DiscoverMentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin237 — The Science of Laughter: How Humor Can Rewire Your Brain and Boost Mental Strength with Dr. Steven Sultanoff
237 — The Science of Laughter: How Humor Can Rewire Your Brain and Boost Mental Strength with Dr. Steven Sultanoff

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

Update: 2025-08-11
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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




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

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

Amy Morin