Laughter Yoga Australia

18/10/2026

I received this email last week from someone who I met in 2017. It reminded me of the power of stories and the art of listening.
"Hi Merv, Many years ago, at a Laughter Wellness Conference in a dorm room outside of Chicago, Illinois you gave me a gift. You listened. You probed and teased out the stories of my life’s accomplishments. Until that time, I had not recognised any of these markers of achievements as anything worthwhile, especially in the aggregate.
Now these many years later, I often “fall back” on those few hours. When I feel unimportant or not valued, I am reminded of that time with you and how you listened to my “story.” With all your personal accomplishments you remained focused on my story and rarely interjected anything about all that you had accomplished. You were a listening artist.
Now, years later, I want to thank. I realize now (finally!) what a powerful and valuable experience that was. Why now and how?
I was listening to a podcast, Hidden Brain. The episode was “You are not Ordinary." The speaker referred to Joseph Campbells books about the Hero’s Journey. The host of the show interviewed Benjamin Rogers, a psychologist. He applied Campbell’s theories to several studies. The results showed that when a person experienced an “intervention” of telling their "story” it had a profoundly positive impact on helping that person find value and meaning in their life. YOU did that for me.
So, better late than never….THANK YOU!!!
I hope you are well and laughing and know your life had meaning! LOL!"

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15/10/2026

Some of you may remember that I was approached by a Year 5 student from interstate last month to assist with a project they were doing on Gelotology. I had to answer several questions on laughter, and in particular what would happen if we couldn't laugh. I'm delighted to announce that their project was a huge hit, and their teacher has provided me with some photos of their stand, along with a link to their Canva presentation. What a wonderful world it is when our young folks are learning all about laughter and its benefits. Have a GRRREAT weekend everyone 🥳 https://canva.link/q7at2s0kgkj7vg7

14/10/2026

HELP PLEASE. The Belmont Laughter Club in Perth is in danger of closing unless we can find another leader. If you're an existing leader, or wanting to be trained to be one, and would like to take over an established and successful club then this is for you. Online training will be offered at half price to help get you there. Our thanks to Jen McGrose for all of her work in establishing and running this club to date 👏

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13/10/2026

Where will Laughter Yoga take you today? Yesterday it was to a corporate client who wanted to Play. How cool is that? Today I leave for regional Victoria for two carers weeks sessions. Such meaningful and in demand work we have to offer.

12/10/2026

This week is Carers Week and I'm about to hear off into regional Victoria to provide some laughter sessions for two groups in Ballarat and Horsham. If you're a carer, and in need of some self care, then why not join us at our FREE weekly Laughter Club that happens tonight from 6pm to 7pm Melbourne time. Everyone is welcome and here's the link to use

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11/10/2026

ALWAYS BE PREPARED. On Friday I got tickets to be in the audience for a National Radio quiz show. I was randomly selected to be an audience member, won the quiz, and asked what I did. Fortunately, I had all the answers. You can listen to it all here, our go to the 47 minute mark to hear my part

Start your weekend right with TGIF, hosted by Charlie Pickering. This show features special guests including Claire Hooper, Adam Rozenbachs and Kate Dehnert.

08/10/2026

Tomorrow is officially World Mental Health Day, and here in OZ it is Mental Health Month. Mental Health isn't about whether you have an illness or condition. It's about clarity of thought, focus, and positivity. This is at the essence of Positive Psychology, which I had the privilege of writing about when I co-authored this academic book on that topic. When we laugh it stops the negative thoughts. And then when we laugh more it promotes the positive ones. Have a GRRREAT weekend everyone 🥳

07/10/2026

Yesterday's National Press Club address on Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) by Andrew Denton was very moving and thought provoking. It reminded me of a Laughter Club member who was dying in a palliative care home. They asked me to come in and laugh with them every week until they passed. The reason? They wanted to die happy. We will all die one day, and usually without knowing when, so why not choose a happy life full of laughter. Start today! Food for thought.

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06/10/2026

An interesting, and for me disturbing, segment on ABC TV 730 Report last night. It happens at the 26 minute mark and is about what the elderly "wish for". They're trialling Virtual Reality (VR) headsets to take residents back to their favourite holiday destination, or place of origin. These headsets can cause dizziness, confusion, neck pain, and add to isolation. Of further interest was the exercise physiologist later in the segment who reminded me of my old military drill instructors. The look on the people's faces doing the exercises is sad. My monthly laughter sessions, that I used to offer for several years at an aged care residential home, took them to their happy places, got them enjoying exercising and moving their bodies, and most importantly connecting to others, which the staff said rarely happens. Why am I not doing these sessions any more? Budget cuts. This link will take you to that report

05/10/2026

Our FREE weekly Tuesday night online Laughter Club at 6pm Melbourne (daylight savings) time, is a nice distraction from the crazy world that we appear to be in at present. So if you'd like a brain break then come and join us with the following link

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