E110: The Jollytologist (Why Laughter is the Best Medicine)

✨ In this episode of Brightside, we’re joined by the one and only Allen Klein—the Jollytologist® and bestselling author—along with award-winning filmmaker and photographer Sky Bergman. We dive into Sky’s upcoming documentary, explore Allen’s powerful story of loss that led to his life-changing work, and uncover:

• The power of laughter as a healing tool
• How to notice everyday mini-miracles
• Practical ways to find joy even in life’s toughest moments
• The importance of having purpose

Tune in for inspiring stories, uplifting wisdom, and tools you can use to bring more light into your daily life.

LEARN MORE: https://www.thejollyfilm.com

ALLEN KLEIN
Born and raised in the Bronx, Allen Klein has spent a lifetime helping people find humor in life’s most difficult moments. After losing his wife when she was 34 to a rare liver disease, Allen realized that humor had been one of their most powerful coping tools—and he’s been sharing that insight with the world ever since.A former scenic designer for CBS television in New York (including the Captain Kangaroo Show), Allen swapped whimsical sets for uplifting stories. He went on to earn a master’s degree in human development with a focus on therapeutic humor, and became the world’s first and only “Jollytologist®”—yes, it’s a real title, and yes, he lives up to it.He’s authored over 30 books, including The Healing Power of Humor, The Courage to Laugh, Embracing Life After Loss and The AWE Factor. His work has been translated into 11 languages, and he’s brought his message of healing and hilarity to audiences across the globe—from corporate boardrooms to both hospitals and hospices.

SKY BERGMAN
Sky Bergman is Professor Emeritus of Photography and Video at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where she taught for 30 years before embarking on her third act. An award-winning photographer and filmmaker, her artwork is included in prestigious museum collections, and her commercial work has been featured in renowned publications such as Smithsonian magazine.

Her directorial debut, Lives Well Lived is an uplifting PBS documentary that celebrates the wit and wisdom of adults aged 75 to 100 as they share their secrets for a meaningful life. The film is currently available on PBS Passport, Amazon, iTunes, and Kanopy. Her companion book, Lives Well Lived — GENERATIONS, which highlights lessons from the film and innovative ways that people are bridging generational divides, is available on Amazon.

Sky’s latest film, The Mochi Movie, features the legendary George Takei and explores the Japanese American experience through the tradition of making mochi to celebrate the New Year. Sky creates films that connect, inspire, and celebrate the richness of the human experience. At the heart of every film is a belief in the impact of shared stories to foster empathy, understanding, and a more connected world.