What to Read: Newsletter Edition

International Humor Month 2026 | Week 2

Want more humor in your inbox beyond this month? We've rounded up 7 newsletters that explore humor from every angle: the science behind it, how to write it, how to use it at work, and how to simply enjoy more of it in your daily life.

Whether you're a humor professional, a casual enthusiast, or someone who just wants their inbox to make them smile, there's something here for you.

1. Humor, Seriously Jennifer Aaker & Naomi Bagdonas [Subscribe]

Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas teach Stanford's "Humor: Serious Business" course, and their newsletter brings that same energy to your inbox. They explore how intentional humor can transform workplaces and personal interactions, combining insights from behavioral science, top comedians, and innovative leaders. If you've ever wondered why we laugh less as adults (they call it the "Humor Cliff"), this is the newsletter that explains it and helps you climb back up.

2. Dr. Mike on Humor, Philosophy, and Other Things Dr. Mike Cundall [Subscribe]

Dr. Mike is a philosophy professor, humor researcher, and author of The Humor Hack. His newsletter covers humor, laughter, philosophy, and whatever else is on his mind. If you enjoyed his TEDx talk from our What to Watch edition (Laughter and Levity: Why You Should Be Smiling More), this is where you can go deeper into his thinking. Part academic, part accessible, always thoughtful.

3. Humor Me Julie Vick [Subscribe]

Julie Vick is a humor writer whose work has appeared in The New Yorker, McSweeney's, and Real Simple. Her newsletter comes out twice a month: one issue is a roundup of things that make her laugh (books, shows, short-form humor), plus writing-related resources and submission opportunities. The other is a deeper dive into humor writing topics. She describes it as "like Oprah's Favorite Things, but funnier." She's not wrong.

4. A Funny Thing About That Andrew Tarvin [Subscribe]

Yes, we're including the Director of International Humor Month's own newsletter. Each week(ish), Andrew shares practical tips, reflective rants, and pun-filled perspectives on using humor as a skill (not just a personality trait), making work more human, and laughing through the chaos of modern life. Sometimes vulnerable, sometimes nerdy, often punny, always useful.

5. The Golden Brick Road Sporty King [Subscribe]

Sporty King is a keynote speaker and self-described "Master of Listening" who originally created The Golden Brick Road as a monthly program for Chicago's Department on Aging, speaking at four senior citizen centers. When he moved to Charlotte, he turned it into a newsletter to stay connected with his community. One of the centers sent him a note saying how much a staff member's daughter enjoyed it, so he opened it up to all ages. It's a warm, personal read that's been making people smile for years.

6. Tips and Tools by Roberta Gold Roberta Gold [Subscribe]

Roberta Gold is a Recreation Therapist, Certified Humor Professional, and founder of Laughter for the Health of It (established in 1985). Her newsletter delivers tips and tools to help you keep your cool no matter what. If you're looking for practical, grounded advice on using humor to maintain a positive outlook, Roberta has been doing this longer than most of us have been thinking about it.

7. AATH News & Updates Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor [Subscribe]

If you've been enjoying International Humor Month and want to stay connected with the community behind it, this is the place. AATH was founded in 1987 and is dedicated to the science and application of humor to enhance health, well-being, and performance. Their newsletter keeps you in the loop on conferences, research, programs like the Humor Academy, and everything happening in the world of applied and therapeutic humor.

Want even more humor in your life?

Sign up for the International Humor Month daily newsletter at www.humormonth.com if you haven't already, and join the conversation in the AATH Facebook Group using #InternationalHumorMonth.