Hello and welcome to the conversation, the programme where we explore a different topic each week through the insights of women from all around the world.
I'm Dashiani Navanayagam.
Now, something we all do, some of us perhaps more than others, is laugh.
But have you ever thought about why?
Well, it's actually primitive.
It's an evolutionary skill that's been hardwired into our brains for hundreds of thousands of years and it's not unique to our species.
But what does laughter reveal about ourselves and our connection to others?
Why do we find some people more funny?
And how good is it for our health?
I'm joined by two women from Sweden and the UK to find out.
Doctor Disa Sorter is a renowned researcher in emotional vocalizations and positive emotions who has conducted extensive cross cultural studies on laughter.
She's currently based at the University of Amsterdam.
And in the studio with me is Professor Sophie Scott from University College London, a leading neuroscientist, author and broadcaster specialising in the neurobiology of speech and laughter.
Disa and Sophie, welcome to you both.
Welcome to the conversation.
Hi.
So, look, to begin with, I just wanted to launch straight in.
Sophie, what makes you laugh?
What makes me laugh, really, is when I'm with people that I'm very close to, particularly if I'm with my son and my partner, I will save things up during the day that I think might make them laugh and then I will actually show them or watch them or watch it with them when I get home, specifically, because I know that I will laugh more if I get to watch it with them.
And, diesel, what about you?