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.