Comedy Saved Me

Join Lynn Hoffman on this episode of Comedy Saved Me with the legendary comedian Wendy Liebman. Wendy has had an amazing career of Stand Up and Television work and she shares the stories behind her career about the true power of comedy.

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Wendy Liebman is an American Stand Up Comic who has starred in specials for HBO, Showtime and Comedy Central and she shares with host Lynn Hoffman on the upcoming episode the power of comedy.

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We go back to episode one with host Lynn Hoffman and Emmy Award Winning Comedian Paul Mercurio. He give us his unique take on the power of laughter and how Paul got into a comedy career.

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Comedy Saved Me Podcast - Episode Show Notes

Guest: Thom Tran

Episode Description

In this powerful episode of Comedy Saved Me, host Lynn Hoffman sits down with multi-talented veteran, comedian, musician, and activist Thom Tran for an inspiring conversation about resilience, healing, and finding purpose through laughter.

Thom’s journey from combat soldier to comedy stage is nothing short of remarkable. After enlisting in the U.S. Army at just 18 years old, Thom served as a Communications and Civil Affairs Sergeant within the Army’s Special Operations Community. His military career came to an abrupt end in 2003 when a sniper’s bullet struck the back of his skull during combat operations in Iraq, just four days after crossing the border. Despite his injuries, Thom bandaged himself up and completed his 12-month tour—a testament to his incredible strength and dedication.

Following his medical retirement in 2005, Thom discovered that comedy didn’t just change his life—it saved it. He channeled his experiences into stand-up comedy, eventually creating The GIs of Comedy Tour in 2010, a groundbreaking comedic troupe that has performed across the United States and in nearly two dozen countries, bringing healing laughter to military and civilian audiences alike.

Lynn and Thom dive deep into how humor became his lifeline, the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life, and his mission to help other veterans through the transformative power of comedy.  Special thanks to Dr. Ron Hirshberg and General Jack Hammond from Home Base for their support of our podcasts and for introducing us to Thom. For information on their amazing work go to https://homebase.org

This episode is a testament to the healing power of laughter and the resilience of the human spirit—a must-listen for anyone who believes in the transformative power of comedy.

Show Notes

Guest: Thom Tran - Veteran, Comedian, Musician, Actor & Activist

Key Topics Discussed:

• Thom’s early military enlistment at 18 and service in Army Special Operations

• Combat injury in Iraq in 2003 and the long road to medical retirement

• How comedy became a lifesaving force in his post-military life

• Creating The GIs of Comedy Tour and its impact on military communities

• Performing for audiences around the world and raising over $50,000 for military families

• The healing power of laughter for trauma survivors

• Transitioning from soldier to entertainer

• Building a career in LA comedy clubs and broadcast radio

• Recent recognition at comedy festivals and future projects

About Thom Tran:

Thom Tran is a Los Angeles-based comedian, musician, and U.S. military veteran who transformed personal trauma into purpose through comedy. After a combat injury ended his Army Special Operations career in 2005, Thom discovered stand-up comedy and never looked back. In 2010, he founded The GIs of Comedy Tour, which has performed internationally and raised significant funds for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. His work has been featured on Netflix’s “Larry Charles’ Dangerous World of Comedy,” and he recently completed a decade-long career as a radio traffic anchor for KNX News. In 2025, he was named to the SLO Comedy Festival “Best of The Fest” and selected as a “Next Wave Top 5 Comics to Watch” at the Blue Whale Comedy Festival.

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Join Lynn Hoffman for this upcoming episode with Thom Tran. He shares his incredible journey and the healing power of comedy.

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Join Lynn Hoffman for this new episode of Comedy Saved Me with Greg Fitzsimmons. Greg has built a career balancing sharp wit with raw honesty. Greg opens up about how humor helped him navigate life's toughest blows, why pain can fuel some of the most memorable material, and how the comedy stage became both his battleground and sanctuary. 

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Greg Fitzsimmons is a beloved comedian and he shares with Lynn Hoffman his story of passion and resilience and his love of the power of comedy.

