor Jacinta Hawgood.

    JAN 21

    Hope, Humour, and Evidence-Based Suicide Prevention with special guest Associate Professor Jacinta Hawgood.

    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

    1h 24m
  3. Chatting with Stephen Woods. Beat Burnout at Work: Practical Stress Management Tools for Leaders & Employees

    JAN 16

    Chatting with Stephen Woods. Beat Burnout at Work: Practical Stress Management Tools for Leaders & Employees

    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 team3 practical strategies to reduce workplace stress this weekBuilding trust points and psychological safetyThe difference between leading and managingWhy EAPs have low utilization (and how to fix it)For Employees: Warning signs you're heading towards burnoutHow to protect your mental health when leadership isn't supportiveUnderstanding Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)Practical stress management toolkitFor Solo Entrepreneurs & Sole Traders: 15-minute morning routine for successAvoiding isolation and building connections"Putting on your armour" daily practicesLife by design principlesKEY TOPICS: Presenteeism vs. absenteeismPost-COVID workplace engagement challengesCost of living impact on mental healthROI of employee wellness programsGratitude journaling and stress managementSleep hygiene and energy managementStephen 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

    1h 7m

  4. 12/20/2025

    A time of reflection on a year of significant personal and professional changes, and a look at what's in store for 2026.

    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

    25 min
  5. Chatting with comedian and actor Bev Killick. Comedy, acting, hard yards, and reducing stigma around schizoaffective disorder.

    12/10/2025

    Chatting with comedian and actor Bev Killick. Comedy, acting, hard yards, and reducing stigma around schizoaffective disorder.

    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

    1h 33m
  6. Chatting with comedian and radio personality Stav Davidson. Celebrating 20yrs on air and the Importance of Authenticity and Mindfulness.

    11/29/2025

    Chatting with comedian and radio personality Stav Davidson. Celebrating 20yrs on air and the Importance of Authenticity and Mindfulness.

    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

    1h 20m
  7. Chatting with comedian Mike Van Acker. From the origins of the Brisbane comedy scene to building connected communities via trivia.

    11/20/2025

    Chatting with comedian Mike Van Acker. From the origins of the Brisbane comedy scene to building connected communities via trivia.

    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

    1h 31m

  8. 11/14/2025

    A Practical Guide To Bringing More Humour and Laughter Into Your Daily Life.

    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

    28 min
See All (22)

About

The Laughter Clinic Podcast brings a refreshingly different approach to mental health education. Your host Mark McConville, is an Australian professional Comedian of 25+ years who also has a Masters Degree In Suicidology from Griffith University. Mark delivers you evidence-based self-care strategies, curated research insights, and meaningful conversations that inspire, educate and entertain.

Information

  • Creator
    Mark McConville
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Laughter Clinic
  • Show Website
    The Laughter Clinic