Trevor Noah, comedian, television host, and author, joins Esther Perel for a lively discussion that dives into the connections between comedy and therapy. They explore how humor can serve as a coping mechanism and reveal unspoken truths in society. Trevor shares insights on active listening, while Esther helps him prepare for his live tour. Together, they emphasize the importance of shared experiences and the emotional dynamics of laughter, intimacy, and the challenges of communication in a changing world.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Humor in Dark Times
Chileans used humor to cope with torture during Pinochet's regime.
They prioritized humor in their stories, emphasizing its role in survival.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Humor at a Funeral
Trevor Noah's friend's uncle, diagnosed with terminal cancer, was told to "kiss his ass goodbye."
This dark humor brought laughter and became a cherished memory for the grieving family.
insights INSIGHT
Intimacy Through Humor
Humor offers closeness without physical touch, creating connection and shared reality.
It unites people through relatable experiences, fostering intimacy.
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The Decameron is a collection of novellas written by Giovanni Boccaccio, composed between 1349 and 1353. The book is structured as a frame story where ten young people (seven women and three men) escape the Black Death in Florence by retreating to a villa in the countryside. Over ten days, each member of the group tells a story, resulting in a total of 100 tales. The stories cover a wide range of themes, including love, fortune, wit, and deception. Boccaccio's work is notable for its humanistic perspective, emphasizing intelligence and wit over dogma, and it provides a vivid portrayal of contemporary urban society during the time of the plague. The Decameron has had a profound influence on Renaissance literature and continues to be a significant work in Italian literature[1][3][4].
Not all conversations with Esther have to happen behind closed doors. Last week, Esther sat down with Trevor Noah, live from the Vox Media Podcast Stage at SXSW in Austin, for a candid look at the state of comedy in the world we live in. The two of them uncovered some surprising similarities between being a comic and being a therapist. Esther showed Trevor a few ways to become a better listener and Trevor in return helped Esther prep for her new live tour.
If you want to be part of that show too- Esther invites you to an evening unlike any other. Join her as she shines a light on the cultural shifts transforming relationships and helps us rethink how we connect, how we desire – and even how we love. To find a city near you, go to https://www.estherperel.com/tour2024
For Trevor Noah's Off the Record tour visit https://www.trevornoah.com/shows
To hear more from Trevor Noah head over to his podcast, What Now? With Trevor Noah: spotify.link/trevornoah
Want to learn more? Receive monthly insights, musings, and recommendations to improve your relational intelligence via email from Esther: https://www.estherperel.com/newsletter
Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel 
