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“I grew up among funny people who, the darker the event, the more opportunity for lightness and absurdity, and I've always loved that.”
What if laughter really is a kind of medicine—especially when we’re experiencing loss? In this episode of Bounce Back Stronger, Donna sits down with Thurber Prize-winning humorist and New Yorker columnist John Kenney about his latest novel, I See You’ve Called In Dead.
With warmth, wit, and a generous dose of honesty, John shares how humor doesn’t erase our pain—but it can make healing feel more possible.
In this episode, we explore:
How humor supports emotional healing
Life after loss and rediscovering joy
Why writing helps us process grief
What midlife reinvention really looks like
Letting go, starting over, and finding purpose again
If you’re moving through a tough season—or simply need a good laugh with a side of wisdom—this conversation is for you.
If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to Episode #55 – When Gratitude is Hard and Episode #79 – Finding Inner Peace and Joy with Agapi Stassinopoulos. Also, please consider subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you.
Donna’s latest book, Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens, can be purchased here. To join our weekly centering group on Sundays at 4 PM EST or our email list, email donna@donnayferris.com. You can also follow Donna on Instagram, Bluesky, or YouTube @donnayferris or Facebook @donnayatesferris.
And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here, or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). If you are transgender, the 24/7 Trans Lifeline is 1-877-330-6366.
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