Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
HTDE: Heckling, Yawning, and Imitating, with James Austin Johnson and Patton Oswalt
Jan 15, 2025
James Austin Johnson, a talented cast member of Saturday Night Live, showcases his hilarious Donald Trump impression, revealing the art of comedic imitation. Mariska Krett, a scientist specializing in contagious yawning, dives into the psychology behind this curious behavior, discussing its social implications and evolutionary significance. The lively conversation touches on audience engagement, heckling in comedy, and the quirky ways yawning can foster social bonding. Get ready for laughter and insight as these guests blend comedy and science!
28:16
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast explores how perceived heckling can actually arise from a desire for connection, offering opportunities for humor and kindness in response.
- Yawning is presented as a contagious behavior with evolutionary benefits, illustrating the interconnectedness of social dynamics and biological processes across species.
Deep dives
Heckling as a Form of Engagement
Some listeners' questions are interpreted as heckling, prompting the speakers to explore the nuances of audience interaction. One email asked how to end a podcast season, while another questioned what could make the podcast funnier. The speakers, alongside comedian Patton Oswalt, reflected on how heckling might stem from a desire for connection rather than mere criticism. They concluded that such comments could be met with humor and kindness, converting a potentially negative interaction into a more personable engagement.
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