The Art of Listening and The Power of Humor: A Conversation Connecting Life Experiences with Cartoonist Dave Coverly

Imagine a cartoon opening a door to transform a challenging conversation into a productive and meaningful conversation in your team.  In this episode, we explore how listening and observation can engage humor which can shift our mindset and enhance our ability to engage with others meaningfully.

Dave Coverly is the award-winning creator of the internationally syndicated cartoon Speed Bump, featured in hundreds of publications including The Washington Post, The New Yorker, and The Globe & Mail. A four-time winner of the National Cartoonists Society’s “Best Newspaper Panel” award, he received their highest honor, the Reuben Award for “Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year,” in 2009.

His work appears on greeting cards, in books, and across major media outlets, and he serves as the principal cartoonist for BarkBox. 

Dave Coverly has authored several cartoon collections and children's books published by Macmillan namely Speed Bump: A Collection of Cartoon Skidmarks (Andrews McMeel), Cartoons for Idea People (ECW), Just One %$#@ Speed Bump After Another (ECW),  Dogs Are People, Too, and its sequel, Cats Are People, Too.

And his children’s picture books include Sue MacDonald Had a Book (with Jim Tobin, Macmillan), The Very Inappropriate Word (with Jim Tobin, Macmillan), and How To Care For Your T-Rex (with Ken Baker, Macmillan). His chapter book trilogy began with Night of the Living Worms, and continued with Night of the Living Shadows, and Night of the Living Zombie Bugs.

 

With a career spanning over 30 years, Dave has mastered the art of observational humor, using his cartoons to reflect on the human experience and the nuances of everyday life.

In this conversation, Dave shares personal stories and insights that have shaped his career as a cartoonist with listening playing a core role. Not just as a skill, but as a vital part understanding human patterns and through this tapping into human connection. 

\We explore how humor can serve as a bridge to deeper conversations and how the act of listening can inform and inspire creativity.  Listen to the end, where David also shares how humor can help navigate serious conversations and lighten the mood.

Enjoy listening in!

“Listening is about connecting with people and understanding their experiences.” – Dave Coverly

SUPERPOWER Notes:

00:08 – The Power of Humor. Dave discusses how humor can provide a different perspective on serious topics and enhance communication.

02:50 – Early Influences. Reflecting on his childhood experiences with his uncle and teacher that sparked his interest in listening and humor.

10:15 – The Role of Observation. Dave explains how being an observant listener informs his cartooning process and helps him create relatable content.

15:30 – The Importance of Context. Understanding how context shapes humor and the need to stay relevant in a changing world.

22:00 – Listening as a Creative Tool. How deep listening can lead to new ideas and insights in both cartooning and everyday interactions.

30:00 – The Impact of Silence. Exploring how silence can enhance the listening experience and foster deeper connections.

35:00 – Humor in Serious Situations. Dave shares how humor can help navigate serious conversations and lighten the mood.

42:00 – The Evolution of Humor. A discussion on how humor adapts to cultural changes and the importance of authenticity in comedic expression.

Key Takeaways:

“Doing humor is kind of that right brain, left brain thing." – Dave Coverly

“Humor is a way to connect with people and share experiences.” – Dave Coverly

“Listening is not just about hearing words; it’s about understanding the context and emotions behind them.” – Dave Coverly

"I love the idea of having a cartoon as a pause for, to take a breath or pause to reset or a pause to allow another perspective or pause to give permission to another perspective."– Dave Coverly

 

People Mentioned:

1. Mike Peters - A cartoonist who provided Dave with valuable advice about humor and authenticity in cartooning.

2. Christy Ottaviano - Dave's children's book editor, described as a legend in the industry.

 

Connect with Dave Coverly:

• https://www.speedbump.com/

• https://www.instagram.com/speedbumpcomic/