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In this episode of Comedy Saved Me with Lynn Hoffman, stand-up powerhouse and radio funny man Dave Landau opens up about how comedy became both a lifeline and a career. Known for his razor-sharp wit and fearless honesty on stage, Dave shares his journey from struggles with addiction and time behind bars to finding redemption through humor. With stories that are equal parts jaw-dropping and side-splitting, Dave proves that no matter how dark life gets, laughter can light the way forward.

Tune in for laughs, brutal honesty, and a reminder that sometimes the best way to survive is to joke about it.

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A story of resilience from comedian Dave Landau on an upcoming episode hosted by Lynn Hoffman.

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In this episode of Comedy Saved Me, our host Lynn Hoffman talks with comedian Raymond Orta, whose larger-than-life storytelling and razor-sharp humor have made him one of the most dynamic voices in stand-up today. Raymond opens up about the challenges he’s faced offstage—from personal struggles to the pressures of everyday life—and how comedy became his outlet, his therapy, and ultimately, his way through.

With honesty, heart, and of course a lot of laughs, Raymond shares how his unique perspective and bilingual punchlines not only connected him with audiences across the country but also helped him navigate some of the darkest moments in his life. His story is proof of how laughter doesn’t just entertain—it heals.

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Raymond Orta joins Lynn Hoffman on an episode of Comedy Saved Me and you'll instantly love his enthusiasm of his craft and his love of life.

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In this episode of Comedy Saved Me, Lynn Hoffman talks with Jeffrey Gurian—comedian, author, comedy journalist, and longtime staple of the New York comedy world. Jeffrey’s story is as unique as his presence: a man who blends spiritual healing with stand-up insights, and who has spent his life documenting and supporting some of the biggest names in comedy.

Jeffrey shares how laughter became his own medicine, the role humor plays in healing both physically and emotionally, and why he believes comedy is one of the most powerful forces for connection and resilience. From behind-the-scenes stories with legendary comedians to his personal journey of overcoming challenges through positivity and joy, Jeffrey reminds us that comedy can truly save lives—including our own.

More information on Jeffrey's work:

1. The link to Healing Your Heart, By Changing Your Mind - A Spiritual and Humorous Approach To Achieving Happiness - the 1st book in the Happiness Series- Best Seller on Amazon - releasing the pains from childhood onward by changing your thoughts- “You can’t change your past, the only thing you can change is your PERSPECTIVE of your past.”  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0692982515

2. The link to “Fight The Fear-Overcoming Obstacles That Stand In Your Way”, the 2nd book in my Happiness Series : a #1 Release in several categories like Medicine and Psychology, Attention Deficit Disorder, Group Therapy and Adult Children of Alcoholics.   https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735442607

3. The link to the newest book that just came out in 2022  - Facing Adversity-Stories of Courage and Inspiration- a collection of true stories of very courageous people who managed to overcome unbelievable difficulties to lead happy, meaningful lives. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735442631

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Join your host Lynn Hoffman for this upcoming episode with Jeffrey Gurian. He is an amazing figure in the comedy world who is a writer, stand-up comic and has been side by side with some of the most powerful figures in comedy. Jeffrey is a dentist, author and motivational speaker as well and he truly knows how comedy and laughter saves us.

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This week on Comedy Saved Me Lynn Hoffman sits down with the one and only Red Peters—the musical mischief-maker best known for his hilariously raunchy novelty songs that have scandalized radio waves and delighted late-night troublemakers for decades.

From his early days sneaking dirty songs past censors to building a cult following with tunes you definitely can’t play at the office (or at grandma’s house), Red has made a career out of pushing boundaries and finding joy in the outrageous. But beneath the naughty punchlines, there’s a story about resilience, creative freedom, and how comedy—and sometimes a perfectly timed dirty joke—has the power to save us when life gets a little too serious.

Get ready for laughs, unbelievable stories, and a reminder that sometimes the filthiest jokes can carry the purest truth.

