237 — The Science of Laughter: How Humor Can Rewire Your Brain and Boost Mental Strength with Dr. Steven Sultanoff

How often do you laugh? If it’s been a while, you’re not alone. But laughter isn’t just enjoying a good joke. It is actually a powerful tool for building mental strength. I sit down with Dr. Steven Sultanoff, a psychologist and leading humor expert, to explore the science behind humor and why laughter is good for your health. Some of the things we talk about are: The difference between humor and laughter — and why it matters for your mental health How laughing can reduce pain and boost your immune system Why humor is one of the top qualities people look for in relationships (even more than a good sex life) How humor reduces depression and anxiety The science behind why we laugh when we’re nervous — and how it helps us cope How dark humor can be helpful during tough times How to use humor to build stronger relationships and reduce loneliness The surprising ways laughter can rewire your brain for resilience Why humor is a secret weapon for managing stress How to find more humor in everyday life — even when you’re feeling down Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for exclusive content like bonus episodes, signed books, and 30-day challenges that will keep you growing stronger. Links & Resources HumorMatters.com Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at ⁠⁠⁠Lolablankets.com⁠⁠⁠ by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. HoneyLove — Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠honeylove.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠ #honeylovepod BetterHelp — Give online therapy a try and get 10% off your first month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠betterhelp.com/mentallystrong⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cocoavia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Life Kit — Listen to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Life Kit podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ from NPR. Mentally Strong App — Take your mental strength to the next level. Sign up at ⁠mentallystrong.downpat.ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices