AH

Andrew Huberman

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

I explore the neuroscience and psychology behind comedy, focusing on how surprise and the act of saying the unspoken truth activate the brain's reward circuits.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

I capture and develop ideas into narratives that are both funny and thought-provoking, often drawing from daily life observations and larger cultural dynamics.

AH

Andrew Huberman

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

The neurobiological basis of humor suggests that what we find funny is often automatic and subjective, similar to taste or smell.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

As a skilled performer, I read and shift with the collective energy of crowds, whether in small comedy clubs or large arena shows.

AH

Andrew Huberman

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

Emotional contagion plays a significant role in comedy, influencing how humor is perceived and received by audiences.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

When I run, I let my mind drift, which helps clear mental clutter and can lead to insights about life rather than just creative thoughts.

AH

Andrew Huberman

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

Exercise significantly improves brain function by increasing alertness and arousal, making it easier to tackle tasks afterward.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

I often find that when I wake up feeling foggy, exercise helps clear that mental fog and makes me feel alert.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

I often capture ideas through voice memos or notes, sometimes influenced by cannabis, which can lead to unexpected insights.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

My writing process involves capturing the kernel of an idea and testing it on stage rather than writing it out in full beforehand.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

I believe that if I pitch a joke idea and my wife finds it awful, it’s likely to work well on stage.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

As a woman, I can talk about women's issues more effectively because I have that perspective, which makes the material more relatable and digestible.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

The cultural context of comedy significantly influences what comedians can say and what audiences find acceptable at any given time.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

Comedians can be canceled for offensive interactions during performances, but it's rare for them to be canceled for the content of their jokes alone.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

In today's comedy landscape, comedians have more control over how they present their material, thanks to platforms like podcasts and streaming services.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

When I perform, if I lose enjoyment in delivering a joke, the audience can sense it, which affects how the joke lands.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

I believe that cutting ties with past material is essential for comedians to evolve and continue being creative in their craft.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

The element of surprise is crucial in comedy; it creates a release for the audience when a comedian says what everyone is thinking but can't express in polite society.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

My son once said he was too busy for jiu-jitsu because he had kindergarten, Spanish, and drums, which was both hilarious and impressive.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

I often find that kids are naturally funny, and when they say something genuinely amusing, it lights up their eyes, encouraging them to try to be funny again.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

Telling the same joke multiple times can diminish its impact, leading to less laughter over time.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

Many men believe they excel at fighting, driving, and being funny, but most are only marginally good at one of these skills.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

Comedians often experience a phenomenon where a joke that once received laughter may not resonate with new audiences over time.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

The creative process in comedy involves accessing different mental states, which can be influenced by factors like sleep and exercise.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

A silly mindset helps me perform at my best on stage, allowing me to connect with the audience more effectively.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

I find it challenging to watch stand-up comedy in person because I internalize the performers' emotions, which can make me anxious.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

Emotional contagion plays a significant role in comedy, affecting how jokes are received based on the comedian's emotional state.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

The success of a joke often depends on the emotional delivery of the comedian, not just the words themselves.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

Comedy is uniquely subjective, as laughter often occurs involuntarily, making it difficult to convince someone to find a joke funny if they don't connect with it.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

Crowd work is an essential skill for comedians, allowing them to adapt to the audience's reactions and maintain engagement.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

In comedy, the audience's collective response can shift over time, making previously funny material seem outdated or unfunny.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

Comedy often explores dark themes, and the humor can come from the comedian's own discomfort with those themes, making the experience both intense and funny.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

Acknowledging and channeling dark thoughts into art is healthier than ignoring them, as it allows artists to express universal human experiences.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

The best comedians often have dark personas on stage but are usually very kind and loving in their personal lives, highlighting the complexity of human nature.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

Cynicism in comedy can be unfunny because it lacks hope and positivity, which are essential for engaging an audience.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

The journey of a comedian involves learning to be vulnerable on stage, which enhances their connection with the audience and leads to better performances.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

Comedians who genuinely love making people laugh often have a strong obsession with their craft, which drives them to overcome challenges in their careers.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

The experience of being a new kid in school can shape a comedian's desire to connect with others through humor, as they learn to make people laugh to gain acceptance.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

Successful comedians often have a deep desire to connect with people and make them laugh, which stems from their own insecurities and experiences as outsiders.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

Therapy can help comedians understand their insecurities, but it doesn't eliminate them; instead, it provides tools to navigate those feelings while creating art.

TS

Tom Segura

05/19/25

@ Andrew Huberman

Creating comedy allows comedians to address and share their struggles, making their performances relatable and impactful for audiences.

The Science & Art of Comedy & Creativity | Tom Segura

Takeaways