The Humourology Podcast

Paul Boross
  • 5.0 (27)
  • BUSINESS
The Humourology Podcast

Paul Boross talks to the funniest and most successful leaders in business, sport and entertainment about how humour measurably improves your business and your life. Humourology is a study into why a good sense of humour is much more than a means to raise a smile – it’s a critical psychological defence against the stresses of everyday life, it’s the source of our resilience and it’s the secret weapon of all successful leaders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Ab Fab’s Helen Lederer Opens Up on Life, Laughter, and Lessons

    3 DAYS AGO

    Ab Fab’s Helen Lederer Opens Up on Life, Laughter, and Lessons

    Dive in and enjoy some absolutely fabulous laughs and learnings with Helen Lederer as we explore three standout themes from the episode: 1. The Comedy Connection: Why Humour Transcends Generations Helen reflects on the magic of connecting with people through humour, regardless of age or background. Having worked with legends like Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, and Rik Mayall, she has seen firsthand how comedy has the power to bring people together in unexpected ways. Helen shares her belief that humour transcends generational divides, emphasising that “funny is funny, no matter when it was made.” We explore her journey from the ’80s comedy scene to working with younger generations, discussing how the universal appeal of comedy has kept her audience laughing through the decades. “When you connect with someone,” she says, “it really doesn’t matter what age they are. The spirit remains, and people still laugh at the sketches we did all those years ago.” It’s a poignant reminder that laughter is indeed a timeless bond. 2. Embracing Authenticity and Owning Mistakes Helen is refreshingly open about the ups and downs of a life in the spotlight. We talk about the challenges that come with being labelled a ‘comedian’ and the pressure to make people laugh, even when nerves creep in. Helen admits to feeling “spooked” by certain gigs and offers insight into the internal struggle many performers face in reconciling nerves with the need to perform. Her perspective on embracing authenticity is both inspiring and empowering. Helen says, “Mistakes are funny. When things go wrong, that’s when the truth comes out.” She reveals that over time, she has learned to accept that not everyone will resonate with her style, but for those who do, the connection is genuine and lasting. In this podcast, she reminds us that embracing our flaws is an essential part of both personal and professional growth—a message as applicable in business as it is in comedy. 3. The Power of Humour in Resilience and Connection We delve into the idea that humour is a vital tool for resilience. Helen talks candidly about how comedy helped her cope with challenges in life and navigate some of the tougher moments in her career. She touches on the influence of her Czech heritage and her father’s experience of displacement, reflecting on how humour has helped her manage inherited feelings of displacement and find a sense of belonging. Laughter, as Helen puts it, has always been her lifeline, grounding her through ups and downs alike. “As long as you have one friend, you can survive anything,” she says, noting that humour often creates that connection. In discussing these themes, we dive into how humour can be a buffer against life’s hardships, reminding us to approach difficulties with a lighter heart. It’s a philosophy that resonates deeply with our mission at Humourology: to celebrate the way humour not only entertains but also uplifts and unites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    58 min
  2. Kevin Maguire – Shining A Light Into The Dark World Of Politics & The Role Of Humour In Journalism 🔦

    JUN 25

    Kevin Maguire – Shining A Light Into The Dark World Of Politics & The Role Of Humour In Journalism 🔦

    This week’s episode of The Humourology Podcast features Kevin Maguire, Associate Editor of the Daily Mirror and esteemed political columnist, having been chief reporter for The Guardian and worked for news publishers including the Daily Telegraph, Sky News, BBC and even the political powerhouse that is New Civil Engineer. Throughout his long and illustrious career, Kevin has made his name as a national leader in journalism and is highly regarded for his ability to seek out the truth in the murky world of politics… making him the ideal person to talk about the current landscape, the challenges of being a journalist in the 21st Century and why he is proudly not part of the “awkward squad” (a term he first coined). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 16m
  3. Anne-Marie Imafidon - The Most Influential Woman In Tech: Inspiring A New Generation To Love STEM 💻

    JUN 10

    Anne-Marie Imafidon - The Most Influential Woman In Tech: Inspiring A New Generation To Love STEM 💻

    Described by Computer Weekly as “the most influential woman in tech” in 2020, in this episode of The Humourology Podcast, host Paul Boross is joined by the renowned educator, computer scientist and social entrepreneur, Anne-Marie Imafidon, to discuss her luminary career and the importance of humour as part of her life growing up, journey into adulthood and beyond. A former employee of Goldman Sachs, Hewlett-Packard and Deutsche Bank, Anne-Marie is perhaps best known as an international thought leader around computer science education and is also the founder of the award-winning Stemettes, a social enterprise which is aimed at promoting women in STEM careers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr
  4. Professor Richard Wiseman - 🍀 The Luck Factor: Why Humour (And Magic) Can Underpin Success 🪄

