ABC Radio

All In The Mind

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

  • Humour me: why we laugh and what counts as funny

Humour me: why we laugh and what counts as funny

Saturday 12th March 2022

Explore why we laugh and what counts as funny with insights from psychologists, neuroscientists, and satirists.
29 minutes
Informative
Entertaining
Engaging
Educational
Fun

About this podcast

All In The Mind
Author:
ABC Radio
Overview:
Categories:
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Mindful Recovery
Sexual Stigmas & Myths
Mindfulness & Technology in Health
Parenting & Children
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Humour Me: Laughing Your Way Through Life

Episode Overview

  • Humour can arise from unexpected juxtapositions.
  • Laughter often serves as a social bonding tool.
  • Comedians exhibit unique brain activity when creating jokes.
  • Different humour styles may correlate with personality traits.
  • Understanding humour can enhance personal and social connections.
A sense of humour is something our culture seems to prize.
How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? This episode of 'All In The Mind' is all about humour, exploring why we laugh and what counts as funny. With a line-up featuring psychologist Neil Martin, neuroscientist Ori Amir, and satirist Mark Humphries, you'll dive into the fascinating world of comedy and the brain. Neil Martin kicks things off by explaining the incongruity theory, where humour arises from unexpected juxtapositions.
It's like seeing a tree inside a cat's bottom—unexpected, yet hilarious! Mark Humphries shares how he uses this theory in his sketches, highlighting the absurdity of avoiding serious topics with his 'Not Today Show'. Meanwhile, Ori Amir takes us on a scientific journey inside the brain, revealing that comedians have less blood flow in the prefrontal cortex when coming up with jokes, letting spontaneity take the wheel. Ever wonder why laughter is contagious?
Turns out, it's more about social bonding than the jokes themselves. So whether you're an aspiring comedian or just curious about why we chuckle, this episode has something for everyone. Ready to explore what makes us giggle? Dive in and find out how humour can be a tool for connection and creativity!
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