Dr. Joel Goodman, founder and Director of The HUMOR Project, Inc., is a popular speaker whose programs have tickled and touched the lives of millions of people throughout the U.S.(49 states) and all seven continents.  He has generated rave reviews everywhere from Antarctica, Argentina, Australia, Panama, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, Norway, Sweden, England, Germany, South Africa, to North Dakota, and funny places in between. His annual international humor conference has attracted 22,000 participants from all 50 states and 6 continents. Dr. Goodman has authored eight jest-selling books (including Laffirmations: 1,001 Ways to Add Humor to Your Life and Work) and has been editor of the acclaimed LAUGHING MATTERS magazine. Joel's pioneering work has been featured in over 5000 TV and radio shows, newspapers, and magazines in 150 countries, including: The TODAY Show, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, ABC prime-time special (three times), PBS, BBC, Latenight America, All Things Considered, the front page of The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, USA Today, Readers' Digest, Successful Meetings, Journal of the American Medical Association, and many AP national features. Described as "the first full-time humor educator in the world,"Joel founded The HUMOR Project in 1977 (two years beforeNorman Cousins' best-selling book was published). Joel was delighted to join Willard Scott and Meadowlark Lemon in receiving the prestigious International Lifetime of Laughter Award. Joel founded AHA!, the American Humor Association, which includes over 165,000 humor conspirators. He believes that it is important for business to "do well and do good" at the same time: The HUMOR Project has provided grants to 450 schools, hospitals, and human service agencies to help them develop services and resources that tap the positive power of humor. Joel takes his work very seriously, and he takes himself very lightly as he helps people to get more smileage out of their lives and jobs.