How humor connects us and helps us weather tough times
Listen 50:00
(photo credit Sela Shiloni)
Babies laugh before they utter their first word. Laughter is universal — although what you find funny may not be funny to me.
Laughter strengthens relationships and is good for our health, alleviating stress and anxiety. It can even release endorphins, which reduces pain.
Chris Duffy is a stand-up comedian with a serious interest in humor in all its forms. His new book, Humor Me, explores the benefits of cultivating a sense of humor: why laughing is cathartic, contagious and a sign of cooperation.
Humor, he says, also allows us to be more observant, more vulnerable and more willing to take social risks. He joins us this week to talk about how to find laughter in our not-so-funny world. He’s hosts the podcast How to be a Better Human.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
Brought to you by The Connection with Marty Moss-Coane
A new flu variant, subclade K, is driving an uptick in cases across the U.S. and prolonging influenza seasons in other parts of the world.
3 days ago
Listen 1:04
How to stick to your personal goals
With the new year, many people resolve to make big and small changes. Why do our resolutions so often fall to the wayside? How can we make our goals turn into habits?
Air Date: January 6, 2026 12:00 pm
Listen 51:09
Here’s what to know about the unprecedented changes to child vaccine recommendations
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will now recommend that all children get vaccinated against 11 diseases, down from 18 a year ago.
5 days ago