228: How This Army Vet & Suicide Survivor Uses Comedy to Crush Stigma {Ep 228}

Laughers, ready to laugh—and maybe heal a little? In this heartwarming and hilarious episode, host Dawn Davis Womack is joined by fan-favorite Vernard Hines, aka The Laugh Therapist. Vernard—a retired Army vet, clean comedian, motivational speaker, and peer recovery specialist—gets real about his personal journey from the battlefields of Iraq to battling PTSD, with a pit stop at Reverend Peanut Butter and Jelly (seriously, you’ll want to hear that story). Vernard opens up about surviving suicide, embracing therapy, and crushing the stigma of mental health struggles, all while using comedy as his saving grace. Dawn and Vernard dive into family, faith, triggers, teamwork in marriage, and how humor can help us all unpack our baggage—or at least lighten the load. You’ll pick up practical wisdom, moving stories, unexpected giggles, and even a game when “Therapist Says, Comedian Replies” gets real. Whether you’re silently struggling or just love a relatable, uplifting story, this is the episode you can’t miss! Cheers!

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Website: thelaughtherapist.com
Instagram: @the_laugh_therapist
Facebook: Vernard T.  Hines (The Laugh Therapist)

See The Laugh Therapist LIVE on July 24, 2025!
NEW! Massanutten Resort Comedy Club ~ Massanutten, VA
Buy Tickets: www.massresort.com/dine/dining-events/comedy-club
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