

Sophie Scott
Neuroscientist at University College London and leading researcher on the neuroscience of laughter and vocal expression, contributing expert explanations of how laughter is produced.
Top 10 podcasts with Sophie Scott
Ranked by the Snipd community

28 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 28min
The Science of Laughter
Sophie Scott, a neuroscientist from University College London and laughter expert, joins comedian Miles Jupp, known for his engaging work in radio and television. They dive into why we laugh more in social settings and explore the evolutionary history of laughter. Discover the unique aspects of human laughter compared to animals, and the health benefits tied to chuckling. They even touch on laughter yoga, its effects, and how shared laughter can boost well-being, all while keeping the conversation light-hearted and entertaining!

21 snips
May 30, 2025 • 29min
Chuckle, Snigger and LOL
This week, Sophie Scott, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at UCL, shares insights into the fascinating world of laughter. Why do we laugh, and is it just a quirky human trait? Sophie explains how laughter fosters social bonds and alleviates stress, revealing its power in relationships and even dating. The discussion dives into genuine laughs versus polite chuckles and explores the evolutionary significance of laughter in both humans and animals. Get ready to chuckle as they unveil the science behind that belly laugh!

17 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 18min
Doctors' Notes: Laughter
Join Professor Sophie Scott, a leading neuroscientist from University College London renowned for her research on laughter. She reveals what differentiates genuine laughter from fake, and how the habit of laughing develops in children. Sophie shares insights on the emotional boost that can come from faking a laugh, and discusses her journey into the fascinating world of laughter research. The dynamic conversation also touches on the social dynamics of laughter and its role in bonding and well-being.

12 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 29min
Will laughter help you live longer?
In this intriguing discussion, Professor Sophie Scott, a leading expert in cognitive neuroscience from University College London, reveals the surprising health benefits of laughter. She explains how laughter not only reduces stress and pain but also strengthens our immune system. The conversation dives into the social significance of laughter, enhancing relationships and fostering connection. They also touch on the deeper implications of laughter in the context of life's regrets, showcasing how humor can help us navigate the complexities of existence.

9 snips
Oct 15, 2024 • 30min
New marketing research you need to know: Live at the IPA
In this engaging discussion, Andrew Tindall, SVP of Creative Partnerships at System 1, reveals how creativity and consistency in advertising can enhance profitability. Sophie Scott, Director at the Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience, explains the unique role of humor in communication and its power to create intimate connections between brands and consumers. Becky Owen, CMO at Billion Dollar Boy, shares insights on the evolving landscape of influencer marketing, emphasizing the need for long-term collaborations to build trust and authenticity.

5 snips
Dec 10, 2024 • 18min
The science of laughing
Sophie Scott, a professor of cognitive neuroscience at University College London, dives into the fascinating world of laughter. She reveals how laughter serves various social functions, enhancing bonding among humans and animals. Sophie discusses its contagious nature and the differences between voluntary and involuntary laughter, shedding light on the neurobiology behind this joyful expression. The conversation highlights the evolutionary importance of laughter and its potential to improve our well-being.

4 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 28min
Is joy always good for us?
In this engaging conversation, Professor Sophie Scott, a renowned cognitive neuroscientist and stand-up comedian, dives into the complexities of joy. She explores how joy differs from happiness and offers insight into different kinds, like social laughter and prideful moments. The discussion highlights joy's potential risks and its relationship with emotional lows. They also tackle joy's fleeting nature, the impact of cultural celebrations, and how to cultivate joy in everyday life, emphasizing the importance of social connections.

Jan 5, 2026 • 26min
Did I inherit my laugh?
Join neuroscientist Sophie Scott, an expert on laughter, as she spills the secrets behind how our bodies produce sounds of joy. Evolutionary psychologist Gil Greengross takes us back to Darwin's musings on laughter's roots and shares studies that reveal humor's heritability. Meanwhile, Nancy Segal regales us with the touching story of the 'Giggle Twins,' two siblings reunited after decades who laughed alike despite being raised apart. Together, they explore the fascinating blend of genetics and environment that shapes our laughter.

Dec 30, 2025 • 23min
Doctors' Notes: Joy
Professor Sophie Scott, a cognitive neuroscientist from University College London, delves into the fascinating neuroscience of joy. They explore how joy differs between spontaneous moments and achievements, discussing its evolutionary purpose. Sophie highlights the challenges in studying joy in lab settings and reflects on the bittersweet nature of parental joy. She also describes how joy can be cultivated, the risks of replacing social joy with drugs, and how music can stimulate reward networks, enhancing communal joy.

Feb 28, 2025 • 17min
More... Laughs with Sophie Scott
Sophie Scott, a Professor of Neuroscience at University College London, dives into the fascinating world of laughter. She explains how laughter is not just about humor but also vital for social bonding. The conversation highlights playful behaviors in animals, revealing surprising emotional depths. Scott discusses laughter's role in fostering relationships, linking it to physiological benefits like stress reduction. The episode also explores how laughter enhances connections in stand-up comedy, underscoring its unique social power.


