Tai Asks Why

Why do we laugh?

Laughing makes us feel real good, whether you’re in on the joke or not. But does it serve a specific purpose?
Photo of Tai Poole, a Vietnamese young adult, superimposed on top of an image of Andrew Phung from the TV show Run the Burbs. Andrew is wearing a blue button-up short sleeve shirt and is standing on the front porch of a home, his arms open wide and his mouth open. Tai has a slight smile on his face. He has over-the-ear headphones on top of long dark brown hair. He has on glasses and a purple t-shirt.
(Still from Run the Burbs)

Laughing makes us feel real good, whether you're in on the joke or not. But does it serve a specific purpose? Why do we find some jokes hilarious and others to be total groaners? In this episode, Tai peels the science and sociology of laughter down to its evolutionary roots.

In this episode Tai talks to:

  • Sophie Scott, professor of cognitive neuroscience at University College London and stand-up comedian
  • Andrew Phung, actor, improv comedian and creator of the sitcom Run the Burbs
     

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