Comedy Saved Me

Fabrizio Guido — the LA-born actor tearing it up as Jackie Moreno on Netflix’s Running Point opposite Kate Hudson, and recently named to Variety’s 2025 Young Hollywood Impact Report — sits down with Lynn Hoffman on this encore episode to trace his surprising leap from the screen to the stand-up stage. Fabrizio opens up about the night Gabriel Iglesias pushed him into his very first set with two weeks’ notice, what it felt like to bomb (and why he now sees it as freeing), and how growing up steeped in LA community theater shaped his old-soul, young-heart sensibility. He also gets candid about turning trauma into material, the “shared language” of comedy on the Running Point set, and the advice he’d give anyone thinking about picking up a mic for the first time. Plus: why he’s “not entirely him” without comedy pulling his focus in the right direction.

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Before comedy, Rosalee Mayeux walked the runways of New York and Paris as a high-fashion model. Then came cancer, single motherhood, and a total reinvention — this time, with a microphone in hand. On this encore episode of Comedy Saved Me, host Lynn Hoffman talks with Rosalee about turning survival into material, raising two boys in LA with equal parts chaos and humor, and building her debut comedy special, Model Mom, out of the wreckage and wonder of real life.

Rosalee opens up about using comedy to process illness, self-acceptance, and the messiness of motherhood — and why laughing at the hard stuff doesn’t minimize it, it makes it survivable. It’s a conversation about resilience, reinvention, and the community that comedy builds around us when we need it most.
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What if laughter could truly be the best medicine? Join host Lynn Hoffman in this enlightening episode of Comedy Saved Me, where we dive deep into the healing power of humor with comedian Brian Bates. From the corporate grind to the spotlight of stand-up comedy, Bates shares his remarkable journey, revealing how he transformed personal struggles into relatable comedy that resonates with audiences everywhere. His new special, "Worried," tackles the intricate themes of anxiety, dating apps, and the quirks of everyday life, proving that the healing power of humor can be a lifeline during tough times.

As Brian Bates reflects on the profound impact of comedy in his life, especially following the loss of his father, he offers heartfelt stories that illustrate how laughter can be a source of resilience and emotional healing. This episode is not just an interview; it's a candid conversation about the intersection of comedy and personal triumphs, showcasing how comedy saved me and continues to uplift others. Bates shares anecdotes about his friendship with Nate Bargatze, who produced his special, and the joys and challenges of performing stand-up, making this episode a treasure trove of comedic advice and personal stories of comedy.

Listeners will appreciate Brian Bates and his unique perspective on parenthood and how his experiences as a father shape his comedic voice. With laughter as therapy, he highlights the importance of finding humor in life's challenges, making this episode a relatable and uplifting listen for anyone seeking comfort through comedy. The conversation flows naturally, touching on the broader themes of comedy and resilience, while also delving into the societal role of humor in navigating personal struggles.

If you’re looking for a dose of inspiration and laughter, this episode is a must-listen. Discover how comedy saved me and how it can offer solace and strength to those navigating their own journeys. Tune in to the Lynn Hoffman podcast for a heartfelt exploration of comedic storytelling, personal stories of comedians, and the undeniable connection between laughter and well-being. Whether you're a fan of blue collar comedy or seeking insights from the best comedic voices, this episode promises to deliver both entertainment and healing.

Join us as we celebrate the power of laughter with Brian Bates on Comedy Saved Me, where every joke is a step toward resilience and every laugh is a reminder of the joy in our shared human experience.
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Have you ever wondered how laughter can emerge from the darkest moments of our lives? In this gripping episode of Comedy Saved Me, host Lynn Hoffman sits down with the incredibly talented comedian Ryan Hamilton, who takes us on a transformative journey from a near-fatal bus accident to discovering the healing power of humor. Growing up in rural Idaho, Ryan has not only made a name for himself in the bustling New York comedy scene but has also been recognized by esteemed publications like The New York Times and Rolling Stone.
Ryan's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as he reveals how the accident reshaped his perspective on both comedy and life itself. He opens up about the emotional challenges he faced during recovery and how he turned his pain into material for his Netflix special. Through heartfelt comedy stories, Ryan illustrates the profound impact that laughter can have as a form of therapy, emphasizing that while trauma is deeply personal, it can also serve as a bridge connecting us through shared experiences of pain and recovery.
Throughout this episode of Comedy Saved Me, listeners will find themselves immersed in Ryan's humorous storytelling, which not only entertains but also offers valuable insights into the relationship between comedy and resilience. He shares unexpected moments of connection with healthcare workers, highlighting how these interactions played a crucial role in his healing process. The conversation delves into the significance of personal stories of comedians, demonstrating how laughter is indeed the best medicine in navigating life's toughest challenges.
As Ryan Hamilton reflects on his journey, he imparts comedic advice that resonates with anyone who has faced personal struggles. His experiences serve as a reminder that laughter and resilience go hand in hand, and that comedy can be a powerful tool for emotional healing. Join us for this enlightening episode of the Lynn Hoffman podcast, where you'll discover the laughter and well-being that can emerge from even the most difficult circumstances.
Whether you’re a fan of blue collar comedy or simply seeking inspiration through stories of resilience and humor, this episode is sure to leave you with a renewed appreciation for the healing power of humor. Tune in and let Ryan Hamilton's journey remind you that comedy truly can save lives.

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Have you ever wondered how laughter can be a lifeline during our darkest moments? In this encore episode of Comedy Saved Me, host Lynn Hoffman sits down with comedian and author Mark Malkoff, who reveals the profound impact that comedy has had on his life and the lives of many others. Mark’s journey through the world of humor is not just about punchlines and laughter; it’s a heartfelt exploration of how the healing power of humor can transform personal struggles into stories of resilience and triumph.
Mark Malkoff has spent years diving deep into the legacy of Johnny Carson, the iconic figure of late-night television, and in this episode, he shares his insights from interviewing over 400 individuals connected to Carson and The Tonight Show. From comedy legends like Mel Brooks and Carol Burnett to the everyday comedians who have been touched by Carson’s influence, Mark’s anecdotes are filled with personal stories of comedy that illustrate the healing power of humor. His passion for Carson led him to create The Carson Podcast and author the book Love, Johnny Carson, where he explores Carson's genius and his lasting impact on the world of comedy.

Throughout the conversation, Mark emphasizes how comedy saved his life, providing him with a means to cope with bullying and depression. He shares invaluable comedic advice that resonates with both aspiring comedians and anyone looking to find light in their struggles. With heartfelt reflections on kindness in comedy, Mark highlights the lessons that modern comedians can learn from Carson’s approach to entertainment—an approach that prioritized making guests feel comfortable and valued.


Join us as we delve into the transformative nature of laughter, discussing how laughter as therapy can foster connections and provide solace during challenging times. Mark’s journey is a testament to the idea that comedy and resilience go hand in hand, offering a roadmap for those navigating their own personal battles. This episode of Comedy Saved Me is not just about comedy; it’s about the emotional healing that comes from sharing our stories and connecting through humor.


Whether you’re a fan of comedy podcasts, seeking laughter and well-being, or simply looking for inspiration from comedians and mental health discussions, this episode is filled with wisdom and insight. Tune in for a journey through the world of comedic voices, where laughter truly is the best medicine.

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