Laughing Matters

Hosted by Paul

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Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Welcome to Peppercomm's Laughing Matters! A podcast that explores how great minds from the world of business, journalism and beyond are using the incredible power of humor to boost morale, engagement and productivity. Hosted by CEO Steve Cody and Senior Vice President Paul Merchan.

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48 recent

June 2, 2026Episode 4830 min

Episode 48: Part 2: Witness to History, Voice of the Moment: Jim Hickey, Retired ABC News Correspondent

In Part 2 of their special two-part miniseries on Laughing Matters, Steve Cody and Paul Merchan continue their conversation with legendary journalist Jim Hickey, an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning correspondent whose career placed him at the center of some of the most consequential events of the modern era. From the collapse of the Soviet Union and the opening moments of Desert Storm to the harrowing day-long coverage of 9/11, Jim shares firsthand accounts of reporting history as it unfolded—and the responsibility of documenting it for future generations. Along the way, he reflects on the evolving relationship between journalists and the institutions they cover, the unpredictability of breaking news, and the unexpected moments of humor that emerge even in the most serious circumstances.Tune in to hear Jim talk about:What it was like witnessing history firsthand—from Soviet tanks rolling through Moscow during the collapse of the Soviet Union to covering the opening moments of Desert Storm from a secret air base in the Persian GulfWhy one military commander’s view of journalists as “chroniclers of history” forever shaped Jim’s perspective on the role of the mediaHis unforgettable experience providing continuous ABC Radio coverage on 9/11, including a live eyewitness account of the second plane striking the World Trade CenterThe lighter side of a remarkable career, from a suspected KGB “honey trap” in Moscow to a live TV mishap that became an early viral news moment

May 4, 2026Episode 4726 min

Episode 47: Part 1: At the Right Place, Right Time to Report on History: Jim Hickey, Retired ABC News Correspondent

In Part 1 of a special two-part miniseries on Laughing Matters, Steve Cody and Paul Merchan sit down with legendary journalist Jim Hickey, an Edward R. Murrow Award winner whose career spans some of the most defining global events of the past half-century. From war zones to world leaders, Jim shares what it means to be fortunate to be where you are when history happens., while reflecting on the moments, mentors and mindset that shaped his remarkable journey—from a college radio station to the front lines of global news.Tune in to hear Jim talk about:How a college mentor changed the trajectory of his career overnightWhat it was like covering the Lebanese Civil War—and an unforgettable moment with Yasser ArafatThe reality of reporting from apartheid-era South Africa (and the disconnect with newsroom expectations back home)The striking contrast between Princess Diana’s royal funeral and Mother Teresa’s humble farewellA powerful, personal moment with Archbishop Desmond Tutu upon learning Nelson Mandela would be released

February 23, 2026Episode 4620 min

Episode 46: How to Say Diversity Out Loud and Mean It: Carmella Glover, Diversity Action Alliance

On this episode of Laughing Matters, Carmella Glover joins Paul Merchan and Steve Cody to tackle one of today’s most loaded topics with intelligence, candor and yes, a sense of humor. As President and CEO of the Diversity Action Alliance, she shares why leaders should not be afraid of clarity, why innovation depends on different perspectives and why silence can sometimes speak louder than words.From her early days as a chemical engineer explaining complex manufacturing challenges to leading conversations around inclusion in a polarized climate, Carmella makes the case that strong leadership is less about buzzwords and more about precision, courage and humanity.Tune in to hear Carmella talk about:Why “diversity” is not a controversial word and how leaders can say what they actually meanHow innovation multiplies when different perspectives are truly in the roomThe multitasking email moment that proves even seasoned executives should proofread twiceWe also wanted to flag a great virtual event on 2/24 co-hosted by the DAA, “Leading With Credibility in a Fractured Media World,” featuring Congressman Jim Clyburn. You can find more details linked here.

