Skip to main content

That's Funny

In this episode – That’s Funny . . .

My boss said, “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.”

So - I went to work as Batman.

This week, we tackle a topic that (hopefully) tickles your funny bone: What makes something funny?

Have you had a good laugh recently? Why not? In today’s critical, cynical world of stupid politics, with Trump on the news day after day and protests at many Universities, we need a break from all this strife and tension. I’m here to say we need a good laugh.

Lately, I've been rolling with laughter while watching stand-up comedians like Jim Gaffigan, Jerry Seinfeld, Jeff Foxworthy, and Trevor Noah on Netflix. Laughter has been hailed as the best medicine, but not everyone finds the same things funny. What one person finds hilarious, another might find dull. For example, check out the new Netflix movie Unfrosted, directed by Jerry Seinfeld.

My listening friends, there is hope for those seeking comic relief.

Let’s face it: humor is a fascinating part of the human experience. We all love a good laugh, but have you ever thought about why we find certain things funny? What makes you crack up? It turns out there's some science behind that belly laugh! Huh–my first thought was, let’s ask AI, why not?

Today, we invite Dr. Sammy Smiles, our virtual laughter expert, to explain popular humor theories.

“Welcome, Dr. Smiles. What is it that makes people laugh?”

Dr. Smiles–“Our brains love patterns and expectations. When something unexpected happens harmlessly, it throws us for a loop, and that surprise can trigger laughter.”

“Imagine opening the fridge for a milk bottle and finding your pet goldfish swimming happily inside—it shouldn't fit. Surprise, harmless, and voila—funny!”

“Another interesting theory suggests humor taps into something mischievous.”

Do you mean like finding something enjoyable that's slightly naughty or wrong?

“Exactly! In Jerry Lewis movies, his exaggerated facial expressions, the way he contorts his body, and the sounds he makes all contribute to the humor. He sells the fall completely, making it even funnier.”

A joke might also play with words or twist things around, surprisingly.

For example, A detective is standing outside a house with a bunch of witnesses.

"Alright, everyone," he says, "we've got reason to believe there's a mime living here. Has anyone seen any suspicious activity?"

There’s a prolonged silence, and then one woman raises her hand.

"Well?" the detective asks.

The white-faced woman covers her mouth, her eyes widen like saucers, and she shrugs!

Dr. Smiles: “So, humor is a blend of surprise, a touch of naughtiness, and a feeling of safety. It's like a mental rollercoaster that takes you up and down but leaves you happy. Like our tastes in music or movies, our sense of humor can evolve. Jokes that were funny in the past might not hit a home run today."

Dr. Smiles: “Here's the best part—laughter is good for us! It reduces stress, boosts our mood, and strengthens our immune system.

It sounds like the doctor's order is to find more humor in your life.

“Absolutely!”

“But remember, humor can be subjective. What tickles your funny bone might leave someone else scratching their head. And guess what? Jokes can age like milk! What was hilarious in the 80s might be cringe-worthy today.”

So, where do you find your funny fix?

Streaming services offer standup specials galore. Podcast fans, there's a hilarious world out there waiting to be explored. Live comedy clubs are a great way to catch rising stars. And don't forget award shows – Grammys for Best Comedy Album, Emmys for Outstanding Comedy Series – they're a good starting point to find phenomenal funny people.

So, the next time you find yourself laughing, take a moment to appreciate the cleverness behind it. A whole world of science and psychology is at play in that belly laugh! And, the next time you feel miserable after seeing Trump's face on the evening news, don't forget the healing power of laughter. Look for something humorous that resonates with you, share a good laugh with a neighbor or friend close to you, and remember–laughter is often the best medicine. However, if it's a medical emergency, please seek professional help.


We'd love to hear from you! Who are your favorite comedians, or what kind of humor makes you howl? Click the link to leave us a voicemail or a funny joke.


Here’s one–“An Irishman walks out of a bar.” Hey, it could happen . . .


I'm Patrick Ball; thanks for listening. I'll see you in the next episode.

Comments

Most Popular of All Time

Finding Our Place

In this episode,  Finding Our Place: Hope and Humanity in the Age of AI . . . Yesterday, I overheard a conversation that echoed a question many of us are quietly asking: In a world increasingly shaped by algorithms, where do we , as humans, truly fit in? My younger colleagues, sharp and driven, were "joking" about AI taking their jobs. Their concerns felt valid, prompting me to reflect. Will machines really replace us? My answer, unequivocally, is No . And here’s why. What makes us uniquely human isn't merely our ability to perform tasks. It's our innate capacity for creativity and our deep-seated need to serve others. These aren't just abstract ideas; they are the very essence of what gives meaning to our lives and work. While AI excels at processing data and automating tasks with incredible speed, it cannot replicate the spark of human ingenuity. It lacks the empathy to truly understand unspoken needs or the intuitive synergy that fosters breakthrough solutio...

The Curious Crew

In today's special episode, The Curious Crew . . .  Oh, our young folks are ready, with AI so grand, A new era of wonders across every land! With curious minds, vast as Space, full of creative delight, And a zest for exploring, with all of their light! They welcome new tools, with a gleam in their eye, To learn and to grow, way up to the sky! Our thinking's a marvel, a clever design, We make new plans, so fantastically fine! With problem-space maps and memories, too, We build new ideas, quite fresh and quite new! With smiling faces, showing gratitude's grace, We find our own wonderful, human-filled place! Sharing a meal with generosity and love, A warm human spirit, a gift from above! We stand tall together, collaborate, and help with a grin, For with Agentic AI, together we win! Not machines all alone, but with us by their side, We'll create and serve, with nothing to hide! I'm Patrick Ball. Stay curious and ask questions. See you next time.

Beyond June Gloom

Beyond June Gloom: The Milky Way Awaits! ✨🌌 Has the seemingly endless marine layer got your telescope feeling neglected? For us sky-watchers on the beautiful California coast, May Gray and June Gloom have played a persistent game of hide-and-seek with our celestial views. But there's good news tonight: as summer officially arrives, a stunning cosmic spectacle is about to reveal itself, and you absolutely won't want to miss it! We know the drill: that persistent marine layer turning our sunny days into cool, misty ones. It's a hallmark of our coastal climate, and while it's kept our telescopes under wraps, consider it nature’s way of building epic anticipation for the celestial show that’s about to unfold The Return of the Galactic Core! (Photo courtesy of Gemini) As the days grow longer and the summer air warms, those stubborn clouds will begin to dissipate, revealing a breathtaking sight: the core of our very own Milky Way galaxy! That's right, the vibrant heart...

Legoland Birthday Magic

In this episode, Legoland Birthday Magic . . . By: Patrick Ball and Gemini Good morning! A grand notion, a fanciful spree! Let's twist up a tale for all folks to see! From Carlsbad, California, the clouds they did gleam, On LEGOLAND wonders, a birthday dream! Young LUCA, the lad turned precisely six years, With JULIAN, his brother, dispelling all fears! A baggie he clutched, with small figures inside, For trading and swapping, with a joyful stride! But then! A new twist, a high-energy spree! Forget little figures, let the youngsters run free! In overcast skies, the LEGO bricks gleam, But birthday boy LUCA was living a dream! Not just Luca, oh no! Two pals joined the fray, Young JULIAN, seven, to brighten the day! And their curly-haired buddy, aged eight, with a giggle so grand, Plus, one little lady skipping close at hand! No slow strolls or glances, no careful, soft tread, This crew was a whirlwind, right out of their head! Like Zappers on race tracks, they zoomed and they flew, ...