The Lighten Up Project

The Lighten Up Project

Hosted by comedian and Applied Humor and Play Professional Malcolm Grissom, The Lighten Up Project explores how laughter, applied improv, and genuine human connection can help us navigate life’s heaviest challenges. Through honest conversations with comedians, educators, leaders, and mental-health advocates, Malcolm uncovers practical ways to reduce stress, interrupt isolation, strengthen relationships, and create cultures where people feel safe, seen, and supported. Because healing does not always have to feel heavy—and serious change can begin with a moment of laughter. Laugh louder. Lead lighter. Live brighter. Laughter can open a door to connection. It is not a replacement for appropriate professional care.
Bring Your Fear With You: How to Quiet Your Inner Critic and Take Creative Risks
The Lighten Up ProjectOctober 02, 202642:33

Bring Your Fear With You: How to Quiet Your Inner Critic and Take Creative Risks

What if the thing standing between you and your most creative self is just your inner critic — and you could learn to talk back to it? Pioneering physical theater and improvisation artist Joya Cory ha...

The Stories We Carry: How Telling Your Story Can Change Your Life
The Lighten Up ProjectSeptember 30, 202638:45

The Stories We Carry: How Telling Your Story Can Change Your Life

What if the story you're most afraid to tell is exactly the one that's meant to set you free? Licensed therapist, writer, and self-described "comedian, DJ, part-time assassin, and librarian" Johnzelle...

Four Inner Voices Every Leader Needs to Recognize — Part 2
The Lighten Up ProjectSeptember 25, 202619:32

Four Inner Voices Every Leader Needs to Recognize — Part 2

If you've ever caught yourself avoiding a decision because some inner voice convinced you it wouldn't matter anyway, isn't it time to figure out which voice you're actually listening to? In this secon...

The Emotional Intelligence Framework Behind Every Creative Block: The Four Inner Voices
The Lighten Up ProjectSeptember 23, 202617:09

The Emotional Intelligence Framework Behind Every Creative Block: The Four Inner Voices

What if the voice in your head telling you you're going to bomb isn't something to defeat, but something to simply stop listening to? In this first half of a two-part series, Malcolm breaks down the f...