December 17, 2025Episode 4525 min

Episode 45: How the “Funniest Person in Rochester” Brings Levity Back to Business: David Mammano

Entrepreneur, author, professor, podcaster and business humorist David Mammano joins Paul Merchan and Steve Cody on this episode of Laughing Matters to explore why humor and wit can take business culture to the next level. From winning comedy contests in college to advising business leaders on culture, David shares why there is inherent wisdom in bringing fun back to the workplace - and why having dance moves like Seinfeld’s Elaine didn’t stop him. Tune in to hear David talk about:Why AI can never replace humor, experience and witHis affinity for humorous insurance company campaigns A story from his best-selling book about a 20-something business owner who had every one of his employees reapply for their positionsAn embarrassing personal story that proves it’s important not to skip human anatomy class

November 17, 2025Episode 4426 min

Episode 44: How to Rebrand and Have Some Fun While You’re at it: Tom Martin, The College of Charleston

From FedEx to ITT to the classroom, Tom Martin has built a career on authenticity, wit, and mentorship. Now Executive-in-Residence at The College of Charleston, Tom joins Laughing Matters to share how humor helped him navigate global rebrands, ease the tension during meetings, and inspire the next generation of communicators.Tune in for:The story behind his eponymous mentorship program for up and coming professionalsHow listening (and laughing) led to iconic rebrandsExample of some of Tom’s favorite examples of humor in brand campaigns

October 15, 202526 min

Episode 43: Higher Stakes for Higher Ed: Using Humor to Instruct and Engage - Tony D’Angelo, Syracuse University

What do laughter and learning have in common? According to Tony D’Angelo, Professor of Practice in Public Relations at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School, they’re both essential to building trust, engagement, and resilience in the classroom and beyond. In this episode of Laughing Matters, Tony shares how humor helps educators connect with students, why civility is in crisis, and how a self-deprecating joke turned a stressed-out student into a creative powerhouse.Tune in for:How humor lowers the temperature in high-pressure classrooms and encourages productive disagreement. Insights on how colleges and universities can differentiate themselves in a sea of sameness and deal with disruptive challengers like LinkedIn Learning.His insights on a recent study on civility in America… shameless plug, Tony will be on a panel discussing this topic at the PRSA Icon Conference on 10/29; fellow panelist and IW Chairman Bill Imada also did a recent podcast on civility.

September 16, 2025Episode 4219 min

Episode 42: What Gen Z wants you to know about AI and the future of work, from recent grad Emilia Feltner

In this episode of Laughing Matters, recent college graduate Emilia Feltner shares how her generation is shaping the workplace, why leaders should never underestimate the power of a well-timed joke, and what she’s learning as AI reshapes the career ladder.Tune in to learn:Her amazing experience interning in her mother’s native LithuaniaWhat’s new with AI, Gen Z’s entrepreneurial spirit and using humor as “medicine”Why you should probably not leave your phone with her!

June 13, 2025Episode 4122 min

Episode 41: Breaking the ice while breaking the news: David Gaffen, Reuters

In a 24/7 newsroom, pressure is high and the headlines can be serious, but David Gaffen, Editor-in-Charge at Thomson Reuters, believes humor is essential to surviving it all. In this episode of Laughing Matters, David shares how he keeps his team grounded, why smart wordplay still has power, and what it takes to stay sharp in a chaotic media landscape.Tune in for:How gallows humor keeps newsroom teams resilient under pressureThe art of writing witty headlines without crossing the lineA MasterClass in keeping journalism rigorous, relevant, and humanLaughing Matters will be taking a summer hiatus—we’ll be back in September with a new season full of lessons, learnings, and laughs.

May 2, 2025Episode 4023 min

Episode 40: How to Focus on Your “A” Laughs on the Mic and in the Office: Matthew Bryan, Resource Capital Funds

What do stand-up comedy and marketing have in common? A lot more than you'd think. Just ask Matthew Bryan, Head of Marketing at Resource Capital Funds, part-time comic and full-time Steve Cody’s Nephew™. In this episode of Laughing Matters, Matthew shares how bombing on stage taught him to fail forward, how humor builds creative safety in teams, and the time he accidentally hit Reply All to make a major personal announcement.Tune in for:The surprising connection between punchlines and performance marketingWhy self-deprecating humor = professional superpowerA workplace email snafu that taught him to think carefully before hitting send

March 7, 2025Episode 3922 min

Episode 39: Switch the Suit for a New Zealand Sweater: Mikayla Hopkins, Tracksuit

Can a leader who embraces self-deprecating humor also help grow a company from four employees to 120? Mikayla Hopkins is laughing while she leads marketing at Tracksuit (the word also happens to be what New Zealanders call sweaters). She joins Laughing Matters to share her journey of building a brand from the ground up and finding humor in the process. Among her insights:The unique contrasts between self-deprecating Kiwi (New Zealand) humor and the direct, punchy style of American comedyGrowing Tracksuit from 4 to 120 employees and maintaining a light-hearted company culture throughout this massive expansionA hilarious story of a melatonin mishap, subway confusion, and a wardrobe malfunction during an important meeting in New York