About Humor That Works
Welcome to a new way of working–a way that is more effective, efficient and incidentally a lot more fun.
Humor That Works is dedicated to helping those of you in the corporate world, educational fields, non-profit organizations and species of human beings use humor. Not because humor is fun (though admittedly it is pretty fun) but because humor works. It works in creating better leaders, improving presentations, building engagement, enhancing training, developing better relationships, and increasing productivity. It works in all organizations, all industries and with (nearly) all people (though not necessarily all of the time).
And don’t worry, it doesn’t include things like dressing up like a clown or buying a whoopee cushion. We’re not clowns, comedians or jesters trying to find a way in the business world. We’re business people that know how to use humor to get results, and we’re here to teach you how to use it.
Who’s “we?” I’m glad you asked. (If you didn’t ask and just want to get started on using the site, check out the Humor That Works Site Guide.)
Andrew Tarvin, Chief Humorist / Facilitator / Punsmith
BIO: Andrew Tarvin is an author, speaker, and corporate humorist. He graduated with distinction from The Ohio State University with a degree in Computer Science & Engineering. After graduating, he started working for Procter & Gamble as an international project manager and customer analyst. He currently lives in New York City where he is the Chief Humorist of Humor That Works, curator of the blog Humor’s Office and performs improv around the city and across the US on teams at The Magnet and ComedySportz NYC.
Professional Background: BS in Computer Science & Engineering; 5 years at Fortune 20 company.
Humor Background: Performs improv & stand-up in NYC and across US.
Bonus Fact: Is left-handed except when using scissors or playing pool.
More: About the Chief Humorist
Pat Landers, Contributing Author / Copy Editor
BIO: Pat lives in New York and works as a freelance writer. He writes silly things on his tumblr and shorter, sillier things on his twitter.
Professional Background: Pat has a degree in Microbiology and an exceedingly dry sense of humor, both of which helped him make the transition to being a writer.
Humor Background: Pat has taken classes at WIT and UCB and is currently living in NYC where he performs improv and writes sketches.
Bonus Fact: One mole of an ideal gas at STP has a volume of 22.4 liters.
More: patlanders.tumblr.com
Nate Sherman, Facilitator
BIO: Nate started Improv Comedy at The Ohio State University with the College Group “The 8th Floor”. He is a current member of the Io Harold Team “The Late 90′s”, an original cast member in “Oprah! A Comedy! Live Your Best Laugh!”, and a member of “Solid Gold Duets” with David Montgomery. He would like to thank the Second City’s Outreach and Diversity program, family, music, and you.
Professional Background: BA in Psychology from The Ohio State University. Currently a manager in Customer Service at Groupon.
Humor Background: Nate started his improv career at The Ohio State University. He has finished programs at iO and Second City; he is currently performing at both.
Bonus Fact: I play a lot of video games. It’s great.
David Tarvin, Contributing Author
BIO: David Tarvin is a doctoral student at the Louisiana State University in the Communication Studies department focusing on Rhetoric. His research interests include Latin American culture and politics, Mexico, Vicente Fox, Don Quixote, post-colonial history, forms of comedy, tragedy, and education. In addition to teaching in the United States, David has studied abroad in Mexico and taught English in China. He currently lives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Professional Background: BA in Spanish (2005); MA in Communication (2008); PhD in Rhetoric (expected soonish).
Humor Background: No formal training, but my mom says I’m funny.
Bonus Fact: Has been to Parangaricutirimícuaro, the longest place name word in Mexico.
More: davidtarvin.com
Kyle Bethea, Videographer, Editor
Bio: Kyle Bethea is a freelance video producer currently living in Columbus, OH. He graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in Philosophy while simultaneously pursuing a production career through internships at Late Night with Conan O’Brien and CBS local news. Kyle is also working towards a career as a writer and director in film and television. His free time is spent writing scripts, filming video shorts, and directing Ohio State’s student improv group, The 8th Floor.
Professional Background: BS in Philosophy. Formerly a Project Coordinator/Editor for Plum Productions in Chicago and a Videographer/Editor for StudioCT at Ohio State University.
Humor Background: Studied and performed long form improvisation and sketch comedy in Chicago, and was a member of house teams at iO, CIC, and The Playground theaters. Currently teaches and performs around Columbus.
Bonus Fact: Pretty good at water skiing.
More: Kyle Bethea on Vimeo
For questions, feel free to contact us at consulting@humorthatworks.com.