No, Really, We WANT You to Laugh: Mental Illness and Stand-Up Comedy: Transforming Lives

Co-authors Dave Mowry and Tara Rolstad: Before comedy, co-author Dave Mowry lived a life of tremendous loss, and years of paralyzing anxiety and depression. The accomplished business owner and CEO lost everything—his companies, his home and his relationships. The power of laughter has transformed Dave's story into one of healing, restoration and hope. Today Dave facilitates Stand Up for Mental Health classes and helps other would-be comics find their funny the way he did. Dave lives near Portland, Oregon with his wife, Heather. You can reach Dave at dave.noreally@gmail.com. Tara Rolstad Nothing prepared co-author Tara Rolstad for the shocking surprises she faced as foster mom to a teenage niece with severe mental illness. Navigating suicide attempts, hospitalizations and lengthy residential treatment stays thrust Tara into trial-by-fire situations not covered in any conventional parenting book. Now as a comic, speaker and writer she gives voice to the experiences of exhausted family members, co-facilitates Stand Up for Mental Health classes with Dave Mowry, and blogs at taratalkstoomuch.com. Tara lives in the Portland, Oregon suburbs with her husband David and three boys. You can reach Tara at tjrolstad@gmail.com. For more information, go to www.noreallywewantyoutolaugh.com.