Laughing Matters

Episode 45: How the “Funniest Person in Rochester” Brings Levity Back to Business: David Mammano

Entrepreneur, author, professor, podcaster and business humorist David Mammano joins Paul Merchan and Steve Cody on this episode of Laughing Matters to explore why humor and wit can take business culture to the next level. From winning comedy contests in college to advising business leaders on culture, David shares why there is inherent wisdom in bringing fun back to the workplace - and why having dance moves like Seinfeld’s Elaine [https://www.youtube.com/shorts/rmg97obwVbo] didn’t stop him. Tune in to hear David talk about: * Why AI can never replace humor, experience and wit * His affinity for humorous insurance company campaigns  * A story from his best-selling book about a 20-something business owner who had every one of his employees reapply for their positions * An embarrassing personal story that proves it’s important not to skip human anatomy class

Episode 44: How to Rebrand and Have Some Fun While You’re at it: Tom Martin, The College of Charleston

From FedEx to ITT to the classroom, Tom Martin has built a career on authenticity, wit, and mentorship. Now Executive-in-Residence at The College of Charleston, Tom joins Laughing Matters to share how humor helped him navigate global rebrands, ease the tension during meetings, and inspire the next generation of communicators. Tune in for: * The story behind his eponymous mentorship program for up and coming professionals * How listening (and laughing) led to iconic rebrands * Example of some of Tom’s favorite examples of humor in brand campaigns

Episode 43: Higher Stakes for Higher Ed: Using Humor to Instruct and Engage - Tony D’Angelo, Syracuse University

What do laughter and learning have in common? According to Tony D’Angelo, Professor of Practice in Public Relations at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School, they’re both essential to building trust, engagement, and resilience in the classroom and beyond. In this episode of Laughing Matters, Tony shares how humor helps educators connect with students, why civility is in crisis, and how a self-deprecating joke turned a stressed-out student into a creative powerhouse. Tune in for: * How humor lowers the temperature in high-pressure classrooms and encourages productive disagreement.  * Insights on how colleges and universities can differentiate themselves in a sea of sameness and deal with disruptive challengers like LinkedIn Learning. * His insights on a recent study on civility in America… shameless plug, Tony will be on a panel [https://www.prsa.org/conferences-and-awards/icon-2025#agenda] discussing this topic at the PRSA Icon Conference on 10/29; fellow panelist and IW Chairman Bill Imada also did a recent podcast [https://www.prweek.com/article/1934536/pr-week-1022025-bill-imada-iw-group?utm_source=marketing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=editorial%20podcast&utm_id=editorial+podcast&hmEmail=&sha256email=e076bfddfef1bb8ee226b8053ba55e4910943177a11825f6e667b3f5b27643e9&elqTrack=True] on civility.

Episode 42: What Gen Z wants you to know about AI and the future of work, from recent grad Emilia Feltner

In this episode of Laughing Matters, recent college graduate Emilia Feltner shares how her generation is shaping the workplace, why leaders should never underestimate the power of a well-timed joke, and what she’s learning as AI reshapes the career ladder. Tune in to learn: * Her amazing experience interning in her mother’s native Lithuania * What’s new with AI, Gen Z’s entrepreneurial spirit and using humor as “medicine” * Why you should probably not leave your phone with her!

Episode 41: Breaking the ice while breaking the news: David Gaffen, Reuters

In a 24/7 newsroom, pressure is high and the headlines can be serious, but David Gaffen, Editor-in-Charge at Thomson Reuters, believes humor is essential to surviving it all. In this episode of Laughing Matters, David shares how he keeps his team grounded, why smart wordplay still has power, and what it takes to stay sharp in a chaotic media landscape. Tune in for: * How gallows humor keeps newsroom teams resilient under pressure * The art of writing witty headlines without crossing the line * A MasterClass in keeping journalism rigorous, relevant, and human Laughing Matters will be taking a summer hiatus—we’ll be back in September with a new season full of lessons, learnings, and laughs.