Laughter is a powerful tool. It can heal, connect and, in some cases, even save lives.

This belief is the driving force behind “1 Degree of Separation,” a comedy show and suicide prevention program that is coming to the Upper Peninsula next month.

With a lineup of top comedians and a meaningful mission, “1 Degree of Separation” is more than just a night of entertainment — it’s an experience designed to break the silence surrounding mental health and provide attendees with life-saving tools to support those in crisis.

Comedian Brad Bonar Jr., the program’s founder, knows firsthand the connection between comedy and mental health.

“Eighty percent of comedians struggle with depression, and comedians will talk about anything,” he said. “Who would be better than comedians to talk about something nobody will talk about?”

The show harnesses the unique ability of comedians to turn even the darkest subjects into conversations that are open, real and — most importantly — healing.

The structure of the show is intentional.

“The first part of our show is just comedy,” Bonar said. “I want everybody to laugh and literally dope the audience up with endorphins and serotonin.”

Laughter, as science has proven, releases brain chemicals that improve mood and reduce stress.

After setting the tone with lighthearted fun, the show transitions into a more serious yet equally engaging segment: a panel discussion featuring the comedians. They answer five crucial questions designed to open conversations about depression and mental health struggles — questions that audience members are encouraged to take home and use in their own lives.

Bonar is determined to change the mindset that suicide is a taboo subject.

“What a better way to kill stigma than to laugh?” he said. “People ask me all the time, ‘How can you make jokes about such a serious subject?’ and I tell them — my darkest moments in life, my friends made me laugh.”

Bonar shares a personal story about losing his beloved dog, Bandit, and how, after days of unbearable grief, a friend’s darkly humorous comment was the first thing that made him laugh again. That moment reinforced what he already knew — laughter doesn’t diminish pain; it helps people process it.

“1 Degree of Separation” goes beyond raising awareness. Bonar emphasizes that this isn’t just another mental health event — it’s a training program.

“We really look at what we do as a training program,” he said. “It’s not just to kill stigma. It’s not just an awareness show. I want people who attend this to leave with a real skill.”

Attendees walk away equipped with those five simple but profound questions designed to foster deeper conversations with those who may be struggling. The questions, available on cards handed out at the event, are now being used in schools, military briefings and workplaces across the country.

Bonar recalls a particularly significant show in Wyoming: “We went to a school where the entire sixth through 12th grade was just 36 kids. We told them, ‘You need to learn these five questions because you are your friends’ first responder. You are their therapist. You will be the first person they talk to.’” The goal is to empower people to recognize warning signs and start conversations that could save lives.

The impact of “1 Degree of Separation” has been profound. Bonar recalls a principal reaching out after one of their shows at a Catholic girls school.

“Two days later, a student broke down to her friends, saying, ‘That’s me.’ She opened up to her parents that night, and the next day she was in a hospital getting help,” he said. “She credited us with making it feel safe to talk about it.”

Stories like these reaffirm the program’s purpose and reinforce why the team continues to expand its reach.

Since its first show in 2019, “1 Degree of Separation” has grown into a nationally recognized movement. The program has been embraced by schools, military organizations, law enforcement agencies and corporate groups.

Bonar recently signed a contract with the U.S. Navy, bringing “1 Degree of Separation” onto aircraft carriers and military bases worldwide.

“We’re going all over the world: Guam, South Korea, Japan, Spain, Greece, Italy, Bahrain,” he said.

Despite its growing reach, Bonar insists the mission remains personal.

“This show has given me a purpose,” he said. “I’ve struggled with suicidal thoughts my whole life. Doing these shows, hearing these stories, seeing the impact — it’s the first time I’ve ever wanted to live.”

Brought to the Upper Peninsula by U.P. Together With Veterans, the “1 Degree of Separation” tour will feature comedians Roni Shanell, Ellis Rodriguez, J Wiley and Jason Resler.

Three shows are scheduled for Saturday, March 8:

• Sault Ste. Marie National Guard Armory: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

• Ishpeming National Guard Armory: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• Northern Michigan University, Marquette: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Three more will take place on Sunday, March 9:

• Delta County Chamber Building, Escanaba: 9 a.m. to noon (free breakfast) • Gladstone National Guard Armory: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

• Menominee Junior/Senior High School Gym: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. (appropriate for ages 12 and older) Bonar encourages everyone to attend, even those who don’t think they need the show.

“We want people to hear this message before they need it,” he said. “Because when you need it, it might be too late.”

“1 Degree of Separation” is looking to expand its reach. Those interested in bringing the program to their community or organization can visit www.1degreeofseparation. life for more information. Sponsorships, donations and partnerships help keep these life-saving events accessible to as many people as possible.

“This is our calling,” Bonar said. “I want ‘1 Degree’ to be famous — not me, but ‘1 Degree.’ I want people to hear about us and know that we’re changing lives.”

With laughter, honesty and a commitment to breaking the silence, “1 Degree of Separation” is proving that, sometimes, the shortest distance between despair and hope is just one joke away.