The Humourology Podcast

Humour, as Justin explains, isn’t just a form of entertainment; it’s a survival mechanism. Whether dodging disaster in the classroom or refining his comedic chops in front of tough Northern crowds, his journey reveals the resilience, adaptability, and sheer graft required to turn laughter into a career.Justin’s ability to find the funny in life’s absurdities makes this a must-listen for anyone looking to harness the power of humour—whether in business, leadership, or simply getting through the day with a grin.

Whether you're a business leader, an aspiring comedian, or someone who just loves a good laugh, this episode is packed with wisdom, wit, and practical tips on how to bring more humour into your life.We also explore the power of comedy in politics, leadership, and social change. Why do authoritarian regimes fear comedians? Because laughter is the great equaliser. The jester, as Shelly reminds us, has always been the only person who could tell the king the truth without losing their head. In a world that often feels divided, humour has the ability to bridge gaps, dissolve tension, and bring people together in a way few other things canJoin us as Shelly takes us behind the scenes of comedy’s biggest stages, unpacks the secret formula to making people laugh, and reveals why humour might just be the greatest superpower of all.

This week on the Humourology Podcast, we dive deep into the extraordinary life of music industry legend Dave Robinson. From tour-managing Jimi Hendrix and living with Van Morrison to co-founding the iconic Stiff Records, Dave’s journey through rock ‘n’ roll is as wild as it is hilarious. Known for his irreverent humour and genius marketing, Dave turned his knack for slogans and storytelling into a force that revolutionised the music business.Whether it was with bold campaigns like “If it ain’t Stiff, it ain’t worth a f**”* or turning music videos into cultural events, Dave’s unique perspective proves that humour isn’t just entertainment—it’s a powerful tool for connection and success.

Join Ian Stone, award-winning comedian and broadcaster, as he delves into the transformative power of comedy. From navigating a challenging upbringing to bonding with heroes like Paul Weller and Ian Wright, Ian shares heartfelt stories, sharp insights, and his unique take on life’s humour.Episode Highlights:· How humour shaped Ian’s journey from a working-class Jewish family to becoming a celebrated comedian.· The role of rhythm, language, and connection in creating great comedy.· Ian’s evolution from seeking adulation to confidently owning his comedic voice.· Using humour to navigate tough times and bond with others.· Practical tips for public speaking, preparing thoroughly, and making audiences feel at ease.Blending humour, heartfelt storytelling, and actionable advice, this episode offers insights into the art and science of humour in life and comedy.About Ian Stone:Ian Stone is an award-winning comedian, broadcaster, and lifelong Arsenal fan. Ranked among the top 10 stand-ups in Britain by The Independent, Ian has graced the stage of Mock the Week, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, and more. A co-host of Rock & Roll Football with Ian Wright and presenter of the Arsenal podcast Handbrake Off, Ian’s unique blend of wit and warmth continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.About Paul Boross:Paul Boross, host of The Humourology Podcast, is a renowned business coach, motivational speaker, and author famously known as ‘The Pitch Doctor.’ With decades of experience in comedy, psychology, and communication, Paul uses the power of humour to inspire leaders and unlock their potential.Find out more about Paul’s work and how you can book him: https://paulboross.com

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 GenerationsHelen 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 MistakesHelen 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 ConnectionWe 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.

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).

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.

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.

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.