    MAY 27

    Professor Richard Wiseman - 🍀 The Luck Factor: Why Humour (And Magic) Can Underpin Success 🪄

    Professor Richard Wiseman chats with Paul Boross on this week’s Humourology Podcast about his fascinating career, from his academic achievements, membership of the Magic Circle to his highly influential books and his drive to inform his audiences about psychology and science in the most engaging and entertaining way possible. Known globally for his work around the public understanding of psychology, humour and success, this episode of The Humourology Podcast sees Professor Richard Wiseman join host Paul Boross to discuss his academic career, being a member of The Magic Circle, and the role that laughter plays in our lives. In addition to his research into the human mind, he is the author of a number of highly influential books including The Luck Factor, 59 Seconds: Think A Little, Change A Lot and Night School: Wake Up To The Power Of Sleep, which are all underpinned by the idea of delivering information about psychology and science to audiences in an entertaining and engaging manner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 2m
  5. Julia Bradbury on Walk Yourself Happy: How A Stroll Can Be A Tool For Healing And Adventure

    MAY 16

    Julia Bradbury on Walk Yourself Happy: How A Stroll Can Be A Tool For Healing And Adventure

    Julia Bradbury joins us to chat about everything from sibling relationships, walking in nature to her breast cancer diagnosis. Hear how Julia’s journey has included humour as a tool for healing. Tune in to learn just how valuable humour can be through life’s hardest moments. She is an absolute inspiration and gives so many tips and techniques to help you overcome the toughest of circumstances. Her warmth and positivity shine through. In this episode of The Humourology Podcast, host Paul Boross sits down with author, broadcaster and philanthropist Julia Bradbury to discuss her latest book, Walk Yourself Happy and why spending time in the great outdoors can be a tool for healing. Best known as the presenter of shows including Countryfile, Britain's Best Walks with Julia Bradbury and Wainwright Walks, in this life-affirming episode, Julia talks about her personal journey with breast cancer and her incredibly work advocating for health, nature and facing life’s difficulties with a smile and a stroll. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54 min
  6. Wayne Garvie - Leading with Laughter

    06/26/2023

    Wayne Garvie - Leading with Laughter

    President of International Production at Sony Pictures Television Wayne Garvie joins Paul Boross and The Humourology Podcast to discuss humour’s role in keeping creative teams together through the difficult times.  “That's what you're always looking for when you're communicating with people, isn't it? A rapport. How do you make them all feel they're part of the conversation? And engage.”Learn how you can connect with your teams from a legend of the television industry. Hear how humour can help you deal with failure, build relationships, and put some of the most creative projects on the telly, only on The Humourology Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    50 min
  7. Clive Tyldesley - Finding the Fun in Football

    06/12/2023

    Clive Tyldesley - Finding the Fun in Football

    Broadcasting legend and Football Commentator extraordinaire Clive Tyldesley joins Paul Boross and The Humourology Podcast to share stories from his illustrious career behind the mic. Tyldesley shares valuable insight on how humour can help us understand humanity and ourselves.  “What makes us laugh tells us more about ourselves than virtually anything.” Join Paul Boross and Clive Tyldesley for a captivating conversation about commentary, comedy, communication, and connecting with those around us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 5m
  8. Mark Thomas Part Two - Political Practical Jokes

    05/29/2023

    Mark Thomas Part Two - Political Practical Jokes

    Comedian and political activist Mark Thomas returns for a continuation of his masterclass on comedy and communication. Hear a collection of side-splitting stories from Mark Thomas as he explains the ins and outs of comedy’s role in communication.  “We can be the person who gets the lowest marks or whatever, but when we tell jokes, we're Kings.”Join Paul Boross and Mark Thomas for a continuation of their conversation about a career in comedy, communication, and activism. Learn how to improve your storytelling and how humour can help in the hardest of political movements, only on The Humourology Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 3m
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Trailer

5
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

Paul Boross talks to the funniest and most successful leaders in business, sport and entertainment about how humour measurably improves your business and your life. Humourology is a study into why a good sense of humour is much more than a means to raise a smile – it’s a critical psychological defence against the stresses of everyday life, it’s the source of our resilience and it’s the secret weapon of all successful leaders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Paul Boross
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2024
  • Episodes
    95
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Paul Boross
  • Show Website
    The Humourology Podcast

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