Huberman Lab The Science & Art of Comedy & Creativity | Tom Segura
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May 19, 2025 
Tom Segura, a renowned comedian, writer, actor, and director, shares insights into the craft of comedy. He discusses the intricate relationship between humor and human emotions, exploring how surprise can activate the brain's reward circuits. The conversation highlights the influence of cultural standards on comedy, the balance of parenting and performance, and the psychological mechanics behind audience engagement. Segura's anecdotes about his personal experiences add a relatable touch, illustrating the depth and complexity of the comedic journey.
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Capturing Comedy Ideas Anecdote
- Tom Segura captures comedy ideas primarily via voice memos and riffing during conversations.
- He often takes the kernel of an idea to stage and develops it in real time with the audience.
Jokes Need Live Testing
- Test jokes live to see if they get laughs and adjust or drop based on audience feedback.
- Trim excess info and refine punchlines through experimentation to improve comedic impact.
Surprise and Unspoken Truths
- Comedy succeeds through surprise or saying unspoken truths people think but can't say aloud.
- This creates a release in the audience, making the humor feel satisfying and communal.
