Ben Gleib on Why Humor is the Best Therapy and How to Laugh Through Life’s Messiest Moments

Ever wondered how comedians manage to laugh their way through heartbreak, anxiety, or even funerals?

In Episode #3 of Don’t Be a Jerk, comedian Ben Gleib (Netflix, Comedy Central, host of “Idiotest”) shares how humor has been his ultimate self-therapy, saving him from life’s most painful moments and turning struggles into strength.

Ben reveals the surprising power behind self-deprecation, why being authentically flawed makes you a better public speaker, and how comedy helped him handle being bullied as a kid. He even hilariously breaks down Barack Obama’s public speaking, proving nobody, not even the greatest orators, nails it every time.

In this conversation, Ben also discusses:

• Why laughing through heartbreak can turn pain into your best material.

• How humor creates genuine safety (not just for others, but for yourself).

• Why canned lines will never outperform genuine listening and connection.

• How even the darkest moments can become lighter once you find the joke.

Recorded after Healey and Ben hit it off at a recent conference, this episode feels less like an interview and more like two friends jamming about life, love, and the comedic absurdity of it all. If you’ve ever felt nervous about speaking up, overwhelmed by tough situations, or just need proof that laughing at yourself can heal pretty much anything — this one’s for you.

Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you listen.