Laughing in the Dark: Suicide Prevention, Comedy, and Hope with Frank King

Laughing in the Dark: Suicide Prevention, Comedy, and Hope with Frank King

In this episode, Kevin sits down with Frank King, a suicide prevention speaker, comedian, and former writer for The Tonight Show. Frank spent 20 years writing for late night television and has been a full time speaker and comedian for more than 40 years.

Frank’s work is deeply personal. His speaking is shaped by his lifelong experience with Major Depressive Disorder and Chronic Suicidal Ideation, including moments where he came close enough to ending his life that he can speak honestly and powerfully about what that darkness feels like.

Instead of hiding that story, Frank has turned his long, dark journey of the soul into lifesaving work. He has delivered 13 TEDx Talks and shares his insights with corporations, associations, and audiences across the country to help people understand suicide prevention, mental health, and the power of honest conversation.

Over the course of his career, Frank has shared the stage with legendary comedians and entertainers including Jeff Foxworthy, Adam Sandler, Jerry Seinfeld, Dr. Ken Jeong, Ellen DeGeneres, Dennis Miller, Lou Rawls, The Beach Boys, and Randy Travis.

And somehow, on top of all that, Frank has survived two aortic valve replacements, a double bypass, a heart attack, and losing to a puppet on the original Star Search.

And yes, he’s lived to joke about it all.

This conversation is honest, meaningful, surprisingly funny, and deeply human. Frank brings a rare mix of comedy, courage, and lived experience to one of the most important conversations we can have.

In This Episode

Kevin and Frank talk about:

• Suicide prevention and mental health
• Living with Major Depressive Disorder
• Chronic Suicidal Ideation
• Why humor can help open hard conversations
• Turning pain into purpose
• Frank’s journey as a comedian, speaker, and TEDx presenter
• What people often misunderstand about suicidal thoughts
• How honest conversations can save lives

About Frank King

Frank King is a suicide prevention speaker, comedian, and former writer for The Tonight Show. He has been a full time speaker and comedian for 40 years and has delivered 13 TEDx Talks. His work is informed by his lived experience with Major Depressive Disorder and Chronic Suicidal Ideation, and he now uses comedy and storytelling to help organizations have lifesaving conversations around mental health and suicide prevention.