A shared moment of laughter
The presentation starts with clean stand-up comedy. It gives people a chance to enjoy being together before approaching a difficult subject.
HOW IT BEGAN
Making room for a conversation.
Brad Bonar Jr. spent decades making audiences laugh as a comedian and magician. Alongside that career, he lived with depression that began in childhood.
Rediscovering a note he had written in sixth grade made him reflect on how long he had kept that struggle to himself. He wanted to use comedy for something deeply personal: helping people talk about experiences that too often stay hidden.
In 2019, Brad created 1 Degree of Separation. He spoke with doctors and mental health professionals as he shaped the presentation, and invited fellow comedians to share their own experiences openly.
OUR MISSION
Less stigma. More connection.
We bring dialogue, awareness, and acceptance to people experiencing depression through laughter and vulnerability.
The name reflects a simple idea: even if you don’t experience depression yourself, someone you know does. That connection is where an honest conversation can begin.
1 Degree of Separation is a California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
WHY COMEDY & VULNERABILITY
Laughter opens the door. Honesty keeps it open.
People sharing their own experience
The comedians then speak candidly about depression and what helps or hurts. The Five Questions guide that conversation, modeling how to ask, listen, and learn from someone’s own experience.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PRESENTATION
Different voices. A shared purpose.
Brad is joined by a growing team of comedians. Here are a few of the performers on our current roster. The team for your presentation will be discussed during booking.
Aurora Singh
Comedian · 1Degree
Carlos Rodriguez
Comedian · 1Degree
Sydney Stigerts
Comedian · 1Degree
FROM OUR STORY TO YOUR COMMUNITY
How could this help your organization?
Bring people together for a shared experience that makes room for honest peer conversation. The presentation gives your audience a way to explore what depression feels like and how to begin listening to someone who is struggling.
Tell us who you want to reach, what you hope to discuss, and the setting you have in mind. We’ll explore how the presentation could fit your organization or community.
Bring 1Degree to Your Organization