Overview
Erik Knowles is a nationally touring stand-up comedian, Marine Corps veteran, and comedy coach whose institutional work focuses on using humor and storytelling to support resilience, communication, and human connection.
In addition to his performance career, Knowles designs and facilitates programs for veteran, educational, and civic organizations that leverage structured humor as a tool for expression, stigma reduction, and community building.
Air Force Wounded Warrior Program (AFW2)
Erik Knowles works under contract as an official Comedy Coach and certified Laughter Therapy Coach for the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program (AFW2).
In this role, he facilitates interactive comedy and storytelling workshops for wounded, ill, and injured service members during events such as Warrior CARE programs. These workshops introduce participants to the mechanics of stand-up comedy and narrative structure as a means of exploring personal experience, strengthening confidence, and fostering peer connection.
Program outcomes include:
- Increased comfort with self-expression and public communication
- Use of humor as a healthy coping and processing tool
- Reduction of stigma around mental health conversations
- Strengthened group cohesion and shared understanding
Combat 2 Comedy Program
Combat 2 Comedy is Knowles’ structured workshop framework that applies comedic timing, storytelling principles, and narrative ownership to lived experience.
Originally developed through veteran-focused work, the program has expanded to support individuals and groups navigating transition, stress, or identity change. The methodology emphasizes humor as a means of understanding experience rather than avoiding it.
Core elements include:
- Translating personal experience into structured storytelling
- Understanding the psychological and physiological effects of laughter
- Building emotional resilience through shared humor
- Creating psychologically safe environments for dialogue
Programs are adaptable for veteran organizations, educational institutions, leadership development settings, and community initiatives.
Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Engagement
Knowles regularly participates in suicide prevention and mental health awareness efforts, particularly within military and veteran communities.
His involvement includes moderated panels, facilitated discussions, and storytelling-based engagements that encourage openness and reduce stigma without clinical framing. He contributes as a peer voice and facilitator, helping normalize conversations around depression, transition, and isolation.
Veterans of Comedy
Knowles is a co-founder of The Veterans of Comedy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to community engagement and veteran support through live performance and outreach.
The organization’s mission includes:
- Raising awareness around PTSD and suicide prevention
- Supporting veteran-focused nonprofit partners
- Using comedy to create shared civic experiences that bridge military and civilian communities
Select performances and partnerships incorporate fundraising or awareness components aligned with host organization goals.
Workshops & Institutional Engagements
In addition to veteran-specific programming, Knowles offers workshops and facilitated sessions for universities, performing arts organizations, leadership programs, and community groups.
Common focus areas include:
- Storytelling as a communication and leadership skill
- Humor, resilience, and emotional intelligence
- Navigating personal and professional transition
- Building trust and connection through shared narrative
All engagements are customized to the audience, mission, and desired outcomes of the hosting organization.
Program Philosophy
Knowles’ institutional work is grounded in respect, intentionality, and audience-appropriate boundaries. Programs are designed to complement — not replace — artistic performance and are delivered with clarity around scope and objectives.
The emphasis is on creating meaningful, sustainable impact through human connection rather than spectacle or instruction.
Twenty Twenty-Five
erikknowlescomedy@gmail.com