Laughter as a Lifeline: Using Comedy to Craic the Silence on Men’s Mental Health, with John Ryan

Mid-life Men: the mental health podcast

In this episode, we meet the incomparable John Ryan, award-winning comedian, social commentator, and all-around force for good. With a sharp tongue and a massive heart, John has made it his mission to reach people on the topic of mental health where they least expect it: through laughter.

We explore how John’s stand-up shows have turned into standing-room-only sessions on suicide awareness, PTSD, loneliness, and resilience. From army barracks to working men’s clubs, from prisons to boardrooms, John’s toolkit is unconventional but wildly effective - inclusive humour, hard-earned trust, and a refusal to be anything but himself.

This conversation is wide-ranging, emotional, and seriously funny. John opens up about growing up in Hackney in a diverse Irish family and his unexpected route into comedy, although he doesn’t define himself as a traditional comedian.

He challenges toxic norms, dissects the real reason some men spiral after traumatic life events, such as divorce, and explains why sending a meme from the toilet every morning can be an act of care. It's sharp, raw, and deeply human.

If you’ve ever wondered whether comedy can change lives - or even save them - this episode is your answer.

To find out more about John's work, visit: https://happytohealthyou.com/.