Laughing your way through crappy days

When I was first diagnosed, my dear friends Karen and Parker gave me, amongst other thoughtful things, a classic Bill Cosby CD. I didn't even need  to listen to it for it to help me - it was a sweet reminder that humour has the power to heal and, frankly, distract. Some days distracted is the best state of mind you can hope for.

There is also a lot to be said for simply being cheered up. Recently I went through a bit of a blue spell. To help me cope, I turned to some of my favourite comedy podcasts. They certainly don't fix me, but they relax my mood and give me a bit of a break from the re-lent-less gloom.

So, in the spirit of paying it forward, I'd like to share a few of my favourite current chuckle stops:

1. The Sound of Young America. Host Jesse Thorn introduces you to much of the best new comedy, as well as people elsewhere from the world of arts. I get the podcast via iTunes and yesterday embarrassed myself by laughing out loud, too often, while waiting for my kids at the playground. Current fave - Paul F. Tompkins - "Sir, You Have Fooled Me Twice" from the Best of Comedy 2010.
2. Laugh Out Loud from CBC Radio. Every week Craig Norris and producer Tracy Rideout bring us comedy-lovin' Canadians the best in comedy from around the world. One of my favourite moments from recovery - I was walking around the pond at Minoru Park here in Richmond BC, and I had to stop, doubled over, tears streaming down my face as I laughed at the stand up set from Big Daddy Tazz. The reserved, eldery Chinese-Canadians who frequent the park for their morning constitutionals looked very puzzled by this odd, bald, white girl, convulsing against the park bench. Note to self: save comedy podcasts for home listening.
3. Doug Loves Movies Doug Benson loves movies and so do I. This is what you get when a bunch of comedians who love movies get together. Warning - explicit language.
4. Old Jews Telling Jokes. I'd tell you some of them now, but it would take me a while to sort through the ones that are NSFW (not suitable for work - for those of you over 30).

I'll keep updating - check here or in my sidebar to see what I am listening to (usually a mix of comedy, news and music). But I'd love to hear what you are listening to!