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Red Peters is an American musician and comedian known for his comedy music albums. If you listened to Howard Stern in the day you know many of Red's songs. Check out the upcoming episode.

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In this episode of Comedy Saved Me, join our host Lynn Hoffman as she dives deep with comedy powerhouse Rich Vos. His decades of laughter have shaped the comedy landscape and he continues inspire us with his authentic look at the world.

A Note to our Community

Your support means everything to us! As we continue to grow, we’d love to hear what guests you might find interesting and what conversations you’d like us to explore next.

Have a friend who might enjoy our conversations? Please share our podcast with them! Your word of mouth recommendations help us reach new listeners that could benefit from our content.

Thank you for being part of our community. We’re excited for what’s ahead! Check out our newest podcast called “Comedy Saved Me” wherever you get your podcasts.

Warmly

Buzz Knight

Founder Buzz Knight Media Productions

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Rich Vos joins Lynn Hoffman on this upcoming episode of Comedy Saved Me. Rich is a stand up comedian who has shaped decades of laughter.

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Join our host Lynn Hoffman and American comedian, commentator and activist Jimmy Tingle on this episode of Comedy Saved Me. Jimmy's career has spanned three decades and his unique style blends sharp political satire with insightful humor making him a legendary figure in comedy and social advocacy. Jimmy Tingle knows the healing power of laughter and comedy.

A Note to our Community

Your support means everything to us! As we continue to grow, we’d love to hear what guests you might find interesting and what conversations you’d like us to explore next.

Have a friend who might enjoy our conversations? Please share our podcast with them! Your word of mouth recommendations help us reach new listeners that could benefit from our content.

Thank you for being part of our community. We’re excited for what’s ahead! Check out our newest podcast called “Comedy Saved Me” wherever you get your podcasts.

Warmly

Buzz Knight

Founder Buzz Knight Media Productions

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Join host Lynn Hoffman for this upcoming episode with one of the legends of the Boston Comedy Scene, Jimmy Tingle. Lynn takes you behind the career of a comedy giant.

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On this episode of “Comedy Saved Me,” Lynn Hoffman talks with actor and comedian Adam Ferrara, known for his roles in FX’s “Rescue Me,” Showtime’s “Nurse Jackie,” and as co-host of “Top Gear US.” Adam shares how laughter became the lifeline that helped him navigate everything from family chaos to the pressures of Hollywood. Tune in as Adam riffs on his early days in stand-up, the indispensable role humor played growing up on Long Island, and the wild ride of working alongside legends in TV and film.

You’ll hear hilarious and touching stories—like why his mother became a minor celebrity in her retirement home thanks to Edie Falco, and how fixing cars with his dad was a comedy masterclass in disguise. Adam opens up on finding the funny even in dark moments, the lessons learned from co-hosting a high-octane car show, and why comedy remains his anchor through thick and thin.

Join us for a candid, laugh-filled conversation that proves what Adam always believed: sometimes, it’s comedy that keeps you driving forward, no matter what life puts in your way.

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Join our host Lynn Hoffman for this upcoming episode with Adam Ferrara. Adam is known for his hilarious and touching look at the world and also known for his acting career in roles on the FX show "Rescue Me", "Nurse Jackie" and "Top Gear US".

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Comedy Saved Me: Tom Bergeron with Host Lynn Hoffman

On this special episode of Comedy Saved Me, host Lynn Hoffman sits down with legendary television personality Tom Bergeron for an insightful, candid, and often hilarious conversation.

Best known as the long-time host of Dancing with the Stars and America’s Funniest Home Videos, Tom shares his remarkable journey from local radio to national stardom. Discover how comedy became his secret weapon, helping him navigate the high-stakes world of live television and life’s unpredictable moments. Tom reveals:

• His earliest comedic influences and what drew him to the world of entertainment.

• Behind-the-scenes stories from his years hosting TV’s biggest shows.

• How humor has helped him maintain resilience, especially during times of challenge both onscreen and off.

