Peter McGraw – författare

Part road-trip comedy and part social science experiment, a scientist and a journalist “shed fascinating light on what makes us laugh and why” (New York Post).Two guys. Nineteen experiments. Five continents. 91,000 miles. The Humor Code follows the madcap adventures and oddball experiments of Professor Peter McGraw and writer Joel Warner as they discover the secret behind what makes things funny. In their search, they interview countless comics, from Doug Stanhope to Louis CK and travel across the globe from Norway to New York, from Palestine to the Amazon. It’s an epic quest, both brainy and harebrained, that culminates at the world’s largest comedy festival where the pair put their hard-earned knowledge to the test. For the first time, they have established a comprehensive theory that answers the question “what makes things funny?” Based on original research from the Humor Research Lab (HuRL) at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and the pair’s experiences across the globe, The Humor Code explains the secret behind winning the New Yorker cartoon caption contest, why some dead baby jokes are funnier than others, and whether laughter really is the best medicine. Hilarious, surprising, and sometimes even touching, The Humor Code “lays out a convincing theory about how humor works, and why it’s an essential survival mechanism” (Mother Jones).

Part road-trip comedy and part social science experiment, a scientist and a journalist “shed fascinating light on what makes us laugh and why” (New York Post).Two guys. Nineteen experiments. Five continents. 91,000 miles. The Humor Code follows the madcap adventures and oddball experiments of Professor Peter McGraw and writer Joel Warner as they discover the secret behind what makes things funny. In their search, they interview countless comics, from Doug Stanhope to Louis CK and travel across the globe from Norway to New York, from Palestine to the Amazon. It’s an epic quest, both brainy and harebrained, that culminates at the world’s largest comedy festival where the pair put their hard-earned knowledge to the test. For the first time, they have established a comprehensive theory that answers the question “what makes things funny?” Based on original research from the Humor Research Lab (HuRL) at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and the pair’s experiences across the globe, The Humor Code explains the secret behind winning the New Yorker cartoon caption contest, why some dead baby jokes are funnier than others, and whether laughter really is the best medicine. Hilarious, surprising, and sometimes even touching, The Humor Code “lays out a convincing theory about how humor works, and why it’s an essential survival mechanism” (Mother Jones).

What do comedians know about killing it in business? Just ask a behavioral economist who teaches MBAs by day and decodes comedy by night. Dr. Peter McGraw-a business school professor, professional speaker, and founder of the Humor Research Lab (aka HuRL)-translates the genius and madness of the world's funniest people into powerful prescriptions for professional success. Drawing on cutting-edge research, case studies, and his own comedy successes (and failures), Peter reveals surprising business lessons from the masters of comedy:What Bill Murray and Groucho Marx know about career management. Why Dave Chappelle and Joan Rivers are a blueprint for brand building. What Tina Fey and Amy Poehler can teach you about leadership and teamwork. How Jerry Seinfeld's daily rituals made him the wealthiest comic alive. The insights in Shtick to Business will help you improve innovation and outsmart the competition. You'll build new skills-enhanced creativity, better decision-making, and a marketing mindset-to launch a business, tackle tough management problems, and build a serious career. And you'll never have to tell a joke.

"Brilliant and provocative, Solo transcends the loneliness narrative surrounding single life. It's not just about being OK with being alone; it's about the incredible freedom and endless opportunities that come with it. McGraw combines science and wisdom to unlock the secrets that Solos have always known: life is richer when you are the hero of your own story."—Kristin Newman, author of What I was Doing While You Were Breeding Join the movement that celebrates single living with Peter McGraw's groundbreaking book, Solo.Amid the complexities of modern relationships, loneliness epidemics, and online dating burnout, there's a refreshing alternative: going Solo. Solos, as coined by behavioral economist Peter McGraw, are people who choose to lead their lives authentically, purposefully, and passionately outside the confines of traditional relationship labels. In a world built for two, Solos break the rules and hold space for every type of individual—single and not. Meet the thriving Just Mays, who welcome romance if it comes their way, the determined No Ways, who prefer life unpartnered, and the bold New Ways, who redefine and redesign what relationships even mean. Which one are you? In contrast with the Someday singles who hang personal fulfilment on the success of a serious long-term relationship, McGraw reveals the secrets of happiness that Solos have already unlocked, offering readers a roadmap to reinventing sex, dating, romance, and beyond. Backed by scientific insights and McGraw's experience as a lifelong bachelor, Solo offers a blueprint for cultivating fulfilling relationships and creating a rich, remarkable life. Solo is your invitation to pursue a life uniquely your own.

"Brilliant and provocative, Solo transcends the loneliness narrative surrounding single life. It''s not just about being OK with being alone; it''s about the incredible freedom and endless opportunities that come with it. McGraw combines science and wisdom to unlock the secrets that Solos have always known: life is richer when you are the hero of your own story." —Kristin Newman, author of What I was Doing While You Were Breeding Join the movement that celebrates single living with Peter McGraw''s groundbreaking book, Solo.Amid the complexities of modern relationships, loneliness epidemics, and online dating burnout, there''s a refreshing alternative: going Solo. "Solos," as coined by behavioral economist Peter McGraw, are people who choose to lead their lives authentically, purposefully, and passionately outside the confines of traditional relationship labels. In a world built for two, Solos break the rules and hold space for every type of individual—single and not. Meet the thriving "Just Mays," who welcome romance if it comes their way, the determined "No Ways," who prefer life unpartnered, and the bold "New Ways," who redefine and redesign what relationships even mean. Which one are you?In contrast with the "Someday" singles who hang personal fulfilment on the success of a "serious" long-term relationship, McGraw reveals the secrets of happiness that Solos have already unlocked, offering readers a roadmap to reinventing sex, dating, romance, and beyond. Backed by scientific insights and McGraw''s experience as a lifelong bachelor, Solo offers a blueprint for cultivating fulfilling relationships and creating a rich, remarkable life. Solo is your invitation to pursue a life uniquely your own.