Last week we learned about using the four different styles of humor to your advantage, and who makes a good target for a joke. But what if you read the room wrong and absolutely bomb? On this episode of How To!, the second in a two-part series, we resume our conversation with Naomi Bagdonas, co-author of Humor, Seriously!, and Michael Terry, the most hilario ... Show More
Sep 23
Update: Losing Your ‘Virginity’ at 43
In this mailbag episode of How To!, we get an update from Elizabeth, the 43-year-old listener who contacted us for advice on her plan to have sex for the first time. Then, co-hosts Courtney Martin and Carvell Wallace get listeners’ takes on our most talked-about episodes of the y ... Show More
45m 52s
Jun 2020
13. Make ’Em Laugh: How to Use Humor as a Secret Weapon in Your Communication
Humor does more than just make people laugh. It allows you to connect with your audience, diffuse tension, elevate status, and compel others to your point of view. Humor can also help you and your message stand out, yet most of us hesitate to use humor, especially in our professi ... Show More
27m 16s
Oct 2021
How to find the humor in everyday life (with Jo Firestone)
When was the last time you really, really laughed? For some people, laughter comes easily and anything can set them off. But for many of us, finding humor in everyday life is something we might leave to the professionals. Jo Firestone is a comedian--and long-time friend of Chris’ ... Show More
33m 19s
May 2024
Tig Notaro Shares Her Favorite Jokes
Comedian Tig Notaro, who just released her fifth comedy special, "Hello Again," joins us for a chat about the science of her comedy: telling us how she builds jokes, and of course sharing a bunch of dumb and fabulous jokes. Enjoy! Here's our Funniest Joke in the World Episode!! F ... Show More
22m 45s
Feb 2021
How Many Managers Does It Take to Change a Lightbulb?
Jennifer Aaker, a Stanford professor, and Naomi Bagdonas, an executive coach, say that, even in times of stress and crisis, leaders should use and encourage good humor and levity at work as a way of building employee morale and engagement. That doesn't mean you have to tell jokes ... Show More
25m 7s
Aug 2022
4 Kwik Tips To Remember Jokes with Jim Kwik
How do you memorize jokes? Tell me if this sounds familiar. You hear a fantastic joke, but when the time comes to repeat it, your mind goes blank. This doesn’t seem to happen with song lyrics or movie quotes, so why do jokes feel like they disappear moments after you hear them? I ... Show More
17m 20s
Aug 2023
Ziwe: What's funny these days?
When the comedian and writer Ziwe first went viral during the pandemic for her gotcha-style interviews with celebrities on Instagram Live, people couldn’t get enough. Today, she joins Dua to talk about all things funny, from finding comedy in increasingly unfunny times to facing ... Show More
33m 50s