[BRITISH COLUMBIA] A Northwest man is now a world champion.
The origin story of any champion sometimes develops from something you didn’t expect. Kelly Podlubney has had his share of moments he’d rather forget.
He remembers the substance abuse. And he remembers falling to what felt like his lowest point. While the Canadian man doesn’t get very detailed about that dark time, he does like to talk about what pulled him out of it. When life gives you lemons, Kelly remembered childhood laughter…a gift given by his father.
Kelly shared with CTV News that those childhood memories came bubbling to the surface when he found a video online.
Laughing about cancer? Surely if she could find a reason to laugh, so could Kelly.
From that joy and laughter, Kelly started doing some research, and would eventually open his own Yoga business. But not just any yoga. He calls it Laughter Yoga. And Kelly’s yoga was contagious.
Did you know that competitive laughing is a thing? You do now. There are competitions worldwide based on your ability to chortle, chuckle, and even go full on maniacal.
He was urged to compete. And guess what?
Kelly Podlubney is the 2025 World Laughing Champion. And the joke isn’t lost on him at all…a man who less than 10 years ago was at his lowest point, dealing with substance abuse and not having a thing to smile about…
Today, his grin stretches from ear to ear. He’s a believer.
…making laughter truly the best medicine. Congratulations champ…for finding your way out of the darkness…first with a grin…then a smile…and then…your unmistakable laugh.
Listen to audio version of this story to hear it for yourself.
