My name is Joe Barnhart - a boy trapped in a man's body - seeking to make sense of a world gone mad. My warped perspective and marginalized sense of humor was born out of an environment where hamburgers were only 15 cents and spankings by the principal were still a part of school systems.

I've taught many classes over the years but my favorite is conducting workshops that get folks to focus on a more positive outlook. I was teaching an evening workshop a few years ago and one of the students stopped me after class and said, "This class is really helping me deal with some serious questions I've been having."

That and other positive comments drove me to put most of my seminar material on this site. I've learned there's nothing more meaningful in life than helping folks deal with day-to-day issues by making humor and confidence top priorities.

I find immeasurable pleasure making people laugh (replacing a toilet wax ring is also a lot of fun). My Mom used to tell my brother and two sisters not to laugh at me as it would encourage me. Well, they did and that has led to my departure from reality into the realm of hysteria. This site, my weekly newspaper columns, and other publications are attempts and keeping the humor flowing.

Here's a photo of one of the best times of my life. Working with a bunch of college students on the Extreme Home MakeOver set. And if you think reality TV is real - think again. Email me for an elaboration.