Darkness. Then, a blinding flash. “He's back!” a voice shouted, followed by a searing pain that ripped through my chest. Again. And again. 74 times, I was yanked back from the brink, the peaceful void of the afterlife wrestling with the chaotic clamor of the living.
Then, silence. A drugged slumber, a hazy descent back into a world that felt both familiar and alien. My purpose? It was a question that haunted me, a relentless echo in the fog of my recovery.
Years blurred in a desperate search for answers. Ancient scriptures, endless meditation, even the fleeting escape of drugs... nothing quieted the yearning within. But then, a spark ignited in the most unexpected place – a comedy club, bathed in the warm glow of laughter and connection.
It was there, amidst the shared joy and release, that I realized my calling. Laughter was the antidote, a weapon against the darkness, a beacon of hope. But my initial forays onto the stage were clumsy and desperate. I was trying to shock and provoke instead of simply being myself. It took time and a few hard falls to find my voice and understand that true comedy comes from authenticity, from the heart.
Humor Haven. It's more than just a name; it's a dream, a mission, a lifeline. It's the place I wish I had when I was clawing my way back from the abyss when laughter was the only thing that kept me afloat.
It started with a simple idea:
Create a space where people can come together.
Laugh until their bellies hurt.
Leave feeling a little lighter, a little more hopeful.
A space where we can connect, not just as an audience and a comedian, but as human beings who've been through the wringer and come out the other side.
The Sandbox is my first haven, a cozy little spot in New Haven where I'm building something special. On Saturday nights, I let loose. It's raw, unfiltered, and the kind of comedy that makes you snort your drink out your nose.
But then, something magical happens on Sunday afternoons. The lights come up, the energy shifts and I create something truly unique – a comedy experience that's as heartwarming as it is hilarious. Families, couples, even your grandma – everyone's welcome.
Clean Comedy: No Holds Barred
Why clean comedy? Sometimes, the world's messed up enough. We need a place to bring our kids, laugh without cringing, and not worry about hearing a string of f-bombs.
But don't get me wrong—clean doesn't mean dull. It means I have to dig deeper and find the funny in the every day, the absurd in the ordinary.
This is just the start. Humor Haven is about more than shows. It's about reaching out and bringing laughter to those who need it most. Seniors, prisoners, kids—everyone deserves a chance to laugh, heal, and find a little hope.
And it's not just about stand-up. I'm talking about music, poetry, and art—all those things that make us feel alive and remind us we're not alone in this crazy journey.
Humor Haven is about community, connection, and the healing power of laughter. It's about creating a world where we can all laugh together, even when things are tough. Because sometimes, laughter is the only thing that makes sense.
Let's be honest; "clean comedy" sometimes gets a bad rap. People think it's all watered-down punchlines and corny jokes. But that's where they're wrong. Clean comedy is an art form. It's about finding the funny in the every day, the absurd in the ordinary, without relying on shock value or offensive language. It's about crafting jokes that resonate with everyone, regardless of age or background.
Humor Haven is about proving that clean comedy can be just as funny, if not funnier, than its more explicit counterpart. It's about creating a space where everyone can laugh without feeling uncomfortable or excluded.
The Power of Hope
Laughter is more than just a feel-good experience. It's a powerful tool for healing and transformation. When we laugh, we release endorphins, those feel-good chemicals that boost our mood and reduce stress. Laughter helps us connect with others, build resilience, and find hope in adversity.
I'm so passionate about the Humor Haven Kids Comedy Class. It's not just about teaching kids how to tell jokes; it's about empowering them to find their voice, build confidence, and discover the joy of making others laugh. It's about creating a community where they can support each other and grow together.
And who knows? Some of these kids will become the next generation of comedy greats, spreading laughter and hope throughout the world.
Join the Laughter Revolution!
Ready to experience the Humor Haven difference? I'm bringing the fun to The Sandbox with two incredible shows every month. The following shows are:
Adult Show: Saturday, December 14th at 8pm. BYOB. This one's for the grown-ups who like their humor a little spicy.
Comedy for Everyone: Sunday, December 15th, at 2 p.m. Pay what you want! Bring the whole family for an afternoon of side-splitting, heartwarming fun.
But here's the thing: that Sunday show? It's more than just a comedy show. It's a chance to build something special, a community where everyone feels welcome, and laughter is the universal language.
So come down and bring your friends, family, and neighbors. Let's laugh together, heal together, and build a haven of hope, one joke at a time.
To learn more, visit my website at OGRyanKing.com or follow me on social @OGRyanKing. Sign up for my mailing list to stay updated on upcoming shows and events. I can't wait to laugh with you!
Humor Haven: More Than Just a Punchline
Humor Haven is more than just a comedy show; it's a movement. It's about creating a world where laughter is accessible to everyone and is used to heal, connect, and inspire. As Charlie Chaplin once said, 'A day without laughter is a day wasted.' So come join me at Humor Haven, and let's make every day count.