Unleash the Power of Healthy Humor on the Brain
Alternate Title
Beyond Funny: How to use healthy and strategic humor for personal resilience and business
In this interactive exploration of humor and laughter, participants will understand why finding things funny changes brain chemistry, reduces stress, and optimizes communication, engagement, sales, marketing, and leadership capacities. Individuals will create a Beyond Funny Toolkit to apply to their daily routines and feel confident in using intentional humor interventions in the office and at home.
Dr. Heidi Hanna is a globally recognized stress and performance expert, Chief Energy Officer of Synergy Brain Fitness, and a leading voice on how brain science can enhance well-being, productivity, and leadership. With over two decades of experience blending neuroscience, psychology, and performance training, she helps individuals and organizations recharge their mental energy and perform at their best—without burning out.
As a Senior Researcher with the Brain Health Initiative and a Fellow and Advisory Board Member of the American Institute of Stress, Dr. Heidi brings scientific credibility and practical tools to her engaging keynotes and workshops. She also teaches at Harvard University and lectures regularly at Canyon Ranch Resort and Spa, where her programs explore the neuroscience of resilience, connection, and sustainable high performance.
A New York Times bestselling author, Dr. Heidi has written seven influential books, including The Sharp Solution, Stressaholic, Recharge, and What’s So Funny About Stress? Her work translates cutting-edge research into actionable strategies that help audiences manage stress, improve focus, and harness energy for long-term success.
Dr. Heidi Hanna is the Chief Energy Officer of Synergy Brain Fitness, a company providing brain-based health and performance programs to individuals and organizations, a Senior Researcher with the Brain Health Initiative, and a Fellow and Advisory Board Member for the American Institute of Stress.
Dr. Heidi is also an instructor at Harvard and a regular lecturer at Canyon Ranch Resort and Spa. She is a NY Times bestselling author who has written seven books, including The Sharp Solution, Stressaholic, Recharge and What’s So Funny About Stress?
As an experienced speaker, Dr. Heidi Hanna has been featured at many national and global conferences, including the Fortune Magazine Most Powerful Women in Business Summit, ESPN Women’s Leadership Summit, and the Million Dollar Round Table.
Dr. Hanna is the Chief Energy Officer of Synergy Brain Fitness, a company providing brain-based health and performance programs to individuals and organizations, a Founding Partner of the Academy for Brain Health and Performance and a Fellow and Advisory Board Member for the American Institute of Stress.
She is a NY Times bestselling author of several books, including The Sharp Solution, Stressaholic, and Recharge.
Her clients have included Google, Starbucks, Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, and WD40 as well as the PGA Tour and the National Football League. Dr. Hanna serves as an Everyday Health Expert Wellness Advisory Board member, a National Board Member and Certified Humor Professional with the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor, although she won’t admit she’s funny.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter
In this powerful TEDx talk, neuroscientist and performance strategist Dr. Heidi Hanna reveals how reframing and channeling stress can transform it from an obstacle into an ally for success.
This 15-minute, 19-second TEDxSDSU talk by Dr. Heidi Hanna, bestselling author and Chief Energy Officer of Synergy Brain Fitness, challenges the conventional belief that stress is inherently bad. With humor, science, and authenticity, she introduces a new understanding of stress—not as something to be avoided, but as a source of energy and growth when managed wisely.
Dr. Heidi begins by sharing personal stories of burnout and recovery, illustrating how years of pushing through stress without balance led her to explore the neuroscience of resilience. She explains that stress itself isn’t the problem—it’s the way we interpret and respond to it. When we consciously choose to shift our mindset, we can convert stress from something that drains us into something that fuels us.
She presents the science behind this idea, describing how the brain and body are wired to adapt and strengthen under the right kind of pressure. Through simple frameworks and relatable metaphors, she teaches the audience how to reframe stress as energy, regulate the nervous system through breath and mindfulness, and build daily recovery habits that allow performance to thrive.
02:00 – Personal story: burnout, recovery, and rediscovering balance
04:10 – The brain science of stress and energy regulation
06:30 – How mindset shapes physiological responses to pressure
09:00 – Turning stress into strength through reframing and recovery
12:10 – Practical steps for building resilience and mental agility
14:45 – Closing message: channel stress to thrive, not just survive
In this Barron’s interview clip, Dr. Heidi Hanna discusses the critical role of human energy management in high-performance environments—and how leaders can sustain success through brain-based well-being.
