Veterinary professionals are some of the most dedicated individuals in healthcare—but the emotional burden they carry often goes unseen. Through humor, storytelling, and lived experience, Frank King, “The Mental Health Comedian,” delivers life-saving insights that start with one thing: honesty.
✔ The Truth Behind the Smiles:
– Veterinary professionals often serve as healers, counselors, and emotional support—without support themselves.
– Daily exposure to death, suffering, and client emotions is draining.
– Perfectionism in the field creates an impossible standard and a toxic culture of silence.
✔ The Cost of Silence:
– Burnout isn’t just fatigue—it’s emotional erosion and loss of meaning.
– Isolation is common: “Why am I the only one not coping?”
– Mental health stigma is deeply ingrained in high-performance professions like veterinary medicine.
✔ What Actually Helps?
– Speaking up. “Me too” moments change everything.
– Leaders showing vulnerability sets the tone for others.
– Creating space for dialogue reduces shame and opens doors.
✔ Practical Tools for Real Change:
– Crisis-response planning for individuals and teams.
– Mental health “toolboxes” filled with peer support and professional guidance.
– Early-warning systems: recognizing your own emotional red flags.
✔ Building a Culture That Heals:
– Make wellness as critical as clinical skills.
– Encourage peer support networks within practice.
– Model courage: Asking for help should be normalized and rewarded.
✔ Why Humor Works:
– Laughter opens doors to difficult conversations.
– Comedy disarms stigma and creates safety in vulnerability.
– People remember stories—and storytelling saves lives.
✔ Outcomes that Matter:
– Higher retention and morale among veterinary teams.
– Increased willingness to speak up and seek help.
– Improved patient care through healthier professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. 1. What is your main keynote about?
My keynote focuses on suicide prevention and mental wellness in high-stress professions, particularly veterinary medicine, using humor and lived experience.
2. 2. Who is your ideal audience?
Veterinary professionals, animal healthcare teams, clinic managers, and anyone working in high-stress caregiving environments.
3. 3. What makes your approach different?
I combine stand-up comedy with suicide prevention advocacy to create engaging, memorable, and life-saving keynotes.
4. 4. Do you tailor your keynote to the audience?
Absolutely. Every talk is customized to meet the needs and language of the industry I’m addressing.
5. 5. How long is your typical keynote?
Typically 45–60 minutes, but I can adapt for shorter or longer formats.
6. 6. Can you provide breakout sessions or workshops?
Yes, I offer workshops that dive deeper into resilience-building and creating peer-support systems.
7. 7. Do you provide handouts or resources?
Yes, I offer worksheets, crisis-plan templates, and resource guides tailored to the profession.
8. 8. Do you address leadership and culture change?
Yes, I emphasize the role of leadership in modeling vulnerability and shaping supportive workplace culture.
9. 9. Are you available for virtual events?
Yes, I’m experienced in delivering engaging virtual sessions through Zoom and other platforms.
10. 10. What’s your background in mental health?
I’m a suicide prevention speaker, comedian, and survivor. I live with chronic depression and suicidal ideation.
11. 11. Are you certified or affiliated with any organizations?
I’m certified by the American Association of Suicidology and a trainer in QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer).
12. 12. Can you handle a sensitive audience?
Yes, I approach all topics with empathy, humor, and clinical precision—ensuring psychological safety.
13. 13. Do you include Q&A sessions?
Yes, I welcome interactive Q&A and offer structured ways for anonymous participation.
14. 14. How far in advance should we book you?
Ideally 3–6 months out, but I do accommodate last-minute bookings when possible.
15. 15. What are your AV needs?
Wireless mic, projector/screen, and confidence monitor if available.
16. 16. Can you help promote the event?
Yes, I can assist with social media, interviews, and teaser videos.
17. 17. What industries have you spoken in?
Veterinary, healthcare, dental, construction, law enforcement, and corporate sectors.
18. 18. Can your content be recorded?
Yes, with prior agreement and proper attribution.
19. 19. Do you have references or testimonials?
Absolutely. I can provide testimonials from past clients including Mayo Clinic and the U.S. Air Force.
20. 20. How do you manage emotional impact?
With a balance of gravity and humor, I create an environment where people feel safe to reflect and connect.
21. 21. Do you offer follow-up sessions?
Yes, including post-event webinars, coaching, and ongoing mental health engagement plans.
22. 22. Do you charge travel separately?
Travel and lodging are billed separately unless otherwise agreed upon in the contract.
23. 23. What’s your cancellation policy?
Flexible depending on circumstances—outlined clearly in our agreement.
24. 24. Do you work with event planners directly?
Yes, I collaborate closely to ensure the experience aligns with the event’s goals.
25. 25. Can your keynote qualify for CE credit?
Yes, depending on the organization and accrediting body, we can align content to meet those standards.
