logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2024
42m 38s

Ep74 "Why do we laugh?"

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode

From the brain’s point of view, what is humor? When something is funny, why do we breathe in and out rapidly? Do other animals laugh? Why do most jokes come in threes? What do mystery novelists, magicians, and comedians have in common? Could AI be truly funny? Join Eagleman this week to appreciate the tens of reasons and millions of years behind the tickling of your neural pathways.

Up next
Today
Ep131 "What do brains tell us about politics?" Part 2: Rehumanization
<p>How do societies work their way out of polarization? And what does the answer have to do with broken trucks, the Apollo program, the movie 'Watchmen', Iroquois Native Americans, a new idea for social media algorithms, moral taste buds, and how we can take advantage of the comm ... Show More
49m 2s
Nov 17
Ep130 "What do brains tell us about politics?" Part 1: Polarization
<p>What do propaganda posters have in common across nation and time, and how is that related to the medial prefrontal cortex? What is behind repeating cycles of societal polarization? What does any of this have to do with the American Civil War, hippies vs soldiers, border ruffia ... Show More
45m 43s
Nov 10
Ep129 "Is utopia possible or do human brains preclude it?" with Paul Bloom
Would a utopia be possible? Or does our innate tribalism and jealousy make perfect societies difficult to achieve? Do we secretly love hierarchies? Why are primate brains such excellent detectors of unfairness? Why do things become more desirable when we’re told we can’t have the ... Show More
43m 48s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2024
How to find laughter anywhere | Chris Duffy
<p>Why are some people really funny and others ... not so much? Comedian Chris Duffy shows how you can sharpen your sense of humor and start laughing every day — by seeing the world like a kid.</p><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a st ... Show More
8m 27s
Nov 2024
Ep. 208 | Funny Business: The Science and Satire of Humor with Ian Brownhill
Science still hasn’t cracked the code on what humor truly is. While we can’t pinpoint exactly what makes something funny or why we laugh at the strangest moments, we do know that humor plays a powerful role in shaping our relationships, communication, and even how attractive we f ... Show More
36m 1s
Dec 2018
Why Are Some Words Funny?
Words like 'poop' and 'wiggle' are inherently humorous, and science may have figured out why. Learn what research has to say about why some words tickle us in this episode of BrainStuff.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/l ... Show More
7m 6s
Oct 2024
Chatterbox #329 – What makes you laugh? Part 2
In this episode, Andrew and Anna continue their chat about the challenges and joys of using humor in different languages. They share stories of failed jokes, moments when humor brought people together, and discuss how different cultures approach comedy. They also share their favo ... Show More
24m 14s
Sep 18
The Hidden Language of Laughter | Social Intel Brief
What if laughter wasn’t just fun—but a social superpower? In this episode, AJ and Johnny unpack the science of laughter and why it’s one of the strongest signals of connection, trust, and influence. Far more than a reaction to humor, laughter is a primal bonding mechanism that ma ... Show More
8m 42s
Aug 2017
A Case FOR The Giggles
Why in the world do they say that "laughter is the best medicine?" How in the world do you catch a case of the giggles? And what in the world is a Laughing Yogi?! Try not to LOL, as Guy Raz and Mindy Thomas guffaw their way through the science of laughter, on this seriously silly ... Show More
15m 34s
Mar 2025
283 ~ Serious About Not Being Serious: Embracing Humour as a Life Skill
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1723781/open_sms">Text me your thoughts/questions</a></p><p>Hello Magical Human &amp; welcome back to Madison Mindset the Podcast 🧚🏼</p><p>A sense of humour transforms how we experience life, allowing u ... Show More
21m 4s
Apr 2020
Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Just Joking Around
Why are Mindy and Guy Raz telling jokes to make a cake? And what does this have to do with the science of COMEDY? We've got the questions AND the answers on today's ground-breaking round of Two Whats?! And A Wow! We're challenging you to find the facts from the fiction about come ... Show More
10m 2s
May 2022
When Funny Isn't Funny in English
<p>I&apos;m sure in English class you learned that the word funny means amusing or hilarious. It&apos;s used to refer to something that makes you laugh. When someone tells a funny joke, it makes you laugh. Did you know that sometimes the word funny doesn&apos;t mean funny in this ... Show More
7m 5s
Aug 2024
How To Be Funny: A Beginner's Guide To Humor
How To Be Hilarious and Quick-Witted in Everyday Conversation (How to be More Likable and Charismatic Book 14) By: Patrick KingHear it Here - https://bit.ly/BeHilarious00:00:00 How To Be Hilarious and Quick-Witted in Everyday Conversation00:06:37 Know Your Humor Style.00:10:22 Fi ... Show More
1 h