Humor, Seriously

What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedHumor, Seriously

Jennifer Aaker, Naomi Bagdonas · Book · 2021

If you loved Humor, Seriously, start with Tiger Sisters — a podcast on the same thread. Below: 4 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Humor, Seriously across media.

If you loved Humor, Seriously, you will enjoy these stories that prove how levity serves as a vital tool for navigating professional and personal challenges.

Films on the same thread

Bo Burnham: Inside

Bo Burnham: Inside

Film · 2021

Explores: Mental Health, Isolation, Internet Culture.

Just as Humor, Seriously explores the psychological benefits of laughter, this special demonstrates how humor acts as a coping mechanism against the isolating pressures of modern existence.

Booksmart

Booksmart

Film · 2019

Explores: Female friendship, High school graduation, Academic burnout.

Like the academic principles found in Humor, Seriously, this film illustrates how shifting one's perspective from rigid achievement to spontaneous joy can fundamentally improve the quality of life.

Bad Moms

Bad Moms

Scott Moore · Film · 2016

Explores: Parental Burnout, Female Friendship, Rebellion Against Societal Norms.

You will recognize the core argument of Humor, Seriously here as these characters use humor to break free from the restrictive societal norms surrounding their professional and parental responsibilities.

Patch Adams

Patch Adams

Tom Shadyac · Film · 1998

Explores: The Power of Laughter, Unconventional Medicine, Challenging the System.

This film provides a narrative counterpart to Humor, Seriously by showing how the deliberate application of humor can transform intense environments and strengthen human connections in medical settings.

Series on the same thread

30 Rock

30 Rock

Tina Fey · Series · 2006

Explores: Corporate Culture, Absurd Humor, New York City.

This satire mirrors the workplace insights in Humor, Seriously by highlighting how the absurdities of corporate culture are best managed through a sharp and clever comedic lens.

Superstore

Superstore

Justin Spitzer · Series · 2015

Explores: Working Class, Retail, Corporate Satire.

Much like the team-building strategies in Humor, Seriously, this show depicts how a diverse workforce uses humor to foster a sense of belonging and community within retail.

The Office

The Office

Greg Daniels · Series · 2005

Explores: Office life, Everyday life, Eccentric characters.

This mockumentary puts the theories from Humor, Seriously into practice, showing how the eccentricities of office life become manageable through the lens of shared, observational humor.

Yes, Prime Minister

Yes, Prime Minister

Antony Jay · Series · 1986

Explores: Bureaucracy, Political Intrigue, Power Dynamics.

While Humor, Seriously focuses on leadership, this satire examines the power dynamics of government, proving that humor is an essential tool for navigating complex bureaucratic environments.

Podcasts on the same thread

Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast

Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast

Life.Church · Podcast · 2026

Explores: Mentorship, Team Dynamics, Professional Growth.

Building on the leadership foundations of Humor, Seriously, this podcast offers practical coaching that emphasizes how an accessible and human-centered approach creates more effective professional growth.

Tiger Sisters

Tiger Sisters

Podcast

Shares a thread with Humor, Seriously: leadership.

These hosts embody the spirit of Humor, Seriously by combining high-level business expertise with an unfiltered, humorous approach to discussing money, power, and career strategy.

Keep exploring

Common questions

Is Humor, Seriously based on a specific academic course?

Yes, Humor, Seriously is based on the popular class taught by Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. The book provides a practical guide for applying the principles of humor to professional leadership and daily life.

Where can I watch the authors discuss the concepts in Humor, Seriously?

You can watch the authors of Humor, Seriously present their core ideas in their TED Talk titled Why great leaders take humor seriously. The talk is available to watch online and complements the strategies detailed throughout the book.

Can anyone learn to use the humor techniques described in Humor, Seriously?

The authors of Humor, Seriously argue that anyone can learn to harness the power of humor. The book is designed as a tool to help individuals at all levels develop their ability to use humor effectively in business and personal interactions.

What is the primary focus of the book Humor, Seriously?

Humor, Seriously focuses on how to harness the power of humor as a tool for leadership. It offers evidence-based insights derived from the authors' Stanford Graduate School of Business class to help readers integrate humor into their professional and personal lives.

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