A lot can happen in a week. On the heels of the 4th of July parade—where I learned the hard way that corduroy and Virginia summers don’t mix—I attended the Kena Klown Club meeting on July 9, 2025. It turned out to be a night of transitions and new challenges.
Introducing Dr. Leo, PhD
Before the meeting, I had recently received a free honorary PhD in Comedic Science from Abide University & Institute. While the doctor of philosophy degree might be honorary, the inspiration was real. I decided right then to change my official clown name to Dr. Leo.
It felt like the perfect fit for my persona—a bit of “authority” mixed with the hobo-clown antics I’ve been practicing. Now, when I hand out those wooden nickels, I’m doing it with the “professional” expertise of a Doctor of Comedy.
Making it Official
The highlight of the meeting was the confirmation that I had graduated from probationary status to official clown status. Having survived the “baptism of powder” in March and the “Independence Day furnace” in July, the club welcomed me as a permanent member. It’s a proud moment to be recognized by this group of brothers, who have brought joy to the community and supported Shriners Children’s for so long.
A New (Old) Trick
Part of the fun of these meetings is the sharing of “tools of the trade.” A retired clown had left some of his gear to the club, and I was drawn to a PM Magic “Rings of Smoke” trick.
It’s an older piece of magic, and it looks like it’s going to be a technical challenge to master. As someone who loves diving into how things work, I’m excited to get this old-school trick back into working order. There’s something special about carrying on a piece of magic from a brother who has retired his red nose; it keeps the club’s history alive.
Looking Ahead
With my “PhD” in hand and my official status secured, I’m looking forward to a busy 2026. I’ll be practicing my “Rings of Smoke” and hunting for a lab coat that’s a bit more breathable than my corduroy jacket.
Dr. Leo is officially on call!
