Your Brain On

Your Brain On... Comedy

May 8, 2024

This podcast explores the science of humor, discussing evolutionary origins and therapeutic benefits. Topics include the benign violation theory, using humor for therapy, involuntary laughter disorders, and comedy as a tool for communication and growth. Guests discuss the role of comedy in finding shared understanding, coping with life's challenges, breaking repression, and pushing societal boundaries.

22:37

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Quick takeaways

Humor evolved as a response to signal safety in potentially harmful situations.

Comedy serves as a unifying force, fostering communication and understanding across cultures.

Deep dives

Origins and Functions of Laughter

Laughter has evolved as an innate response predating complex language systems, serving as a signal to indicate unfamiliarity isn't necessarily dangerous. The benign violation theory suggests that humor arises from situations that blend violation and harmlessness, like in activities such as rock climbing where the comedic element lies in defusing perceived threats. Laughter's ability to ease tensions stems from its neurological basis, providing relief by signaling safety amidst potential danger.

Intro

2min

Exploring Laughter: From Safety Signals to Benign Violations

9min

Exploring Comedy as a Tool for Communication and Growth

2min

Exploring the Role of Aggressive Humor and Uncontrollable Laughter in 'Joker'

2min

The Power of Comedy in Finding Shared Understanding and Coping with Life's Challenges

2min

Exploring Comedy as a Tool for Breaking Repression

7min

Laughter predates language. But what’s the neurological function of humor? Why do we find things funny?

Your brain’s ability to perceive and create comedic ideas is one of the most powerful facets of the human experience. Through humor and laughter, we can find shared understanding across the boundaries of cultures, languages, and ideologies.

In this episode of ‘YOUR BRAIN ON...’, we discuss:

• Why we evolved the ability to laugh

• The ‘benign violation theory’ — the most prevalent hypothesis for the function of humor

• Why we find some things funny, and some things not

• How some comedians use humor as a form of therapy

• The nervous disorders underpinning involuntary bursts of laughter

This episode, we’re joined by:

CALEB WARREN, a primary contributor of the Humor Research Lab (HuRL) at the University of Colorado, and a key pioneer of the Benign Violation Theory, which he speaks about in this episode.

JESSICA PORTER, an hilarious comedian who uses humor both for performances and for therapy. Jessica shares some fascinating ideas about comedy as a tool for communication and growth.

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

‘Your Brain On... COMEDY’ • SEASON 2 • EPISODE 2

LINKS

The Humor Research Lab at University of Colorado: https://humorresearchlab.com/

Jessica Porter on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_porter_standup

Jessica’s podcast, Sleep Magic: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sleep-magic-sleep-hypnosis-meditations/id1650407051

Join the NEURO Academy: NEUROacademy.com

Instagram: @thebraindocs

Website: TheBrainDocs.com

More info and episodes: TheBrainDocs.com/Podcast