This 4-minute, 2-second feature, The Human Element, presents Dr. Heidi Hanna, renowned neuroscientist, performance strategist, and author, sharing concise and powerful insights on how optimizing energy—not time—is the true driver of productivity and resilience.
Dr. Heidi explains that modern professionals often mismanage their most vital resource: their own mental and physical energy. She highlights the neuroscience behind how chronic stress impairs focus, creativity, and emotional balance, while deliberate recovery practices fuel innovation and clarity.
She emphasizes the need for organizations to treat well-being as a performance imperative, not a perk. Through relatable examples, Dr. Heidi connects brain science with real-world leadership challenges, showing how intentional breaks, laughter, and social connection can dramatically improve decision-making and team collaboration.
Her advice is both actionable and compassionate—underscoring that high achievers must learn to “pause with purpose” to sustain long-term excellence. This short, insightful segment encapsulates her philosophy: performance thrives when we protect and recharge the human element.
Timestamped synopsis
00:30 – Why stress management is essential for peak leadership
01:20 – The neuroscience of energy, focus, and recovery
02:25 – How small shifts in habits elevate performance and teamwork
03:30 – Leadership lesson: sustainable success requires self-care
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
Brain health, energy management, resilience, stress optimization, and performance under pressure.
She combines neuroscience with humor, storytelling, and practical tools for immediate real-world application.
Yes. Each presentation is tailored to the organization’s goals, audience profile, and current well-being challenges.
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
Alden Mills is on a mission to help 100 million people Be Unstoppable. With more than 40 years of experience failing and succeeding in a vast array of different environments from sports, military, and business to nonprofits and community action groups, he learned success is driven by one vital factor – leadership – of oneself […]
Retired Lt. Col. Tammy Barlette, and seasoned military pilot, brings a fresh perspective to overcoming challenges with high-stakes mental performance strategies. Drawing on her 20 years of experience in the cockpit of some of the Air Force’s most demanding aircraft, Tammy inspires audiences to rethink their approach to handling adversity and reaching peak performance. Her […]
Colin O’Brady is a world-record-breaking endurance athlete and a pioneering force in adventure and motivation. Known for his awe-inspiring achievements, including becoming the first person to cross Antarctica solo, unsupported, and unassisted, Colin captivates audiences worldwide with his story of courage, resilience, and pushing human potential beyond limits. Colin O Brady | Motivational Speaker With […]
JP Pawliw-Fry is an internationally renowned speaker, thought leader, and co-author of the global bestseller Performing Under Pressure: The Science of Doing Your Best When It Matters Most. With a career dedicated to enhancing leadership performance, emotional intelligence, and resilience, JP has captivated audiences around the world, delivering actionable insights that empower individuals and organizations […]
Ben Hines is the founder of Moving Performance, an innovative initiative that merges his two lifelong passions: people development and music. Drawing upon over 13 years of experience in the financial and legal sectors, Ben has developed a groundbreaking approach to leadership and team development. His ability to intertwine real-world business insights with his artistry […]
Duena Blomstrom is an internationally renowned keynote speaker, author, and co-founder of PeopleNotTech, a global media and tech scale-up dedicated to improving psychological safety, emotional intelligence (EQ), and peak performance in modern workplaces. She is the mastermind behind concepts such as “Emotional Banking” and “Human Debt,” reshaping the way organizations perceive human capital in the […]
Dan Thurmon is the dynamic founder and president of Motivation Works, Inc., a highly sought-after keynote speaker, and a thought leader in the realms of leadership, transformation, and franchise success. With an expertise in guiding leaders and their organizations through periods of profound change, Dan has been instrumental in helping teams embrace challenges and convert […]
Jamie Clarke is a trailblazing adventurer, sought-after motivational speaker, and resilience expert. Known for his dynamic, captivating keynotes, Jamie draws upon his experiences as a mountaineer and expedition leader, having successfully summited Mount Everest twice and crossed the Arabian Desert by camel. Jamie’s messages on overcoming adversity, pushing limits, and cultivating resilience resonate powerfully with […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
