Mental Health issues cause 200 million lost work days annually and can cost American companies over $9,000 per employee.
Mental health challenges are more common than we think—three out of four employees have faced an issue that impacted their well-being. Yet, despite how widespread this is, 80% of workers with a mental health condition say they don’t seek care because of shame or stigma. That silence comes at a cost—not just to individuals, but to organizations as well. Untreated mental health conditions cost U.S. companies billions each year, with depression alone leading to an average of $9,450 in lost productivity and absenteeism per employee, annually. And with 62% of missed workdays linked directly to mental health, the impact is clear.
Still, every company can take simple, powerful steps to break mental health stigma—and strengthen employee well-being and retention
Matthew’s Demo Reel
Matthew’s Talks
These talks can be keynotes and half day workshops. They can also be bundled with a comedy event
Under Pressure:
Discovering the Causes, Costs, and Cures of Employee Mental Health
Laugh Therapy:
Harnessing Humor to Improve Outcomes
Draining Drama
Life Hacks to Drama-Free Friendships
Under Pressure: Discovering the Causes, Costs, and Cures of Employee Mental Health
In today’s fast-paced, high-stakes work environments, pressure is a constant. But when left unchecked, that pressure can quietly erode employee well-being, engagement, and performance. In this eye-opening keynote, we’ll explore the hidden drivers of workplace stress and mental health challenges – what they cost your people and your bottom line -and, most importantly, what leaders can do to make a meaningful difference.
Blending the latest research with real-world stories and actionable strategies, this session goes beyond awareness to empower organizations with tools for change. Whether you’re in HR, leadership, or management, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how to create a culture where mental health is prioritized, stigma is dismantled, and people thrive.
Through a combination of psychology-based insights, real-world examples, and comedy, this keynote (or workshop) will empower your team to:
Uncover the most common (and overlooked) causes of mental health strain in the workplace
Understand the financial impact of untreated mental health on productivity, absenteeism, and retention
Identify early warning signs of burnout, anxiety, and depression among employees
Learn practical, low-cost actions companies can take to reduce stigma and support mental wellness
Gain a blueprint for creating a psychologically safe and resilient workplace culture
*available in 60-minute or half-day formats
Laugh Therapy: Harnessing Humor to Improve Outcomes
Join us for a transformative workshop where we explore the powerful impact of humor and laughter on patient, patron, and student outcomes. Backed by peer-reviewed research, this workshop explores the science and practical application behind humor’s benefits in medical and educational settings.
Through interactive discussions and live comedy exercises, participants will learn evidence-based strategies to effectively incorporate humor into their practice while maintaining professionalism and sensitivity to individual needs
During this talk, your team will learn a practical, memorable, and humorous technique to help them . . .
Practice applying humor-based interventions in simulated work scenarios
Understand the science behind humor
Communicate more effectively by increasing calmness and connection.
Develop the appropriate use of humor in their context
Learn daily habits to increase creative thinking.
Draining Drama: Life Hacks to Drama-Free Friendships
In this funny and insightful talk, hear how a seasoned comedian and psychotherapist unpacks the hidden forces that fuel drama in friendships – and how to shut them down for good. Through real-life examples, psychological strategies, and a touch of humor, students will learn how to set boundaries, communicate clearly, and recognize toxic patterns before they spiral. This talk empowers students to cultivate friendships built on trust, not tension.
With practical tools to manage conflict and avoid emotional exhaustion, they’ll walk away ready to strengthen their social circles—without the stress. It’s time to ditch the drama and build relationships that truly uplift!
During Drama Drains*, audiences will learn evidence-based insights from psychology and standup comedy to help them . . .
Improve communication.
Resolve conflict
Recognize personal drama triggers
Set personal boundaries.
And laugh a lot!
*Available in 60-minute and half-day workshop formats
Defy and Deliver:
Discovering Success Without Permission
Bad Drivers & Buffalo Runners
90-minute, family-friendly, outreach event for your church
Comedy Events
If your team is ready for a night to laugh and unwind, treat them to a private comedy concert.
Defy and Deliver: Discovering Success Without Permission
What if the only thing standing between you and success is the permission you think you need?
In this electrifying and hilarious keynote, you will hear how a psychotherapist and comedian dismantles the myths of approval, perfection, and waiting for the “right time.” Blending psychology with sharp wit, Matt will reveal how defying expectations—society’s, others, and even your own—leads to breakthroughs, not breakdowns. Through real stories, laughter, and actionable insights, your audience will be empowered to take bold steps toward success on their terms. No permission slip is required—just the courage to show up, stand out, and deliver.
After Defy and Deliver, your audience will be equipped to:
Empowered Mindset – A shift from seeking approval to embracing self-directed success.
Resilience & Confidence – Tools to overcome fear of failure and rejection.
Practical Strategies – Psychological insights on setting goals without waiting for validation.
Stress Reduction – A humorous, refreshing take on handling setbacks and societal pressures.
*Available with a consulting package for your HR team and other managers.
Bad Drivers & Buffalo Runners: 90-Minute, Family-Friendly, Outreach Event For Your Church
Bad Drivers and Buffalo Runners is a 90-minute, family-friendly, outreach event for your church. In addition to a hilarious night of comedy and music, your members will be empowered to invite their friends and family into a one-of-a-kind, discipleship event.
With little or no cost to your church!
Comedy Events: If Your Team Is Ready To Unwind, Treat Them to A Private Comedy Concert.
If your team is ready for a night to laugh and unwind, treat them to a private comedy concert. Together, we will make being dysfunctional fun again! In this PG-13 program, Matt delivers his hilarious blend of observational humor, crowd participation, and storytelling to bring lots of laughter to your team.
Matt also offers family-friendly (PG) comedy for your team and their loved ones.
In this 75-90 minute comedy event, Matt will entertain your team and help them embrace their humanity.
What Are People Saying About Matthew
A depth of knowledge and a spark of wit
I’ve had the joy of knowing Matt for over ten years. I have heard him teach in a classroom setting, guide teams, and perform standup. Whatever the venue, and no matter the subject Matt brings a depth of knowledge, a spark of wit, and a grounded humanity. What he says is always worth hearing; because he’ll make you think and laugh.
Casey Arnouts Professor
Northpoint College
Comedy that lives beyond the laugh
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Matt Sharpe on comedy shows at different venues in our local area. His quick, yet thoughtful wit leads to comedy that lives beyond the laugh and the moment to insights that stay with you. Matt Sharpe and I have also produced a show together, and that look under the hood has shown me his attention to detail and care for his comedy clients.
Having known and worked alongside Matt Sharpe for several years, I’m pleased to offer my recommendation for any of the services offered by his organization.
Eric Stratton
Fomcore, LLC
A depth of knowledge and a spark of wit
I’ve had the joy of knowing Matt for over ten years. I have heard him teach in a classroom setting, guide teams, and perform standup. Whatever the venue, and no matter the subject Matt brings a depth of knowledge, a spark of wit, and a grounded humanity. What he says is always worth hearing; because he’ll make you think and laugh.
Casey Arnouts Professor
Northpoint College
Comedy that lives beyond the laugh
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Matt Sharpe on comedy shows at different venues in our local area. His quick, yet thoughtful wit leads to comedy that lives beyond the laugh and the moment to insights that stay with you. Matt Sharpe and I have also produced a show together, and that look under the hood has shown me his attention to detail and care for his comedy clients.
Having known and worked alongside Matt Sharpe for several years, I’m pleased to offer my recommendation for any of the services offered by his organization.
