Laughing makes us feel real good, whether you’re in on the joke or not. But does it serve a specific purpose? Why do we find some jokes hilarious and others to be total groaners? In this episode, Tai peels the science and sociology of laughter down to its evolutionary roots.

In this episode Tai talks to:
- Sophie Scott, professor of cognitive neuroscience at University College London and stand-up comedian
- Andrew Phung, actor, improv comedian and creator of the sitcom Run the Burbs

Why do we laugh?

Fifteen-year-old Tai Poole won’t rest until he’s uncovered the mysteries of the universe, one probing question at a time. In Season 4 of his Webby-winning podcast, Tai talks to everyone from NASA scientists to stand-up comedians to his equally curious little brother Kien. If you’ve ever wondered why nothing feels as good as a deep belly laugh or why it’s impossible not to finish a bag of Doritos, Tai has you covered.

Kids & Family

The climate is changing. So are we. On What On Earth, you’ll explore a world of solutions with host Laura Lynch and our team of journalists. In 1970, 20 million people showed up to fight for the environment on the first Earth Day. More than five decades later, is it time for this much tamer global event to return to its radical roots?  
 OG organizer Denis Hayes recounts how – amidst other counterculture movements at the time – his team persuaded roughly one in ten Americans to take to the streets. As he approaches 80, Denis offers his singular piece of advice to the next generation of climate leaders. Then, environmental warriors Maria Blancas and Axcelle Campana share ideas on what a reinspired Earth Day could look like – including making it a public holiday. 
 More episodes of What On Earth are available at: https://link.chtbl.com/YX9QBtvD 
 We love to hear from our listeners and regularly feature them on the show. Have a question or idea? Email Earth@cbc.ca

Can our generation make Earth Day cool again? (Bonus from What On Earth)

Our brains aren’t wired to save the world. But if you’re ready to make changes that actually stick, 10 Minutes to Save the Planet will show you the way. Co-hosts meteorologist and climate reporter Johanna Wagstaffe and broadcaster Rohit Joseph work through the UN’s 10 actions for a healthy planet, but in a way that won’t shame, overwhelm or bore you. Think of each episode as a bite-size guide to fight climate change, rooted in behavioural therapy. More episodes are available at: https://link.chtbl.com/aiF1m9QH

Tai Asks Why Introduces: 10 Minutes to Save the Planet

Tumble is a science podcast created to be enjoyed by the whole family. With over 100 episodes over 7 seasons, Lindsay and Marshall have explored science topics ranging from poop, to space, to animals, and literally everything in between. In their 8th season, coming up this September, they’ll be covering even more topics, always in a fun, accessible way for the whole family to enjoy. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, or at sciencepodcastforkids.com

Tai Asks Why Introduces: Tumble Science Podcast for Kids

Tai tries to do his part by recycling whenever he can. But it turns out just tossing stuff into the blue bin doesn't do a whole lot: less than 10 percent of our plastic waste actually gets recycled, with the rest either ending up in landfill, burned or shipped overseas! How did we get here? Tai turns to people looking for creative ways to tackle trash around the world, and learns how we can all be more mindful of what we decide to throw away.

In this episode Tai talks to:
- Calvin Lakhan, research scientist at York University
- Olivia Kwok, supervisor of Waste and Diversion Programs with the city of St. Albert
- Nate Maynard, Taiwan-based sustainability consultant and environmental researcher
- Andrea McKenzie, zero waste project engineer for the city of Vancouver

Why do we laugh?

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