The Stories of Service Podcast hosted by Theresa Carpenter featured Robin Phoenix Johnson, a combat veteran turned international stand-up comedian and leadership expert.
The discussion covered Robin's experience in establishing herself in the comedy scene, particularly in DC where she created the Best Medicine Brigade to support veteran comedians. She highlighted how comedy helps change the negative narrative around veterans' stories.
Meet Robin Phoenix Johnson
Robin shared her journey from serving 20 years in the US Army to becoming a comedian during COVID. She explained that her transition was inspired by her love for comedy since age seven and her mother-in-law's encouragement before passing away.
Robin also discussed her evolution from pure comedy to incorporating humor into corporate settings and healthcare. She detailed her work as a certified humor professional through the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor, developing programs to help veterans reframe their thinking about depression.
🔑 Key Topics
✔️ Robin Johnson mentioned developing a program to help veterans reframe their thinking about depression through humor
✔️ Robin Johnson mentioned expanding her focus to healthcare providers to address burnout among nurses and doctors
✔️ Robin Johnson mentioned plans to create content for youth and teens as her next target audience
✔️ Theresa Carpenter mentioned following up with Robin about the Veterans in Entertainment Awards in LA
Transition from Military to Comedy
Robin describes her transition into comedy during COVID, inspired by her lifelong love of comedy and her mother-in-law's encouragement. She initially approached it as a hobby before making it a full-time career. She highlights the role of Armed Services Arts Partnership and her creation of the Best Medicine Brigade to provide opportunities for veteran comedians.
Robin explains her transition from pure comedy to incorporating humor in boardrooms and workplaces, becoming a certified humor professional and developing programs to help with depression and mental health. She shares how her family, particularly her stay-at-home dad husband and children, have supported her comedy career, including their reactions to her success and involvement in her shows.
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The conversation included personal aspects of Robin's life, including her family's support of her comedy career, with her husband being a stay-at-home dad, and her children's reactions to her success. The discussion concluded with personal anecdotes about managing technical difficulties during presentations and dealing with audience interactions.
