The City Podcast: Why Cat Videos Are Funny

What makes something funny?

That question has occupied the minds of philosophers and stand-ups for literally ages. On this episode we have two philosophers, an actor, and a spiritual director tackling this very issue. They’re not trying to be funny, but maybe you’ll laugh along the way anyway.

Some of the questions they address: What is the difference between cheap comedy and deep comedy? How is improv like ethics? Why is the same thing funny or not in different contexts? Why are cat videos so popular? And do you actually need a punchline in order to be funny? They also give you their recommendations for good comedies you can learn from.

Featuring: Phil Tallon, Jesse GrothOlson, David Gilbert, Cate MacDonald

The City Podcast. Smart. Sane. Spiritual.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Comedy recommendations (with appropriate caveats)
  • That Mitchell and Webb Look
  • The Princess Bride
  • G.K. Chesterton wrote the Encyclopedia Britannica (14th Edition, 1929) entry for “Humour”
  • Jack Handy
  • A Midsummer Night’s Dream
  • Parks & Recreation
  • The films of Preston Sturges
  • The films of Buster Keaton
  • Jimmy Fallon
  • The Egg and I, by Betty MacDonald

Email us at [email protected] with your thoughts, questions, or suggestions.

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