with Sam Shay, DC, IFMCP
Podcast Summary
Laughter and heart health might seem like an unlikely pairing until you hear the science behind it.
Dr. Regina Druz is joined by Dr. Sam Shay, a functional medicine doctor who also happens to be a stand-up comic. Together, they explore how humor therapy works on a biological level, from lowering stress hormones to improving blood flow. Could laughter help prevent heart disease? And what role does humor play in building trust between patients and practitioners?
Dr. Shay shares how comedy became part of his clinical practice after growing up in a family shaped by cardiovascular illness. He explains why humor rooted in truth can disarm fear, build connection, and shift a patient’s mindset, which are all crucial elements when it comes to healing.
This episode invites a different perspective on heart health, one where humor isn’t a distraction but a meaningful tool for connection, resilience, and recovery.
Episode Breakdown:
- 00:00 Heart Health and Humor
- 01:05 Personal Story and Family Heart Disease
- 04:05 Science Behind Laughter Therapy
- 08:57 How Humor Supports Cardiovascular Health
- 19:31 Practical Ways to Use Humor for Health
- 21:13 Humor in Clinical Practice
- 30:01 The Neural Harmony Model
- 38:00 Humor as a Tool for Truth and Connection
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