Dr. Peter McGraw is an associate professor of marketing and psychology at the University of Colorado Boulder’s Leeds School of Business. As a behavioral scientist, his research examines the interrelationship of judgment, emotion, and choice—with a focus on the production and consumption of entertainment. McGraw directs The Humor Research Lab (HuRL) and is the co-author of The Humor Code: A Global Search for What Makes Things Funny.

His research has been covered by The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, TIME NPR, BBC, and CNN. His work appears in the Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Marketing Research, Management Science, Psychological Science, and the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.  He is currently trying to kick a sweater vest habit – even if it does get him kicked off the Stylist Scientist List.

Today we’re talking all about humor; how it can bring people together and push them apart. We’ll also cover it’s role in generating success for several key business areas.

Connect with Pete McGraw:

Website: petermcgraw.org/

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You’ll Learn:

• [03:17] - Pete explains the principles of humour, and it's commonalities and differences across various demographics.
• [05:03] - Pete dicsuses how to cultivate humour.
• [07:32] - Pete covers the negative side of humour, and how it should be regulated in a work environment.
• [09:53] - Pete talks about humour within cultures, and how forgiveness can be a complimentary quality.
• [11:03] - Pete uses the analogy of being a supporting actor in life, and how productive it is when people act with this mindset.
• {16:59] - Pete discusses the role of humour in sales and marketing, and how enthusiasm is a powerful tool for making an impact.
• [18:55] - Pete lists some qualities that present charisma, including the use of movement and well placed silence.
• [20:41] - Lightning round with Peter McGraw.

Your Resources:

• The Humour Code by Peter McGraw
• Boddy Pants by Tina Fey
• Rethink by Steven Poole

Thanks for listening!

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Until next time, take care!  Thank you Gervase!