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Laughter Research

In the Laughter Research Podcast, I explore the phenomenon of laughter, from the fascinating science of laughter research, to the joys of laughing until you cry. The show is a mix of interviews and commentary by me - Glen Duggan. I've a Ph.D. in psychology, with a specialisation in laughter, so you could say that I have a serious interest in the topic.

My guests vary from academics, such as psychologists and sociologists, to entrepreneurs and comedians. In each episode I explore the role which laughter plays in our daily lives and I examine the truths and the myths around laughter. Is laughter purely a physiological response, or is it a social and culturally mediated means of communication?

Music by jasonshaw@audionautix.com

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...