“Serve the Lord with Laughter” - Padre Pio

Send us Fan MailWhat if laughter is one of the truest ways to bring people back to Christ? Jim and Meghan sit down with Ashley Strand, founder of Holy Smoke Comedy, to talk about building a ministry that uses improv and comedy to evangelize without losing reverence. Ashley shares her own winding path through grief, new age wandering, and a return to the Catholic faith, along with what it looks like to create art that is edgy, virtuous, and honest about both suffering and joy. It is a conversation about finding God in the unexpected places of life, including through humor. What’s in this episode:Ashley's path from theater and depression to founding Holy Smoke ComedyHer journey from Protestant faith into new age searching before CatholicismHow grief and a serious health scare reshaped her calling to comedyThe mission behind Holy Smoke Comedy: edgy, yet virtuous, never scandalousWhy good art embraces the ugly to reveal what is true and beautifulWeekly improv jams and upcoming events like the Saint Philip Neri FestivalThe healing power of humor, including Jim's story of losing his fatherEncouragement for parents whose kids feel called to performing artsOne resource every Catholic family should know: "On the Nature of Comedy in American Catholic Culture," an essay by Holy Smoke Comedy's writing partner Tony on comedy and Catholic art, available by emailing hello@holysmokecomedy.comBook she is currently reading: The Bible, the resource Ashley returns to for stories and wisdom that ground her, especially in hard timesAdvice to her younger self: Keep being the wild, funny, Jesus loving self she was as a teen, and keep loving people even when they do not love backFinal wisdom for listeners: Find the laughter in daily life, even in stress or sadness, since humor can be deeply healing Resources Mentioned:Holy Smoke Comedy – Catholic improv and sketch comedy shows, workshops, and events blending faith and humor"On the Nature of Comedy in American Catholic Culture" – An essay on comedy and Catholic art by Holy Smoke Comedy's writing partner Tony, available by emailing hello@holysmokecomedy.comA Letter to Artists by Pope John Paul II – Referenced for its reflection on mystery and beauty in art Looking for meaningful ways to deepen your family’s connection with God outside of Sunday Mass? Download our free guide to discover 10 practical and fun faith-based activities that will bring your family closer to Christ—no matter how busy life gets. From sharing gratitude at the dinner table to watching faith-filled media together, these ideas make living your faith easy and enjoyable.