• Personal anecdotes that blend laughter and hard-won wisdom about the healing power of comedy.

Lynn and Tom’s conversation is filled with warmth and honesty, proving that sometimes, a good laugh can truly save the day. Whether you’re a fan of comedy, television, or inspiring stories of perseverance, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that laughter really is the best medicine

Check out Tom Bergereon on Shark Week on Discovery with "Dancing with the Sharks"

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Join our host Lynn Hoffman for this upcoming episode with Tom Bergeron. Tom was the long time host of the hit TV show "Dancing with the Stars" and he shares his legendary story, his influences and why comedy is such a powerful force. Tune in to the full episode and share with your friends.

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In this episode of Comedy Saved Me with your host Lynn Hoffman, legendary stand-up comic Vic Dibitetto joins the show to share how laughter became his lifeline. From viral rants in his car to sold-out theaters, Vic opens up about the ups and downs of his career, the moments that tested his resilience, and the power of humor to heal. Get ready for candid stories, quick wit, and plenty of laughs as Vic reveals how comedy not only saved his life—but continues to inspire his fans every day.

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This is a trailer for the Comedy Saved Me episode with Vic Dibitetto which releases 7-14. Vic is widely recognized for his high energy performances and observational humor. 

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Comedian Jim Florentine joins Host Lynn Hoffman on “Comedy Saved Me” for a candid and hilarious conversation about how laughter helped him navigate life’s toughest challenges. From his legendary prank calls to his love of heavy metal, Jim shares stories of finding humor in unexpected places and explains why comedy has always been his greatest coping tool. Tune in for unfiltered insights, outrageous anecdotes, and a reminder that sometimes, the best way to get through life is to laugh at it.

A Note to our Community

Your support means everything to us! As we continue to grow, we’d love to hear what guests you might find interesting and what conversations you’d like us to explore next.

Have a friend who might enjoy our conversations? Please share our podcast with them! Your word of mouth recommendations help us reach new listeners that could benefit from our content.

Thank you for being part of our community. We’re excited for what’s ahead! Check out our newest podcast called “Comedy Saved Me” wherever you get your podcasts.

Warmly

Buzz Knight

Founder Buzz Knight Media Productions

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This is a trailer for the Comedy Saved Me episode with Jim Florentine which releases 7-7. Jim is known for his signature blend of comedy, his background in prank calls and his irreverent, unfiltered style of comedy. Your host Lynn Hoffman takes you behind the laughter and what motivated Jim to be a comedian.

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On this episode of Comedy Saved Me, we sit down with the powerhouse storyteller and stand-up veteran Bret Ernst. Known for his razor-sharp wit, heartfelt honesty, and unforgettable tales from the stage and beyond, Bret opens up about the role comedy has played in navigating life’s toughest moments—from a turbulent childhood and family upheaval to the wild ride of show business.

Bret shares hilarious and moving stories about growing up with a single mom, bouncing between Florida and New Jersey, and attending 15 different schools—all while developing the survival skills and comedic chops that would later define his career. He reflects on his Italian-American roots, the chaos of family, and the unique way humor helped him handle adversity, loss, and the unpredictable turns of adulthood.

Listeners will get an inside look at Bret’s creative process, his journey from early gigs to acclaimed specials like Principal’s Office and Uncaged, and his philosophy on finding laughter—even in the darkest times. Whether he’s riffing on childhood mischief, the absurdities of marriage and divorce, or the power of storytelling, Bret’s conversation is as honest as it is hilarious.

Join us for an episode packed with laughter, resilience, and the kind of real talk that proves—sometimes, comedy really can save you.

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In this episode of Comedy Saved Me, host Lynn Hoffman sits down with acclaimed comedian Craig Shoemaker for an honest and heartfelt conversation about the transformative power of laughter. The show, which explores how comedy can be a lifeline during life’s toughest moments, features Shoemaker sharing personal stories from his decades-long career and the challenges he’s faced along the way.

