Podcast Summary: Smash Boom Best Presents Brains On – "Why do we laugh?"

Release Date: December 25, 2025
Podcast: Smash Boom Best (Brains On Universe)
Host: Molly Bloom
Co-Host: Milla (from Minneapolis)
Featured Experts: Sophie Scott (Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, UCL) & Adrienne Wood (Psychologist, University of Virginia)

Episode Overview

This special episode, guest-hosted by Brains On, explores the science of laughter: why we do it, how it works, the different types, and what laughter means in human relationships. With fun games, expert interviews, and lots of kid-centered energy, the show unpacks the emotional and social power of laughter—making it as educational as it is entertaining.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Many Faces of Laughter

• Laughter is Universal & Multifaceted: Molly and Milla start by sharing stories of uncontrollable laughter (“the goofies”) and the different situations where people laugh—when tickled, nervous, at jokes, or just by seeing others laugh.

  • Quote: “Laughter is like a language, and humans are really good at using and understanding that language.” — Molly Bloom (07:20)

• Personal Stories: Milla talks about her “framily” (friend-family) of cousins making her laugh hardest, and Molly shares moments of laughing with her family over silly videos.

2. The Science Behind Laughter

• Physical Effects: Laughter sets off various bodily reactions—core muscle movement, muscle relaxation (“floppy fingers”), and even difficulty breathing during the "goofies".

  • “When you laugh, your brain chemistry starts changing.” — Sophie Scott (11:02)

• Mental Benefits: The body releases stress-relieving chemicals and feel-good hormones when we laugh, which is why it feels great and leaves us relaxed.

3. Laughter in the Animal Kingdom

• Many animals laugh, including primates, rats, parrots, dolphins, gorillas, and chimps. Animal laughs often sound like panting or hissing.

  • “You even find quite complex laughter-like behavior in animals like rats.” — Sophie Scott (11:52)

• Laugh Attack Game: Milla and Molly play a game guessing whether odd laughs are animal or human in origin, showcasing the similarity and variety in laughter (13:01–14:25).

4. The Social Function of Laughter

• Laughter is Social: We are 30 times more likely to laugh with others than when alone.

  • Quote: “The people that you laugh with are often the people that you’re happiest with and the people you’re enjoying spending time with.” — Sophie Scott (30:53)

• Posed vs. Spontaneous Laughter:

  • Goofy Laughter: Uncontrollable, contagious, gives physical workout.
  • Posed Laughter: Used in social communication—like smoothing awkwardness, showing politeness, or teasing (“conversational laughter”).
    • Kids vs. Adults: Kids are not as good at spotting posed laughter until much older; adults keep learning to distinguish types into their 30s (19:27–20:11).

• Quote: “Most of these happen automatically, almost like blinking your eyes or breathing.” — Molly Bloom (18:44)

5. Types of Laughter & Their Communication

• Adrienne Wood’s Research: She explains that not all laughter is about joy; it can soothe, tease, or reward—each sounding a little different.

  • Soothe: Short, quiet, reassures (“It’s okay, I still like you.”)

  • Teasing: Lower, growlier; can feel uncomfortable (“I want you to feel embarrassed.”)

  • Rewarding: Longer, higher, open; makes others feel good (“What you did made me feel good!”)

  • Quote: “Even if a person’s laughter doesn’t sound like they’re having a really good time, it doesn’t mean that they’re being fake or lying to you. They are trying to send some other message. They’re trying to communicate their friendliness…” — Adrienne Wood (24:46)

• Game Example: Milla correctly identifies the laughter types in a fun round of Laugh Attack (28:57–30:05).

6. Laughter as a Social Tool & Emotional Signpost

• Laughter arises in relationships, builds connection, and signals comfort or happiness.
• Both kids and adults rely on laughter, not just as a reaction, but as a way to communicate nuanced social messages and strengthen bonds.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I call those kinds of laughs the goofies.” — Molly Bloom (09:48)
• “That shared laughter is the really magic stuff. The closer your relationship and the warmer your relationship, the more likely you are to sort of be able to use laughter together.” — Sophie Scott (09:52)
• “Kids are not as good as adults at spotting the kind of laughter that is posed.” — Molly Bloom (19:27)
• "No laughter is fake. It's all serving a real purpose." — Adrienne Wood (24:31)
• “So the posed sounds like more you’re trying to push out air in your mouth, but then with the goofies, it’s more like you’re trying to breathe.” — Milla (23:39)
• “In fact, you’re 30 times more likely to laugh with other people than by yourself.” — Milla (30:28)

Funniest Moment

• Molly and Mark’s “Cram Manchez” gag, involving swapping name letters and superhero banter, prompted fits of laughter—especially among the hosts. (28:02–28:44)

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• [05:04] – Introducing the episode’s guiding question: “Why do people laugh?”
• [09:48] – The ‘Goofies’ explained and why uncontrollable laughter feels great
• [10:53] – What happens in the body and brain during laughter
• [11:39] – Laughter among animals
• [12:45] – Laugh Attack Game: Guessing human or animal laughter
• [18:03] – Posed laughter vs. "the goofies"
• [19:27] – Kids’ and adults’ ability to spot different kinds of laughter
• [20:26] – Laugh Attack Round Two: Posed vs. goofy laughs
• [24:31] – Adrienne Wood on “no laughter is fake” and laughter as social communication
• [26:09] – Demonstration of soothing, teasing, and rewarding laughs
• [28:57] – Laugh Attack Round Three: Identifying the type of posed laugh
• [30:28] – Laughter as a fundamentally social behavior
• [31:12] – Episode summary and takeaways

Conclusion

This Brains On takeover episode of Smash Boom Best is an engaging and insightful dive into the science of laughter. With expert explanations, playful games, and real-world examples, listeners come away understanding that laughter is much more than just something funny—it’s a crucial part of how humans bond, communicate, and feel good together.

Whether it’s “the goofies” or a polite smile-laugh, it all matters, it’s all real, and it helps us connect.