Radiolab

Science Vs: The Funniest Joke in the World

53 snips
Nov 22, 2024
Wendy Zuckerman, host of Science Vs, leads the hilarious quest for the funniest joke in the world. She chats with comedy legends like Tig Notaro and Adam Conover, diving into the subjective nature of humor and the challenges of connecting with audiences. The podcast explores laughter's evolutionary roots and its role in fostering social bonds. From a Hindi joke to a global competition, listeners discover the shared threads of comedy across cultures while uncovering the science behind what makes us laugh.
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ANECDOTE

Origin of the Quest

  • Wendy Zuckerman googled "funniest joke in the world" and found unsatisfying results like a riddle about a piano.
  • She then decided to embark on a quest with Latif Nasser to find the funniest joke using scientific methods.
INSIGHT

Comedians' Perspectives

  • Comedians had mixed opinions on whether finding the funniest joke is possible due to humor's subjectivity.
  • Some suggested a simple, universally appealing joke might exist.
INSIGHT

The Science of Laughter

  • Humans, unlike other laughing animals, laugh loudly and contagiously.
  • Laughter serves a social function, connecting people and even making bad jokes funnier.
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