John Altman—BAFTA and Emmy-winning composer, conductor, and the man whose music has made you cry (Titanic), cheer (GoldenEye), and whistle with glee (Life of Brian). He’s scored some of cinema’s most iconic scenes, backed up rock royalty, and brought comic brilliance to the soundtrack of our lives.

Altman grew up in a musically rich household where Judy Garland might drop in for tea and Jack Benny left boot polish on the antimacassars. With family connections to the London Palladium and showbiz royalty as regulars at the flat, John was surrounded by two things from birth: music and mirth. It’s no wonder he believes, as I do, that great music and great comedy share the same DNA. Both rely on rhythm, timing, and knowing exactly when to hold back and when to hit the big note—or the big laugh. He explains why so many comedians are failed musicians, and why so many musicians wish they were comedians. It’s all in the timing.

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In this second episode with Hal, we were able to go into the darker and more complex ideas of how and why humour permeates through our lives. We dug into the idea of comedy as a coping mechanism, a pressure valve, and a way of reframing pain into something that lifts you.

For Hal, humour isn’t just a performance - it’s a perspective. A way of saying, Yes, this hurts - but here’s why it’s also ridiculous. Hal is also extraordinarily generous with his advice and knowledge, we touched on lots of way for everybody to benefit from this, from top tips on how to find your authentic self on stage to his own comedic teachers such as Eric Morecambe, and what all of us can learn from some of the greatest performers ever.

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When Hal Cruttenden joined me on The Humourology Podcast, I knew we were going to laugh. What I didn’t expect was just how much wisdom would come wrapped in wit, warmth, and the occasional well-aimed insult.

Hal has that rare ability to be searingly honest and side-splittingly funny all at once. He’s a comic who can take the mickey out of you to your face and still leave you feeling loved. In this first half of our chat, we dig into why that ability to tease with tenderness might just be the secret sauce to great comedy - and great connection.

Hal draws on his experience as a comedian, actor, presenter and writer to provide his own unique take on Humourology and the power of humour in our lives which makes for a fascinating conversation on the Humourology Podcast.

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If you thought Part 1 of our chat with Justin Moorhouse was a masterclass in making life’s mishaps hilarious, then Part 2 is where we get into the real psychology of comedy, confidence, and charisma.

Justin’s insights aren’t just for comics; they’re for anyone who wants to master the art of connection, charisma, and confidence—whether you’re standing on a stage, pitching in a boardroom, or just trying to win over a tough crowd at Sunday lunch.

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Humour, as Justin explains, isn’t just a form of entertainment; it’s a survival mechanism. Whether dodging disaster in the classroom or refining his comedic chops in front of tough Northern crowds, his journey reveals the resilience, adaptability, and sheer graft required to turn laughter into a career.

Justin’s ability to find the funny in life’s absurdities makes this a must-listen for anyone looking to harness the power of humour—whether in business, leadership, or simply getting through the day with a grin.

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Whether you're a business leader, an aspiring comedian, or someone who just loves a good laugh, this episode is packed with wisdom, wit, and practical tips on how to bring more humour into your life.

We also explore the power of comedy in politics, leadership, and social change. Why do authoritarian regimes fear comedians? Because laughter is the great equaliser. The jester, as Shelly reminds us, has always been the only person who could tell the king the truth without losing their head. In a world that often feels divided, humour has the ability to bridge gaps, dissolve tension, and bring people together in a way few other things can

Join us as Shelly takes us behind the scenes of comedy’s biggest stages, unpacks the secret formula to making people laugh, and reveals why humour might just be the greatest superpower of all.

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This week on the Humourology Podcast, we dive deep into the extraordinary life of music industry legend Dave Robinson. From tour-managing Jimi Hendrix and living with Van Morrison to co-founding the iconic Stiff Records, Dave’s journey through rock ‘n’ roll is as wild as it is hilarious. Known for his irreverent humour and genius marketing, Dave turned his knack for slogans and storytelling into a force that revolutionised the music business.

