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Breaking Barriers and Building Bonds: How Laughter Creates Lasting Connections

By: Small Business Trendsetters

March 20, 2025 at 10:32 AM EDT

Laughter is a universal language that transcends barriers and fosters connection. Dani Klein Modisett, founder of Laughter on Call, has dedicated her career to proving that humor is more than just entertainment—it’s a tool for building bonds and improving well-being. Her journey from stand-up comedy to creating a company that integrates humor into healthcare and corporate spaces showcases the profound impact of laughter on human interaction.

A Personal Mission Rooted in Care

Dani’s inspiration came from a deeply personal experience. A seasoned comedian and former stand-up teacher at UCLA, she faced an unexpected challenge when her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The disease brought with it not just cognitive decline but also emotional isolation.

Despite her comedic background, Dani struggled to make her mother laugh. She eventually decided to hire a comedian, hoping that an outside perspective could bring joy back into her mother’s life. The results were astonishing—her mother began eating again and engaging with her community. This moment of transformation sparked a realization: laughter had the potential to be a powerful tool for connection and healing.

Expanding Laughter’s Reach: From Caregivers to Corporate Teams

What started as a mission to support Alzheimer’s patients quickly evolved into a broader initiative. Dani began training caregivers in comedic techniques to enhance connection with patients. However, when COVID-19 hit, Laughter on Call had to pivot to virtual engagement. The launch of Lunchtime Laughter—an open-to-the-public online laughter session—revealed that isolation wasn’t just a problem for seniors. People from all walks of life, including professionals working remotely, were struggling with loneliness.

This realization led to the expansion of Laughter on Call’s services into the corporate world. With workplace dynamics shifting dramatically post-pandemic, businesses recognized the need for morale-boosting and team-building activities. Laughter on Call now works with companies worldwide, including major corporations like Microsoft, Amazon, and Capital One, to enhance workplace culture through humor.

The Science Behind Laughter’s Benefits

Laughter isn’t just about fun—it has scientifically proven benefits for both mental and physical health. Studies show that laughter releases dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin, creating feelings of happiness and reducing stress. Additionally, it increases oxygen flow to the brain and organs, improving overall well-being.

On a psychological level, laughter fosters trust and a sense of belonging. It mitigates isolation and even helps ease agitation in individuals with cognitive decline. Dani’s work emphasizes the importance of “affiliative humor”—a type of humor that brings people together rather than putting others down. This form of comedy is at the heart of Laughter on Call’s mission.

Laughter as a Leadership Tool

A common misconception in the business world is that humor undermines authority. However, research suggests the opposite—leaders who effectively use humor are perceived as 27% more motivating. Dani highlights that humor should be inclusive and positive, avoiding sarcasm or put-downs.

Laughter on Call’s workshops teach leaders and teams how to incorporate humor into workplace culture. Programs such as “Laughter for Leadership” and “Yes, And Solutions for Team Building” help businesses foster collaboration, creativity, and innovation through humor-based exercises.

Addressing Workplace Challenges with Laughter

Post-pandemic, many companies struggle with hybrid work environments, generational gaps, and employee engagement. Laughter on Call offers solutions tailored to these challenges by facilitating interactive experiences that break down barriers. Their approach is particularly effective in bridging cultural and generational divides, fostering a sense of unity across diverse teams.

Creating a Culture of Connection

Dani’s journey from comedian to business leader demonstrates that laughter is more than a form of entertainment—it’s a catalyst for meaningful human connection. Through Laughter on Call, she has transformed an instinctive response into a structured, science-backed approach to improving well-being in both personal and professional settings.

As workplaces and communities continue to navigate new challenges, one thing remains clear: everyone needs to laugh. And when used intentionally, humor has the power to bring people together in ways that few other tools can. Whether in a senior care facility, a virtual office, or a global corporation, laughter is proving to be an essential ingredient for stronger, more connected communities. To learn more about Dani, visit https://www.laughteroncall.com/ and listen to her journey on Women in Motion now using this link: https://businessradiox.com/podcast/women-in-motion/laughter-on-call/

About Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West)

WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, WBEs, and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. WBENC is the largest certifier of women’s business enterprises in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. We also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supply chain.

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Breaking Barriers and Building Bonds: How Laughter Creates Lasting Connections

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