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Don’t Take Life Too Seriously: How to Have More Fun | The Mel Robbins Podcast

Order your copy of The Let Them Theory 👉 https://melrob.co/let-them-theory 👈 The #1 Best Selling Book of 2025 🔥 Discover how much power you truly have. It all begins with two simple words. Let Them. — In this episode of The Mel Robbins Podcast, you are going to learn the art of having more #fun. I share a #hilarious story about a major wardrobe malfunction with you and two podcast crew members. You’ll laugh along at all the ridiculous details, but the takeaway is serious: Learning how to laugh at yourself is a superpower, and research says people who have a sense of humor are more respected and are viewed as more confident and intelligent by their peers. We talk about you: - How having fun in life is an art form - How to turn something embarrassing into something hilarious and relatable - How humor increases power and status - Why it’s important to not take yourself too seriously - How to create a bond and change the tone in any social situation - Why it’s imperative to never buy a bodysuit that is too small Seriously? You need to laugh more. Let’s start today. Xo Mel In this episode, you'll learn: 00:00 Intro 01:26 The best feeling in the world: unsnapping a bodysuit. 05:48 Chris tells us what the equivalent feeling is for men. 06:58 The major wardrobe failure I had yesterday. 12:46 Pro tip: always test drive a cool outfit before an event (especially if it includes shapewear). 14:34 The worst wedgie that I have ever had. 16:39 I can’t believe I just admitted this, but don’t we all do this? 19:45 The most important thing to do in embarrassing situations: laugh at yourself. 22:10 Let everyone in on the joke, it will change the dynamic. 27:03 My ultimate moment of relief. 30:30 How turning something embarrassing into something hilarious and relatable tightens bonds. 32:19 Why does Amy do stand-up comedy and can you develop a sense of humor at any point? 34:55 According to research, the funnier the person, the more respect and power you hold. 37:59 I invite you to do this one thing: laugh at yourself. — Follow Mel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melrobbins/ TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@melrobbins Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melrobbins LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melrobbins Website: http://melrobbins.com​ — Sign up for Mel’s newsletter: https://melrob.co/sign-up-newsletter A note from Mel to you, twice a week, sharing simple, practical ways to build the life you want. — Subscribe to Mel’s channel here: https://www.youtube.com/melrobbins​?sub_confirmation=1 — Listen to The Mel Robbins Podcast 🎧 New episodes drop every Monday & Thursday! https://melrob.co/spotify https://melrob.co/applepodcasts https://melrob.co/amazonmusic — Looking for Mel’s books on Amazon? Find them here: The Let Them Theory: https://amzn.to/3IQ21Oe The Let Them Theory Audiobook: https://amzn.to/413SObp The High 5 Habit: https://amzn.to/3fMvfPQ The 5 Second Rule: https://amzn.to/4l54fah

Mel RobbinshostCrew memberguest
Jun 26, 202342mWatch on YouTube ↗

At a glance

WHAT IT’S REALLY ABOUT

Mel Robbins Turns Shapewear Disaster Into Masterclass On Laughing At Yourself

  1. Mel Robbins shares a hilariously detailed story about a painful shapewear wardrobe malfunction at a formal art fundraiser, turning an embarrassing experience into a memorable, lighthearted moment.
  2. Alongside friends and colleagues Amy and Jessie (and a cameo from her husband Chris), she contrasts everyday “body freedom” moments with the extreme relief of finally unsnapping an ill‑fitting thong bodysuit.
  3. The conversation pivots into a broader reflection on the power of humor—especially laughing at yourself—as a leadership asset, social connector, and antidote to perfectionism and self-judgment.
  4. They emphasize that a sense of humor can be developed, and that choosing to see the ridiculous in life’s mishaps makes you more relatable, confident, and open to connection.

IDEAS WORTH REMEMBERING

5 ideas

Choose laughter over self-criticism when things go wrong.

Mel highlights that in the middle of discomfort and embarrassment, you can either spiral into self-blame or step back and find the absurdity—laughter instantly lightens the experience and your mood.

Laughing at yourself makes you more relatable and likable.

By openly sharing her wedgie-and-bodysuit saga, Mel shows how self-deprecating humor invites others in, bonds people through shared experiences, and reduces social pressure for everyone.

A sense of humor is a professional superpower.

Citing research, they note that leaders and coworkers with appropriate humor are seen as more confident, intelligent, and trustworthy, and executives overwhelmingly prefer employees who have a sense of humor.

Perfectionism is like wearing a bodysuit that’s too small.

Mel uses her shapewear metaphor to show how constantly trying to be polished and serious constricts your personality, cuts off joy, and keeps you from fully expressing yourself.

Humor can be developed; it’s not just an inborn trait.

Amy, who does improv and stand-up, reinforces that seeing the world in a funny way is a skill you can practice—by noticing everyday mishaps, talking about them, and allowing others to laugh with you.

WORDS WORTH SAVING

5 quotes

When you unsnap the judgment and the seriousness and the gotta‑be‑perfect and act‑like‑a‑robot mentality, you’re missing out on one of the greatest joys in life, which is learning how to laugh at yourself.

— Mel Robbins

Your whole life becomes like you’re wearing a bodysuit that’s too small. It constricts you, it suffocates you, it cuts off your life force and your circulation.

— Mel Robbins

Not only do you not give a shit, but you make fun of yourself. You let everybody in on the joke.

— Amy

Funny is a power. It’s a superpower that you can have.

— Amy

Stop taking yourself so damn seriously… be a little human. It lets people in, it lets up the pressure on you, and it makes you more relatable.

— Mel Robbins

Mel’s shapewear/Skims wardrobe malfunction at a professional eventEveryday “body freedom” moments (e.g., taking off bras, bike shorts, shapewear)Learning to laugh at yourself instead of beating yourself upHumor as a leadership and workplace assetRelatability, vulnerability, and bonding through shared laughterLetting go of perfectionism and not taking life too seriouslyDeveloping and practicing a sense of humor (including with kids and colleagues)

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