Whether it was with bold campaigns like “If it ain’t Stiff, it ain’t worth a f**”* or turning music videos into cultural events, Dave’s unique perspective proves that humour isn’t just entertainment—it’s a powerful tool for connection and success.

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Join Ian Stone, award-winning comedian and broadcaster, as he delves into the transformative power of comedy. From navigating a challenging upbringing to bonding with heroes like Paul Weller and Ian Wright, Ian shares heartfelt stories, sharp insights, and his unique take on life’s humour.

Episode Highlights:

· How humour shaped Ian’s journey from a working-class Jewish family to becoming a celebrated comedian.

· The role of rhythm, language, and connection in creating great comedy.

· Ian’s evolution from seeking adulation to confidently owning his comedic voice.

· Using humour to navigate tough times and bond with others.

· Practical tips for public speaking, preparing thoroughly, and making audiences feel at ease.

Blending humour, heartfelt storytelling, and actionable advice, this episode offers insights into the art and science of humour in life and comedy.

About Ian Stone:

Ian Stone is an award-winning comedian, broadcaster, and lifelong Arsenal fan. Ranked among the top 10 stand-ups in Britain by The Independent, Ian has graced the stage of Mock the Week, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, and more. A co-host of Rock & Roll Football with Ian Wright and presenter of the Arsenal podcast Handbrake Off, Ian’s unique blend of wit and warmth continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

About Paul Boross:

Paul Boross, host of The Humourology Podcast, is a renowned business coach, motivational speaker, and author famously known as ‘The Pitch Doctor.’ With decades of experience in comedy, psychology, and communication, Paul uses the power of humour to inspire leaders and unlock their potential.

Find out more about Paul’s work and how you can book him: https://paulboross.com

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Dive in and enjoy some absolutely fabulous laughs and learnings with Helen Lederer as we explore three standout themes from the episode:

1. The Comedy Connection: Why Humour Transcends Generations

Helen reflects on the magic of connecting with people through humour, regardless of age or background. Having worked with legends like Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, and Rik Mayall, she has seen firsthand how comedy has the power to bring people together in unexpected ways.

Helen shares her belief that humour transcends generational divides, emphasising that “funny is funny, no matter when it was made.” We explore her journey from the ’80s comedy scene to working with younger generations, discussing how the universal appeal of comedy has kept her audience laughing through the decades. “When you connect with someone,” she says, “it really doesn’t matter what age they are. The spirit remains, and people still laugh at the sketches we did all those years ago.” It’s a poignant reminder that laughter is indeed a timeless bond.

2. Embracing Authenticity and Owning Mistakes

Helen is refreshingly open about the ups and downs of a life in the spotlight. We talk about the challenges that come with being labelled a ‘comedian’ and the pressure to make people laugh, even when nerves creep in. Helen admits to feeling “spooked” by certain gigs and offers insight into the internal struggle many performers face in reconciling nerves with the need to perform.

Her perspective on embracing authenticity is both inspiring and empowering. Helen says, “Mistakes are funny. When things go wrong, that’s when the truth comes out.” She reveals that over time, she has learned to accept that not everyone will resonate with her style, but for those who do, the connection is genuine and lasting. In this podcast, she reminds us that embracing our flaws is an essential part of both personal and professional growth—a message as applicable in business as it is in comedy.

3. The Power of Humour in Resilience and Connection

We delve into the idea that humour is a vital tool for resilience. Helen talks candidly about how comedy helped her cope with challenges in life and navigate some of the tougher moments in her career. She touches on the influence of her Czech heritage and her father’s experience of displacement, reflecting on how humour has helped her manage inherited feelings of displacement and find a sense of belonging.

Laughter, as Helen puts it, has always been her lifeline, grounding her through ups and downs alike. “As long as you have one friend, you can survive anything,” she says, noting that humour often creates that connection. In discussing these themes, we dive into how humour can be a buffer against life’s hardships, reminding us to approach difficulties with a lighter heart. It’s a philosophy that resonates deeply with our mission at Humourology: to celebrate the way humour not only entertains but also uplifts and unites.

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