Laughter and heart health might seem like an unlikely pairing until you hear the science behind it.
Dr. Regina Druz is joined by Dr. Sam Shay, a functional medicine doctor who also happens to be a stand-up comic. Together, they explore how humor therapy works on a biological level, from lowering stress hormones to improving blood flow. Could laughter help prevent heart disease? And what role does humor play in building trust between patients and practitioners?
Dr. Shay shares how comedy became part of his clinical practice after growing up in a family shaped by cardiovascular illness. He explains why humor rooted in truth can disarm fear, build connection, and shift a patient’s mindset, which are all crucial elements when it comes to healing.
This episode invites a different perspective on heart health, one where humor isn’t a distraction but a meaningful tool for connection, resilience, and recovery.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Heart Health and Humor
01:05 Personal Story and Family Heart Disease
04:05 Science Behind Laughter Therapy
08:57 How Humor Supports Cardiovascular Health
19:31 Practical Ways to Use Humor for Health
21:13 Humor in Clinical Practice
30:01 The Neural Harmony Model
38:00 Humor as a Tool for Truth and Connection
Links
Connect with Sam Shay:
Neurospicy Stand-Up Comedy Special https://youtu.be/auxjQWEGFCQ?si=rDl8KbDiqTRMLu7F
Schedule a Discovery Call: https://go.holisticheartcenters.com/apply
Access Courses and Events: https://holisticheartcenters.info/hearthealth
Get Heartwell Toolkits: https://shop.holisticheartcenters.com/
Schedule a Business Meeting: https://calendly.com/heartcenters
🎉 NEW! Interact with Own Your Heart Health Podcast — on NotebookLM: https://holisticheartcenters.info/notebook
Connect with Dr. Regina Druz:
Website: http://holisticheartcenters.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@reginadruzmd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.reginadruz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holisticheartcenters
Twitter: https://x.com/heartCenters
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@holisticheartcenters
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