Why German Comedy Is the Control Group for Jokes

Is humor universal or culturally coded? This episode unpacks the surprising science of comedy preferences across cultures. We explore the Humor Styles Questionnaire, Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, and why German comedy is the control group for jokes. From Irish deadpan to Japanese manzai, from Israeli chutzpah to Chinese state censorship — learn why what makes you laugh depends on where you grew up, and how humor functions as social bonding, cognitive play, and even a public health intervention.