Laughter (The Infinite Mind, Vol. 230) [MP3 AUDIO]

Laughter We all do it. It's fun. It feels good. And many scientists say there's evidence it's good for you. This week on The Infinite Mind we look at laughter, comedy, laugh tracks, and laughter as therapy. Guests include stand-up comedian Eddie Izzard; Dr. Jo-Anne Bachorowski, assistant professor of psychology, Vanderbilt University; and Dr. Robert R. Provine, professor of psychology and neuroscience, University of Maryland, Baltimore County. We examine the pros and cons of recent research looking at laughter as therapy and hear from scientists, therapists, and patients. Plus, why does Hollywood still love the laugh track in a special report featuring writer/producer Larry Gelbart and Bill Lawrence and professional laugh-track sweetener David Maitland. Concluding the show, commentator John Hockenberry answers the age-old riddle "Why did the caterpillar cross the roadway?" Hosted by Dr. Fred Goodwin and produced by the Peabody Award winning Lichtenstein Creative Media .