Jul 29, 2021
Why is it that we laugh at stuff that's not 'funny', like walking straight into a pole? What kind of person does it make us if we laugh at someone else walking into a pole, but it's not funny when we do it?
In this episode I explore how laughter is but one of a variety of tools that we use in our everyday lives to help...
Jun 25, 2021
Who is the Laughter Research podcast for?
Maybe you're a performer and you want to understand more about why people laugh, or maybe you're a school teacher and you're wondering how laughter might benefit your students.
You may be working in a dangerous or stressful environment and you're wondering if laughter can help...
Jun 21, 2021
What is the purpose of laughter? Is it simply a physiological response to humour? If so, why do people find themselves laughing at extremely 'unfunny' moments, such as when they find themselves involved in a car crash, or when watching a distressing video?
In this episode, I introduce the idea that laughter is more...
Jun 9, 2021
Since the last episode (It's been a while), I've done the research on the ways in which people use laughter to help them get through the trials and tribulations of life and I earned a PhD for my troubles.
I've also lived through a number of life changing challenges, including breaking my spine, and laughter has served...
Mar 5, 2015
The main focus of my conversation with Prof. Billig was the topic of his book Laughter and Ridicule: Towards a Social Critique of Humour (Published in association with Theory, Culture & Society) in which he explores the important role which ridicule and laughter play in shaping social behaviours. In his book, Michael...