Comedian Jim Florentine joins Host Lynn Hoffman on “Comedy Saved Me” for a candid and hilarious conversation about how laughter helped him navigate life’s toughest challenges. From his legendary prank calls to his love of heavy metal, Jim shares stories of finding humor in unexpected places and explains why comedy has always been his greatest coping tool. Tune in for unfiltered insights, outrageous anecdotes, and a reminder that sometimes, the best way to get through life is to laugh at it.

A Note to our Community

Your support means everything to us! As we continue to grow, we’d love to hear what guests you might find interesting and what conversations you’d like us to explore next.

Have a friend who might enjoy our conversations? Please share our podcast with them! Your word of mouth recommendations help us reach new listeners that could benefit from our content.

Thank you for being part of our community. We’re excited for what’s ahead! Check out our newest podcast called “Comedy Saved Me” wherever you get your podcasts.

Warmly

Buzz Knight

Founder Buzz Knight Media Productions

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is a trailer for the Comedy Saved Me episode with Jim Florentine which releases 7-7. Jim is known for his signature blend of comedy, his background in prank calls and his irreverent, unfiltered style of comedy. Your host Lynn Hoffman takes you behind the laughter and what motivated Jim to be a comedian.

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On this episode of Comedy Saved Me, we sit down with the powerhouse storyteller and stand-up veteran Bret Ernst. Known for his razor-sharp wit, heartfelt honesty, and unforgettable tales from the stage and beyond, Bret opens up about the role comedy has played in navigating life’s toughest moments—from a turbulent childhood and family upheaval to the wild ride of show business.

Bret shares hilarious and moving stories about growing up with a single mom, bouncing between Florida and New Jersey, and attending 15 different schools—all while developing the survival skills and comedic chops that would later define his career. He reflects on his Italian-American roots, the chaos of family, and the unique way humor helped him handle adversity, loss, and the unpredictable turns of adulthood.

Listeners will get an inside look at Bret’s creative process, his journey from early gigs to acclaimed specials like Principal’s Office and Uncaged, and his philosophy on finding laughter—even in the darkest times. Whether he’s riffing on childhood mischief, the absurdities of marriage and divorce, or the power of storytelling, Bret’s conversation is as honest as it is hilarious.

Join us for an episode packed with laughter, resilience, and the kind of real talk that proves—sometimes, comedy really can save you.

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In this episode of Comedy Saved Me, host Lynn Hoffman sits down with acclaimed comedian Craig Shoemaker for an honest and heartfelt conversation about the transformative power of laughter. The show, which explores how comedy can be a lifeline during life’s toughest moments, features Shoemaker sharing personal stories from his decades-long career and the challenges he’s faced along the way.

Key Highlights

• Personal Journey: Craig Shoemaker opens up about his unconventional childhood, the adversity he’s overcome, and how humor became his tool for healing and connection.

• Healing Power of Laughter: The discussion delves into how comedy has helped Shoemaker—and countless others—navigate trauma, grief, and mental health struggles, emphasizing that laughter truly is the best medicine.

• Career Insights: Shoemaker reflects on his experiences in stand-up, television, and film, and how his work with the Laughter Heals Foundation has brought laughter therapy to those in need.

• Candid Reflections: The episode is filled with both levity and vulnerability, as Shoemaker and Hoffman discuss the importance of radical acceptance, forgiveness, and the courage to face life’s challenges with humor.

Why Listen?

Listeners will find inspiration in Shoemaker’s resilience and the show’s message that comedy can be a powerful force for personal growth and healing. The episode is a blend of laughter, wisdom, and real-life stories that highlight the universal need for joy and connection.

Comedy Saved Me is hosted by Lynn Hoffman and features new episodes every Monday, each one spotlighting a different comedian’s journey and the life-changing impact of humor

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Craig Shoemaker joins Lynn Hoffman for the upcoming episode coming this Monday with comedian Craig Shoemaker. A wonderfully enlightening episode that highlights the healing power of laughter.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join your host Lynn Hoffman as she is joined by Tony V. He is a Boston based comedian known for his national stand-up, and acting and the new podcast "Comedy Saved Me" showcases what comedy means to Tony, his influences and what drives his creativity. Tony shares what led him to a career in comedy, how he shaped his material and why he loves it to this day.

Please also check out episode one of Comedy Saved Me with Paul Mecurio.

A Note to our Community

Your support means everything to us! As we continue to grow, we’d love to hear what guests you might find interesting and what conversations you’d like us to explore nest.

Have a friend who might enjoy our conversations? Please share our podcast with them! Your word of mouth recommendations help us reach new listeners that could benefit from our content.

Thank you for being part of our community. We’re excited for what’s ahead!

Warmly

Buzz Knight

Founder Buzz Knight Media Productions

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Check out episode two of Comedy Saved Me with host Lynn Hoffman and Boston Comedy Legend Tony V. coming 6-16. Tony has been a stand-up comedian for decades and he shares his feelings about comedy, how he started his career and why he loves the power of comedy.

Please check out our first episode of Comedy Saved Me with Paul Mecurio and please follow us so you never miss an episode.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to our first episode of The Comedy Saved Me Podcast hosted by Lynn Hoffman. Lynn host's our other podcast you should check out called "Music Saved Me" which explores the healing power of music and Comedy Saved Me explores the inside stories from comedians about what motivated them to a career of comedy and how they observe the incredible power of comedy and laughter. These elements of storytelling are central to who they are as comedians and folks like Paul Mecurio known the power of comedy. Paul is an Emmy and Peabody Award winning comedian, who his worked with Jon Stewart on The Daily Show and The Late Show with Steven Colbert.

A Note to our Community

Your support means everything to us! As we continue to grow, we’d love to hear what guests you might find interesting and what conversations you’d like us to explore nest.

Have a friend who might enjoy our conversations? Please share our podcast with them! Your word of mouth recommendations help us reach new listeners that could benefit from our content.

Thank you for being part of our community. We’re excited for what’s ahead! Check out our newest podcast called “Comedy Saved Me” wherever you get your podcasts.

Warmly

Buzz Knight

Founder Buzz Knight Media Productions

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.