Key Highlights

• Personal Journey: Craig Shoemaker opens up about his unconventional childhood, the adversity he’s overcome, and how humor became his tool for healing and connection.

• Healing Power of Laughter: The discussion delves into how comedy has helped Shoemaker—and countless others—navigate trauma, grief, and mental health struggles, emphasizing that laughter truly is the best medicine.

• Career Insights: Shoemaker reflects on his experiences in stand-up, television, and film, and how his work with the Laughter Heals Foundation has brought laughter therapy to those in need.

• Candid Reflections: The episode is filled with both levity and vulnerability, as Shoemaker and Hoffman discuss the importance of radical acceptance, forgiveness, and the courage to face life’s challenges with humor.

Why Listen?

Listeners will find inspiration in Shoemaker’s resilience and the show’s message that comedy can be a powerful force for personal growth and healing. The episode is a blend of laughter, wisdom, and real-life stories that highlight the universal need for joy and connection.

Comedy Saved Me is hosted by Lynn Hoffman and features new episodes every Monday, each one spotlighting a different comedian’s journey and the life-changing impact of humor

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Craig Shoemaker joins Lynn Hoffman for the upcoming episode coming this Monday with comedian Craig Shoemaker. A wonderfully enlightening episode that highlights the healing power of laughter.

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Join your host Lynn Hoffman as she is joined by Tony V. He is a Boston based comedian known for his national stand-up, and acting and the new podcast "Comedy Saved Me" showcases what comedy means to Tony, his influences and what drives his creativity.  Tony shares what led him to a career in comedy, how he shaped his material and why he loves it to this day.

Please also check out episode one of Comedy Saved Me with Paul Mecurio.

A Note to our Community

Your support means everything to us! As we continue to grow, we’d love to hear what guests you might find interesting and what conversations you’d like us to explore nest.

Have a friend who might enjoy our conversations? Please share our podcast with them! Your word of mouth recommendations help us reach new listeners that could benefit from our content.

Thank you for being part of our community. We’re excited for what’s ahead!

Warmly

Buzz Knight

Founder Buzz Knight Media Productions

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Check out episode two of Comedy Saved Me with host Lynn Hoffman and Boston Comedy Legend Tony V. coming 6-16.  Tony has been a stand-up comedian for decades and he shares his feelings about comedy, how he started his career and why he loves the power of comedy.

Please check out our first episode of Comedy Saved Me with Paul Mecurio and please follow us so you never miss an episode.

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Welcome to our first episode of The Comedy Saved Me Podcast hosted by Lynn Hoffman. Lynn host's our other podcast you should check out called "Music Saved Me" which explores the healing power of music and Comedy Saved Me explores the inside stories from comedians about what motivated them to a career of comedy and how they observe the incredible power of comedy and laughter. These elements of storytelling are central to who they are as comedians and folks like Paul Mecurio known the power of comedy. Paul is an Emmy and Peabody Award winning comedian, who his worked with Jon Stewart on The Daily Show and The Late Show with Steven Colbert.

A Note to our Community

Your support means everything to us! As we continue to grow, we’d love to hear what guests you might find interesting and what conversations you’d like us to explore nest.

Have a friend who might enjoy our conversations? Please share our podcast with them! Your word of mouth recommendations help us reach new listeners that could benefit from our content.

Thank you for being part of our community. We’re excited for what’s ahead! Check out our newest podcast called “Comedy Saved Me” wherever you get your podcasts.

Warmly

Buzz Knight

Founder Buzz Knight Media Productions

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the creators of the hit shows Takin’ A Walk and Music Saved Me comes a new podcast that celebrates the healing power of humor. In Comedy Saved Me, TV and radio veteran Lynn Hoffman sits down with comedians, entertainers, and cultural voices to share personal, powerful stories about how comedy changed their lives... and sometimes even saved them.

Honest, heartfelt, and often hilarious, this show proves that laughter truly is the best medicine.
 
New episodes every Monday starting June 9th. Follow now and discover how comedy saves us all.

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