Breaking the Stigma: Humor, Healing, and Hope

The Power of Humor in Suicide Prevention: An Enlightening Conversation with Frank King

This episode of the Suicide Zen Forgiveness podcast features Frank King, a renowned speaker on suicide prevention, former Tonight Show writer, and TEDx trainer. Hosted by Elaine Lindsay, the discussion delves into Frank's journey from comedy to suicide prevention, highlighting his personal experiences with suicidal ideation and how humor can offer a rare comfort and connection to those struggling with similar issues. Frank shares powerful anecdotes illustrating the profound impact of openly discussing mental health and suicide, emphasizing the importance of language, empathy, and understanding mental health nuances. The conversation also touches on the significance of pets in providing a sense of responsibility and preventing suicide. Additionally, Frank's work, including his upcoming book and his remarkable record of delivering TEDx talks, is discussed, showcasing his dedication to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide through comedy and heartfelt storytelling.

00:00 Breaking the Stigma: Humor, Healing, and Hope

01:31 Introducing the Suicide Zen Forgiveness Podcast

02:03 Personal Journeys and the Power of Sharing

05:04 Frank King's Impact and the Importance of Talking About Suicide

09:28 The Stigma Around Mental Health and Suicide

10:04 Using Humor to Address Serious Topics

15:56 Frank King's Career Highlights and Contributions

19:07 The Evolution and Importance of Audiobooks

23:52 Navigating the Quirks of Pronunciation

25:28 The Impact of Generational Language Shifts

26:54 Exploring Regional Dialects and Mispronunciations

28:20 The Evolution of Language and Communication

29:29 The Value of Education and Personal Growth

35:16 The Importance of Pets in Developing Empathy

37:20 Addressing Mental Health with Humor and Hope

45:00 Wrapping Up with Gratitude and Humor

"You can make a difference. You can save a life. I can show you how." ~Frank King

 Now  with 12 TEDx under his belt, Frank King has a new one coming in Nov this year.

In 2016 Frank King began coaching potential TEDx Talkers, when a number of his speaker coaching clients approached him and asked if he would coach them on scoring a TEDx Talk opportunity. Since then, those half-dozen clients have all done their first TEDx Talk, one of those is scheduled to do her second early in 2019, and four of them are also in the second round of auditions for Duke TEDx!

Frank King was a writer for the Tonight Show for 20 years, and he holds the record for the longest non-stop comedy club road trip ever. Beginning the day after Christmas in 1985, he and his wife (who must have the patience of Job) were on the road 2,629 nights in a row, comedy club to comedy club and cheap motel room to cheap motel room, with no home, just a PO Box and voice mail.

Along the way he worked with Jerry Seinfeld, Jeff Foxworthy, Ron White, Adam Sandler, Dennis Miller, Ellen DeGeneres, Rosie O'Donnell, Kevin Nealon, Bill Engval, Dr. Ken Joeng, Rita Sirleaf and Kevin James among others.

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Born to Be Funny https://youtu.be/mugOzr6ItFk

Mental With Benefits https://youtu.be/mCnsHSdAn48

A Matter of Laugh or Death https://youtu.be/IeMg6OFYfU0

Suicide, The Secret of My Success https://youtu.be/3D4m33DXtsI

Suicide-ality.. Its always an option for issues large and small