5 Things / Shared Laughter
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Tuesday arrived, and once again, I stressed about what I was going to bring to comedy class that night. Everyone in class has the same “what am I going to write?” moment every week. We all figure it out and show up. One of my classmates was recently laid off and didn’t come with prepared material to work out. Instead, she riffed off a keyword.
Every one of us in class is feeling heavy these days for various reasons. But by the end of the class, each of us was cracking up. Our class brings us joy. I learned that laughing swaps cortisol with dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins.
A few of us performed at an open mic on Thursday. It was a great night with so much weirdness and laughter. Phones down and in the community of shared laughter. What a gift. Wishing you the gift of shared laughter this week.
Join Valerie Hope and me for 5 Things in 15 Minutes on Monday. We’ll make you laugh.
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This Week's Good Vibes:
Accessible Scandinavian Style
IKEA’s new Bäsingen line introduces accessible home items—shower chair, two-step stools, and bathroom accessories, designed with non‑slippery feet, easy‑grip handles, soft edges, drainage holes, and a high‑visibility dark finish. By embedding inclusive features into everyday furniture, Bäsingen shifts the burden away from marginalized people with disabilities who face systemic barriers like higher out‑of‑pocket costs and limited product options, and reduces stigma by crafting products that blend in rather than stand out as medical devices. This is rare among big‑box retailers! ♐ Universal design can marry functionality and beauty!
Longer Refills, Shorter Barriers
A new Washington state law requires health plans to cover a 12‑month supply of hormone therapy prescriptions—including for testosterone—ensuring uninterrupted care for transgender individuals approved by their medical providers. This rare emphasis on refill duration tackles systemic bias in insurance design that disproportionately burdens marginalized communities with frequent pharmacy visits and added costs. The law was also designed to mitigate any anti-trans legislation that may restrict access to care. Passed with bipartisan Senate support and despite opposition in the House, it demonstrates a concrete step toward health equity. ♐ Model for other states to proactively expand trans health care.
Cooling Off Hot Flashes
CVS Health became the first U.S. firm to earn MiDOViA’s “menopause‑friendly” accreditation by overhauling policies, training, environment, and culture to support menopausal colleagues. CVS expanded its menopause learning hub with manager‑focused e‑modules on accommodations and resource sign‑posting, launched peer support groups, and added specialized providers to its Aetna network. CVS is addressing the $1.8 billion in U.S. workdays lost annually to menopause symptoms. ♐ Retaining just one employee saves 2.5 times that worker’s salary in turnover costs.
Marriott Stays Firm Against DEI Drought
Marriott publicly reaffirmed its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion when CEO Anthony Capuano challenged Trump‑era policy shifts that threatened DEI programs. Faced with potential funding cuts and compliance confusion, Capuano paused with his executive team to research, then declared his continued commitment to inclusion at a major summit. His candid commitment sparked 40,000 “thank you” emails from around the globe, proving that visible leadership matters for colleagues who already face systemic barriers and stigma in and out of the workplace. ♐ Reaffirm core values to every level of staff.
Trailblazer Swings New League
After three decades breaking barriers in Major League Baseball, Kim Ng made a rare, bold pivot to women’s sports as the inaugural commissioner of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League. Ng earned three World Series rings and became the first female GM of a men’s pro team. This new league has rotating rosters, individual performance incentives, and a leadership team of legendary women athletes that gives underrepresented women real decision‑making power. Ng is creating visibility and opportunity for athletes—and for other leaders from underrepresented backgrounds. ♐
Good Vibes to Go:
Go see the film Sinners in theatres. Yes, it’s a vampire film and it earns its rating, but it’s also full of subtext and lots of symbolism, which you should read up on after the fact.