#56 Is Laughter the Best Medicine?

What if laughter is more than just entertainment? What if it’s survival, connection and healing?

In this solo episode of Live Wild, Hilary Rose reflects on the deeper role humour has played in her life - not just as someone who works in comedy, but as someone who has genuinely needed it through difficult times.

From growing up with Irish humour as a form of connection and coping, to working in comedy across The Young Offenders, sketch shows and live performance, Hilary explores why laughter matters so much - especially during hard seasons of life.

This episode dives into the emotional, cultural and even physiological impact of laughter. From nervous system regulation and stress relief to collective healing and human connection, Hilary shares why comedy may be far more powerful than we often realise.

Because sometimes laughter isn’t about avoiding pain - it’s about helping us carry it.

Key topics discussed

• Why humour is deeply rooted in Irish culture
• Comedy as a coping mechanism and survival tool
• The connection between laughter and the nervous system
• How laughter helps regulate stress and release tension
• Why people laugh most during difficult times
• The healing power of shared laughter and connection
• Hilary’s reflections on working in comedy and The Young Offenders
• Why laughter might be one of the oldest tools we have

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Key Links

Watch Hilary’s TEDx Talk here.

Follow Hilary here: @thehilaryrose

You can contact Hilary on LinkedIn here

Follow Live Wild here: @livewildpodcast

You can read more about us or contact us at www.livewild.ie

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As always the Live Wild podcast, its CEO and host Hilary Rose emphasise that this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. 

Thank you! Xxx

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