Summary: When we joke, we seek to generate acceptance, bonding, release, shaming… and sometimes even more. This week on State of the Human we’re investigating how people use joking to create new realities for themselves and the people around them. We have six stories, exploring the way jokes, pranks, and even puns can change our lives. We’ll hear stories from stand up comedian Tig Notaro and humor theorist Marvin Diogenes, and we’ll travel from Stanford’s cafeterias to the presidential suite on Air Force One. We’ll hear stories about how jokes can help us and synchronize our minds, stare cancer in the face and make us question our humanity along with everything we take for granted. And also, we'll laugh a lot. Producers: Natacha Ruck and Nina Foushee Featuring: Rosie La Puma, Jackson Roach, Nina Foushee, Miles S., Justine Beed, Charlie Mintz, Ken Grobe, Lora Kelley, Marvin Diogenes, David Demarest, Sam Roach, Jay Roach, the La Puma family, Claire Slattery, Nathaniel Nelson, Reggie Watts, and Tig Notaro. Music: BLEO, Candlegravity, LASERS, Will Bangs, Podington Bear, Origamibiro, Deef, Slowmotions, Chris Zabriskie, Nicolas Chientaroli Trio, Michal Hambourg, Kevin McLeod, Simon Mathewson, Modern Antiques, Thiaz Itch, Silence is Sexy, Person, Lulo
