The Humor Hack
Using Humor to Feel Better, Increase Resilience, and (Yes) Enjoy Your Work
Imprint: Resource Publications
The Humor Hack is an entirely different book about using humor to lead a more engaged life. It's a playbook filled with anecdotes, exercises, and discussion of topics that will provide readers a way to understand how humor works and how they can take this knowledge and enrich their personal and professional lives with more laughs, enjoyment, and mirth. The book's content is based in research, but not academic in tone or format, and is accessible to the general reader. The subject matter is broken into chapters that teach people how to understand, recognize, and produce more humor in their day-to-day lives. It is written in a friendly and warm tone and avoids being nothing more than a series of stories about humor or an overly theory-laden academic book. It provides readers with a book that is enjoyable to read, informative, playful, and educational. That's why this is best described as a playbook. The book is meant to provide a sort of text that is missing in the current books out there that profess to be humor how-tos. It takes research related to humor and discusses it in an informed yet accessible fashion.
Michael K. Cundall Jr. is a professor of philosophy and humor researcher. He’s been studying humor for two decades. He's written on a variety of topics related to humor including, humor and leadership, teaching with humor, the cognition of humor, among other things. He is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and the University of Cincinnati. He has given talks to the US Army on humor and leadership, as well as countless business and community organizations on the benefits of humor for a meaningful and engaged life. You can find out more about him on his website www.mirthmanagement.co or visit his YouTube channel under The Humor Hack.
“If you want to put more humor in your life, this is the book you have been waiting for. Cundall has created an engaging and interactive playbook filled with stories, antidotes, and, yes, some really funny ‘dad’ jokes. . . . The Humor Hack is a treasure that has my highest recommendation.”
—Mary Kay Morrison, author of Legacy of Laughter
“As both a philosopher and a consultant, Michael Cundall is the leading figure in applied humor ethics, especially when it comes to issues concerning humor in the workplace. This wonderful book marries theory and practice, making it as useful as it is insightful.”
—Steven Gimbel, author of Isn’t that Clever: A Philosophical Account of Humor and Comedy
“This book feels like a conversation with a friend who’s sharing some of his funniest stories and encouraging you to remember yours. Filled with exercises and questions designed to help you rediscover your sense of humor, The Humor Hack is a fun way to work on your personal and professional development.”
—Paul Osincup, humor and positivity strategist
“Cundall’s writing style is always hilarious and entertaining. But . . . exactly how do you use humor to enjoy your work? The short answer is: you need to equip yourself with humor hacks. The long answer is: you’ll need to read this book—and yes, until the last chapter!”
—Kishor Vaidya, author of Exactly How to Infuse Humor into Your Writing or Presentation
“Cundall’s latest foray into the world of spreading humor in the field of business was sorely missing until now. Through his anecdotes, quotes, and outstanding exercises, he makes humor hacks accessible to all, regardless of the venue. Kudos to Mike!!!”
—Joyce Saltman, Southern Connecticut State University, emeritus