Conversations with Rich Bennett Newsletter

How Comedy Saved Dave Mowry’s Life

Published on August 21, 2026

What if one of the darkest chapters of your life could eventually become a source of laughter, connection, and hope? Dave Mowry discovered that telling his story one joke at a time could help him reclaim a life once controlled by mental illness.

Dave is an award-winning author, mental health advocate, comedy instructor, and performer who has lived with bipolar disorder and severe anxiety throughout his adult life. After losing his business, becoming homeless with his family, and spending 14 years suffering in silence, he attended a stand-up comedy class for people with mental illness. That class changed everything.

In this conversation, Dave and Rich discuss:

What severe depression and anxiety felt like during Dave’s darkest years

How stand-up comedy helped him reframe traumatic experiences

Why laughter can open conversations about mental illness

The importance of accepting a diagnosis without surrendering to it

How Dave now helps others transform painful stories through humor

Dave also shares the inspiration behind OMG, That’s Me! and Healing with Humor, along with several stories about the courageous people featured in his work.

Learn more about Dave and find his books at DaveMowry.com.

Listen, subscribe, and share this conversation with someone who may need the reminder that change is possible. After reading Dave’s books, please consider leaving a review or donating a copy to someone who could benefit from his words.