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"Stress is something you wish you didn't have," says Joel Weintraub. "But
get together with friends and you kill yourself trying to prove that you have more of it. One guy says, "I've got an ulcer,'
and the other replies, 'Mine's bleeding."
Same with older folks and their health problems. I walked into the lobby of a senior citizens' home
and saw a guy talking to his friend. One guy was complaining about his arthritis, the other one was talking about his
heart disease. Then I see one guy just sitting there. He says, I'd like to develop a bunion so I can have a half-decent
conversation.'"
Weintraub's thesis: As much as we gripe about our problems, we are also very fond of them. And boy,
do we love to flaunt them - as if health problems, financial job woes or relationship troubles were badges of importance.
(Just look at The Jerry Springer Show for an example of the latter.)
But go ahead and worry. The sheer lack of fun in modern human experience, along with the toll it can
take on the human body, have enabled Weintraub to build an unusual career. The
Lafayette Hill physiologist may be one of
the few working standup comics who blends medicine and philosophy along with his one-liners.
Weintraub has a master's
degree in exercise physiology and an undergraduate degree in health education from Temple University. But he also has a delivery
that rivals Jerry Seinfeld's, and onstage manner that recalls angst-ridden comedian Richard Lewis. The difference with Weintraub:
he's out to defuse that chronic stress. He's got a seemingly endless supply of gags that illustrate his points about the importance
of keeping your funny side up. And that separates him from the rest of the health and healing industry.
"In the health
and fitness business, (practitioners) become bible thumpers," Weintraub observes. "People don't want to hear it.
But make a joke, and people will not only remember it, they'll repeat it."
Same with discussing relationships. "Usually men and women are in denial about their relationship
problems, and spend a lot of time saying it's the other person's fault, "says Weintraub. "If they intellectualize, they'll
disagree with you. But they're laughing, they can say, 'Yah, you're right there.'"
Unorthodox Approach
Weintraub's unorthodox career actually began during childhood. As a kid
Weintraub studied martial arts as a way to fend off the bigger kids. Like many comics, he soon learned that being funny
could accomplish the same objective. |
In college, he officially combined the two disparate disciplines. "First I was working in cardiac
rehab and running fitness centers, all the while doing standup comedy," he says. "Then I found out that a degree in
Physiology in those years was like having a degree in unemployment." He decided to graft his comedy career to his health
career. These days the 42-year old Weintraub takes his show on the road at least three times a week, visiting hospitals,
nursing homes, schools. corporations, synagogues, and churches. He speaks on health and fitness, stress management,
nutrition, exercise and sports medicine. He even takes substance abuse and mines it for its comic potential - a great
departure from the norm, and certainly a relief for people weary of professional preaching.
Weintraub calls his series "humor for the health of it." His audiences call it entertaining,"
"dynamic," and most importantly, "very funny."
Stages of Growth
On the home front, Weintraub "came close to getting married a few times,"
but never took the plunge. "I'd end up talking to a few friends who were divorced," and apparently that would be the
deal breaker. But "I'd always end up with five more minutes of material," Weintraub laughs. "It got to the point
where women became apprehensive about ending up in my shows."
The "humor Pharmacist" also finds inspiration in his audience. Fearlessly improvisational, Weintraub
welcomes open dialogue with the people out front. He even credits them with helping shape his act. "We're writing
as we go along," he says of the collaboration. "And some of the greatest lines come out when you're on the spot."
Weintraub calls eastern philosophy, specifically zen, a guide for those who would be less harried.
Rigid strength is not necessarily a virtue, he says. People should allow themselves to lay down some of their self-imposed
burden. "An oak tree will break," he says, citing the Buddhist axiom. "A willow will bend."
Weintraub is now expanding his repertoire of programs to include motivational seminars. "I'll
talk about the social, the physical, the financial and career. People should adjust those four issues, then add the
spiritual by going to the church or prayer hall of their choice.
"It's important to develop physically, emotionally, financially, and occupationally. Be passionate
about your life's endeavor."
For years, the life enhancing properties of hearty laughter have been affirmed by health gurus like
Norman Cousins and Andrew Weil. Laughter is alleged to actually prolong life, standing an old saying on its head. Far
better to say, He who laughs best, laughs last. Joel Weintraub wants to insure that people get the message while they
can still enjoy it. |
