Rufus: Most of us can cycle through these different modalities. I recognize in myself that when you had some friends who were just wildly successful or you had a little bit of resentment for some reason, I found myself engaging in slightly snipery humor. Like, oh, I think this person needs to be brought down a notch or two. It has a lot to do with status too, right? Yes.
Humor is no laughing matter. It inspires innovation, strengthens relationships, disarms tension, and makes you look smart. Seriously. Stanford professors Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas say the recipe for professional success and personal fulfillment is to lighten up, pack a little levity in your briefcase, and start living your life on the precipice of a smile. In today's episode, they dig into the neuroscience of laughter, share tips for crafting the perfect joke, and help Rufus improve his comic chops.
(This episode first aired in April 2021.)
---
• Download the Next Big Idea app to hear the full Book Bite for "Humor, Seriously": nextbigideaclub.com/app