When Do We Know the Joke Is Over?

In this episode, I reflect on the power of humor—especially in the messiness of parenting and real life. I kick things off with a live stream moment when I discovered toothpaste on my hairbrush during a team meeting… courtesy of my kids’ April Fool's prank. That launched me into a bigger conversation: when do we know the joke is over?

I share some personal stories—like a cringey-but-funny moment from my river guiding days involving a Boy Scout joke that definitely did not land with every audience. It was a reminder that context matters. Humor is a great teacher of timing, audience awareness, and knowing when to pivot.

I also talk about my brief (and very amateur) foray into stand-up comedy and what I learned about pacing, punchlines, and the moment humor falls flat. Whether you're parenting, podcasting, or running a business, there's a season for everything—including the jokes that no longer serve us.

I wrap things up by sharing a sweet Mother’s Day card I found while cleaning out my desk, and reflecting on the joy, chaos, and beauty of it all. Sometimes, when we clear out the old, we make space for the magic to return—even if it’s in the form of gummy candy and double-sided tape.

"Laughter is the shortest distance between two people." - Victor Borge

Key Takeaways:

Humor has its limits—know when to stop.

• Whether it’s a prank or a punchline, timing and audience matter. Not every joke lands, and that’s okay—part of growth is learning from what doesn’t work.

Jokes can teach us about boundaries.

• From toothpaste on a hairbrush to telling off-color jokes in the wrong crowd, humor often highlights the importance of reading the room.

Faith often follows fear.

• Big moves or creative leaps rarely feel "ready." Courage often shows up first, and faith comes after we've stepped out.

Small joys bring clarity.

• Cleaning out a desk or rediscovering a sweet card from your child can realign you with what really matters.

It’s okay to let go of what’s not serving you.

• Like clearing away the sticky tape on light switches, making space helps new, more joyful things come in.

Be sure to check out my interview on the Courageous Women Rise Summit:  https://courageouswomenrise.com/Cat

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