logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2015
19m 33s

Episode 12: Humor

Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam
About this episode
This week on Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam looks at what we find funny and what, well, crosses the line. Comedian Bill Burr joins us to talk about why race, gender and Caitlin Jenner can be so funny. 
Up next
Today
Why Conversations Go Wrong
Do you ever struggle to communicate with your mom? Or feel like you and your spouse sometimes speak different languages? This week, we revisit a favorite conversation with linguist Deborah Tannen. She shows how our conversational styles can cause unintended conflicts, and what we ... Show More
1h 38m
Sep 7
Blowing Up Your Life
Have you ever had a flash of insight that hit you when you least expected it? How did it change your life? Psychologist Anthony Klotz studies the "jolts" that shake us out of our routines, and how these moments can help us make more intentional decisions about the people we want ... Show More
1h 26m
Aug 31
The Things We Don't Say
From childhood, we're taught that honesty is the best policy. Yet in everyday life, we hedge, soften our words, and leave things unsaid. This week, we talk with psychologist Steven Pinker about why indirect speech is such a fundamental part of human relationships. How long can yo ... Show More
50m 2s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2018
433-Bill Burr-Your Mom's House with Christina P and Tom Segura
Oh my goodness, Jean. We don't really think this episode needs a description. The great Bill Burr joins us and Hen has some amazing, hilarious thoughts, just like you thought he would. We discuss who is a bigger psycho, Billy or Tommy. PLUS, will Bill stop gender identifying his ... Show More
2h 3m
Jun 2022
Humor Us
Humor can lighten the mood. But it can also provoke, cajole, and inspire. This hour, TED speakers share how we can wield humor as a tool across all aspects of our lives. Guests include comedian Marcia Belsky, computer scientist Vinith Misra, behavioral scientist Jennifer Aaker, c ... Show More
49m 27s
Mar 2023
Humor Us
Original broadcast date: June 3, 2022. Humor can lighten the mood. But it can also provoke, cajole and inspire. This hour, TED speakers share how we can wield humor as a tool across all aspects of our lives. Guests include comedian Marcia Belsky, computer scientist Vinith Misra, ... Show More
50m 10s
Mar 2023
Bill Burr
Kevin sits down with Actor and Comedian Bill Burr to discuss Bill’s recent Saturday Night Live monologue, their Covid-19 quarantine experiences and the last time they each cried. Like Comedy Gold Minds? SiriusXM subscribers get it a day early, plus Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud Rad ... Show More
1h 4m
Feb 2021
Bill Burr
Kevin sits down with Actor and Comedian Bill Burr to discuss Bill’s recent Saturday Night Live monologue, their Covid-19 quarantine experiences and the last time they each cried. Like Comedy Gold Minds? SiriusXM subscribers get it a day early, plus Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud Rad ... Show More
1h 4m
Sep 2018
#84 - Bill Burr
On this episode of The H3 Podcast we're joined in the studio by Bill Burr! Together we discuss bad dog owners, being a dental assistant, parenting, Shari's Berries, podcasting, All Things Comedy, and a whole lot more. Bill Burr is a stand-up comedian and actor who will be perform ... Show More
1h 27m
Mar 2023
What's so funny?
Scientists are digging into what makes something funny. We compare their notes with comedians — including Atsuko Okatsuka, Josh Johnson, Dulcé Sloan, and Chris Fleming. For more, go to http://vox.com/unexplainable It’s a great place to view show transcripts and read more about th ... Show More
19m 18s
Jul 2025
ReeC**k Pumps
On this week’s Brilliant Idiots episode, Charlamagne and Andrew are all over the place (in the best way possible). They chop it up about everything from escaping reality with movies to how kids’ shows handle gender representation. Hunter Biden’s wild crack comments? Yeah, they go ... Show More
1h 56m