What does it mean to lead with kindness in a world that often rewards outrage?

In this episode of Laugh or Death, Paul sits down with bestselling author, speaker, and kindness advocate Shola Richards to talk about civility, leadership, and the power of treating people well — even when we disagree.

Shola shares stories from his work speaking around the world and advising organizations on building cultures rooted in respect, compassion, and accountability. Together, he and Paul explore why kindness isn't weakness, how humor can diffuse tension, and why civility may be one of the most powerful leadership tools we have today.

The conversation also touches on navigating disagreement, building healthier communities, and why the way we treat each other matters far beyond the workplace.

If you've ever wondered how to stay human in a world that often feels divided, this episode offers thoughtful perspective — and a few laughs along the way.

Links:

If you enjoyed this episode and want to build your own humor habit, make sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who could use a little more levity in their life.

To learn more about Paul's work, book him for speaking engagements, or explore the science behind humor and resilience, visit: 👉 https://www.paulosincup.com You can also dive deeper into the tools discussed in this episode in Paul's book: 👉 The Humor Habit

Guest: https://sholarichards.com

Episode Minute-By-Minute:

• 00:00 – Introducing Shola Richards
• 01:30 – The Mission Behind Civility and Kindness
• 03:00 – Why Treating People Well Matters
• 05:00 – Humor as a Tool for Connection
• 07:00 – Navigating Disagreement with Humanity
• 10:00 – The Power of Kindness in Leadership
• 13:00 – Civility in Public Discourse
• 16:00 – Why Respect Matters Even When We Disagree
• 19:00 – The Role of Humor in Difficult Conversations
• 23:00 – How Leaders Model Human Behavior
• 27:00 – Why Kindness Is Not Weakness
• 31:00 – The Ripple Effect of Treating People Well
• 35:00 – Shola's Final Thoughts