Marla is packing for a six-month solo adventure, which sounds exciting, until Polly Packer shows up. Polly is that relentless inner critic who turns packing a bag into a full emotional workout. In this episode, Marla traces that anxiety all the way back to its roots: shame.

Through two wonderfully mortifying stories, Marla unpacks how our brains turn moments of what should be just embarrassment into beliefs we carry for decades. She explores where shame comes from, why it has such a grip on us, and most importantly, how to loosen that grip with some honesty, a reality check, and a healthy dose of laughter.

Key Insights:

·Shame is not the same as guilt.

·Shame has ancient roots.

·Naming it takes away some of its power.

·Shame shrinks in the light.

Have a Polly Packer of your own? I’d love to hear about her. Send me a message at info@marlasimlett.com or find me on Instagram. And if this episode hit close to home, share it with someone who needs it. When you’ve got a revolution, the more the merrier.

Subscribe to the Laughter Revolution Digest at marlasimlett.com to follow along on Marla’s six-month solo journey, including what she’s learning and laughing about along the way.

You have a list. A very convincing list of reasons why you can't, shouldn't, or aren't ready to go after the thing you want. And here's the wild part - your brain built that list on purpose. It thinks it's keeping you safe. Spoiler: it's not.

In this episode, I dig into one of the stickiest places people get stuck - fear. Not the bear-chasing-you kind of fear. The quieter, sneakier kind that shows up as procrastination, perfectionism, overthinking, and a very logical-sounding list of reasons why now just isn't the right time.

I introduce Little f - my name for perceived fear - and walk you through my five-step Laughter Toolbox process for dealing with him. I also share how a good doom and gloom improv session (yes, really) can help reset your nervous system and get you back in the driver's seat. This one is funny, practical, and might just change the way you think about courage.

Key Topics Covered

• Why your very logical list of reasons is probably just fear in a trench coat
• The Marla Fear Rule - and why 98% of the things you're afraid of don't qualify as real danger
• Meet Little f: the sneaky, quieter fear that masquerades as procrastination, perfectionism, and decision paralysis
• The five-step process for recognising fear, welcoming it in, and moving through it anyway
• Why laughter isn't just fun - it's a legit nervous system reset that makes courage possible
• Some hilarious Canadian humour in the Laughter Lounge –

Handyman Hints from Red Green

Try the five-step Little f Process this week and let me know how it goes!

Drop me a message on Instagram, post in the comments, or send an email to info@marlasimlett.com.

Subscribe to the Laughter Revolution newsletter at marlasimlett.com.

And if this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs a little nudge — and a laugh. New episodes drop every second Thursday. Subscribe so you never miss one.

In this first episode, host Marla Simlett shares the origin story behind Laughter Revolution. Three years of crisis, a full-blown anxiety disorder, and one unforgettable moment involving bleach and a fan cord that sparked everything.

This is where the Laughter Intelligence™ framework was born. And it might just change how you think about laughter forever.

Welcome to the Revolution.

New episodes every other Thursday starting May 7.