What to Watch: TEDx Edition

Humor shows up everywhere: in hospitals, boardrooms, writers' rooms, comedy clubs, and even funerals. This week, we're sharing 7 TEDx talks that explore the many ways humor makes us stronger, smarter, and more connected.

Whether you've got 10 minutes or an hour, pick one (or a few) and see what resonates.

🎤 1. That's Not Funny! A 3-P Practice for Grief Resilience with Laughter and Tears  Debra Joy Hart | TEDxNormal

Debra Joy Hart has been a registered nurse for almost 30 years, a teacher, a clown, a minister, and a published humorist. She's also the creator of M.I.R.T.H. (Medicine Is Relationships, Trust, and Humor). In this talk, she explores how humor, laughter, mirth, and wit can be powerful tools for grief resilience, proving that sometimes the most healing thing you can do is laugh through your tears. Debra Joy is a member of AATH and a Certified Humor Professional.

🎤 2. Laughter and Levity: Why You Should Be Smiling More 

Dr. Michael Cundall, Jr. | TEDxRaleigh 

Dr. Mike Cundall is a university professor, humor researcher, and author whose work focuses on how humor helps us become more engaged, resilient, and fulfilled. In this talk, he breaks down the science behind why laughter is one of our most powerful tools for leading a more enjoyable life, and shows you practical ways to tap into its power starting today. Mike is a member of AATH.

🎤 3. How Does Dark Humor Help Us Cope? 

Dr. Melissa Mork | TEDxFargo

When police officers, nurses, and funeral directors start cracking jokes about body bags, it's not because they're heartless. It's because their jobs are. Dr. Melissa Mork is a professor of psychology and a clinical and forensic psychologist who specializes in mental health, grief, and crisis recovery. In this talk, she unpacks why the people doing society's heaviest lifting often lean on the darkest humor, and why that's not just okay... it's essential. Melissa is a Certified Humor Professional (and once competed for Minnesota's Funniest Person.) She didn't win, but she was the only contestant who could diagnose the judges.

🎤 4. Should You Fake Laugh at Your Boss's Jokes? 

Randall Peterson | TEDxLondonBusinessSchool 

Laughter may be the best medicine, but what if it's forced? Dr. Randall S. Peterson is a Professor of Organisational Behaviour and Founding Director of the London Business School Leadership Institute. In this research-backed talk, he reveals how fake laughter in the office (especially aimed at unfunny bosses) can lead to stress, disengagement, and underperformance. Leaders, take note: the joke may be on you.

🎤 5. Why You Should Laugh and Play at Work 

Blake Cohen | TEDxWilliam James College

Organizations everywhere are facing a growing crisis of employee disengagement, from quiet quitting to rising turnover. Blake Cohen, a leadership and organizational psychology consultant, argues that the solution isn't stricter rules or higher expectations... it's laughter and play. Backed by research from neuroscience, social psychology, and organizational psychology, this talk introduces two culture-shifting ideas: Trickle-Down Silliness and Professional Playfulness. If you take anything away from this talk, let it be this: work can still be productive, meaningful, and successful while also being playful, connected, and fun.

🎤 6. Want Better Ideas Fast? Think Like a Comedy Writer 

Gil Rief | TEDxFullerton

Gil Rief is a 13-time Emmy-winning comedy writer and former head writer at The Ellen Show and The Jennifer Hudson Show. Through stories from the writers' room, he reveals how working under constant creative pressure taught him that the best ideas come from collaboration, not isolation. His framework: treat creativity as a team sport, separate brainstorming ("write drunk") from editing ("edit sober"), and create space for curiosity instead of criticism. Whether you work in comedy or accounting, this one will change how you brainstorm.

🎤 7. Disabled People Can Take a Joke (I'm a Comedian, Trust Me) 

Fiona Cauley | TEDxNashvilleWomen 

Fiona Cauley is a nationally touring comedian known for her dark sense of humor and positive perspective on living life with a progressive neurological disease. In this talk, she challenges common assumptions about disability, comedy, and sensitivity, exploring how humor can be a tool for connection rather than discomfort. Sharp, honest, and very funny, Fiona makes the case that genuine inclusion means the freedom to laugh, tease, and be human.

Take the TEDx Talk Challenge:

1. Watch at least one of the talks above.

2. Share your biggest takeaway in the AATH Facebook Group or on social media using #InternationalHumorMonth.

3. Send the list to someone who could use a good laugh (or a new perspective).

   
   

Happy watching.