Association For Applied And Therapeutic Humor

04/30/2026

💛 Day 30. We made it.

Thirty days of laughter, learning, and connection—and it’s all because you showed up.

From Humor Heroes around the world to TEDx talks, research deep dives, newsletters, puns (so many puns), and unforgettable community moments… this month has been something special.

And last night? The Humor Awards. What a way to celebrate.

Now, we close it out together 👇

🎬 Humor Month 2026: The Sign-Off Show
📺 Today at 12pm ET / 9am PT (Live on YouTube)

Join us for a look back, a few final surprises, and one last chance to laugh together before May shows up and pretends none of this happened 😉

👉 Watch Live: https://www.youtube.com/live/j20tGn4LjMk

Before we go:
🎤 AATH Conference (May 14–17, San Diego) – Join us in person
📬 Want more humor? Check out the newsletters from this month
💬 Loved it? Tell someone. That’s how this grows.

From all of us—thank you. Now go be funny. The world could use it.

(PS… it’s gonna be May 🎶)

04/29/2026

🏆 Tonight’s the Night: The 6th Annual Humor Awards!

After a month of nominations and voting… it all comes down to this.

✨ Who will take home the honors?
✨ Which moments made the biggest impact?
✨ What surprises are in store?

Join us LIVE tonight for:
🎉 Winner reveals
🎤 Stories behind this year’s standout nominations
😄 A few unexpected laughs along the way

All in under an hour (because we respect your time and your attention span 😉)

📺 Tonight at 7pm ET / 4pm PT
Streaming live on YouTube

👉 Watch Live: https://www.youtube.com/live/RloRsWxyI5s

Whether you nominated, you’re cheering on a finalist, or you just want to end your April with a laugh—we’ll see you there.

04/28/2026

Meet our final Humor Hero of International Humor Month:

🦸 Allen Klein, The Jollytologist®

For decades, Allen has shown the world that humor doesn’t need to be edgy to be powerful. Through his books, talks, and TEDx, he’s helped millions find light—even in life’s toughest moments.

One of our favorite examples of how he uses humor:
Every morning, while walking his dog, Allen greets strangers with a big, joyful “GOOD MORNING!”—just to see how many people he can get to look up, smile, and connect.

Simple. Human. Powerful.

💡 His tip? Carry a clown nose in your pocket. (You’ll know when to use it.)

🎥 Watch his Humor Hero Spotlight:
https://vimeo.com/1186415728?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Let’s hear it—how do you spread a little unexpected humor in your day?

04/27/2026

🎉 The Final Week of International Humor Month is HERE

Hard to believe—but after a full month of laughter, learning, and community… we’re in the home stretch.

Before we wrap, we’ve got a BIG week ahead:

⭐ Tuesday: Meet Humor Hero Allen Klein (The Jollytologist)
🏆 Wednesday: 6th Annual Humor Awards Show (7pm ET)
🎤 Thursday: Official Sign-Off (12pm ET)

☎️ Plus, TODAY at 10am ET: Free Laughter Call
Call 218-339-2460, code 52844 # (no Zoom needed!)

But first… 👇

🎭 TONIGHT: AATH Community Showcase (7pm ET on Zoom)
This is your moment to shine—or just sit back and enjoy.

Tell a joke. Share a bit. Laugh with the community.
Everyone is welcome.

👉 Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/v5QodOqurzgtVf6wwYXn9RXTGGV0MpMIQw #/registration

Let’s make this final week one to remember.

04/27/2026

Sunday Punday: The Grand Pun-ale

It’s the FINAL Sunday Punday of International Humor Month—and we’re going out with a twist (a pretzel twist, to be exact).

This week’s theme: Compound Puns
The boss level of punning. Multiple puns. One joke. Maximum groan.

Examples to inspire you:
“I used to be a baker, but I couldn’t make enough dough… so I kneaded a change.”
“A short psychic broke out of jail. She was a small medium at large.”

Now it’s your turn 👇

🎯 Your Challenge:
Create a compound pun (2+ puns in one joke)
🥨 Bonus theme: FOOD (it is National Pretzel Day)

Drop your masterpiece in the AATH Facebook Group using
We’ll feature favorites during this week’s sign-off celebrations!

👉 Need a refresher? Check out the full Pun Guide: https://www.aath.org/post/complete-pun-guide

Let’s see what you’ve got. Don’t be salty… just get twisted.

04/25/2026

Happy Saturday (and Arbor Day 🌳)!

We’ve reached the final edition of our weekly “What to…” series—and we’re ending on a delightfully nerdy note.

This week: research on humor. Not just laughs—for real impact.

📊 We pulled 5 recent studies (2025–2026) showing that humor is a measurable force for:
• Creativity
• Resilience
• Leadership
• Well-being

A few highlights:
😄 Creating humor boosts creativity—but only in psychologically safe environments
🔥 Leader humor can actually reduce burnout (yes, really)
⚖️ Not all humor is equal—light humor supports mental health, while dark humor may signal the opposite

Curious? Dive into all 5 studies (with links) here:
👉 Read the full What to Study: Research Edition
https://www.aath.org/post/what-to-study-research-edition

Turns out… laughter might be one of the most underrated tools we have.

Want more humor in your inbox beyond this month? We've rounded up 7 newsletters that explore humor from every angle: the science behind it, how to write it, how to use it at work, and how to simply enjoy more of it in your daily life. Whether you're a humor professional, a casual enthusiast, or some...

04/24/2026

Happy Friday! 🎉 (And Happy Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day!)

What better day to model a little levity at work? 😊

🎧 Our final LaughBox Archive episode of the month features Dr. Heather Walker (Episode 94)

She’s spent years helping organizations improve culture—and found that the ones that truly thrive have one thing in common: levity. Those small, uplifting moments that make work feel more human.

👉 Give it a listen: https://laughbox.aath.org/e/episode-94-aath-joins-the-lead-with-levity-podcast-with-dr-heather-walker-lighten-up-how-humor-makes-the-workplace-better/

How are you bringing a little lightness into your day today?

04/23/2026

🎉 Big news for professionals attending the 2026 Conference & Humor Academy!

You can earn up to 22.0 continuing education hours while engaging, learning, and (of course) laughing.

This activity is planned and implemented by Amedco LLC and AATH, with joint accreditation and approval from:

• ACCME (Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education)
• ACPE (Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education)
• ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center)
• ASWB (Approved Continuing Education – ACE Program)
• American Psychological Association
• CA Board of Registered Nursing
• FL Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling

Expand your knowledge, meet your CE requirements, and experience the power of humor in practice.

👉 Join us in 2026! www.aath.org/humor-conference

04/23/2026

Happy Administrative Professionals Day! 🎉

Today’s Humor Hero knows a thing or two about navigating the unexpected—at work and in life.

🦸 Humor Hero: Gina Ramsey, LCSW, Author, and Motivational Speaker

Gina’s work is all about finding the funny in life’s mishaps—and using humor to build connection, resilience, and perspective. From writing the Burnt Gloveboxes® book series to supporting veterans and caregivers as a social worker, she brings humor into moments that truly matter.

One of her most memorable moments? Her car glovebox literally burned… and instead of just dealing with the chaos, she thought, “That would make a great book title.” And it did.

🎥 Watch Gina’s Humor Hero Spotlight: https://vimeo.com/1185301636?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

💡 Gina’s Humor Tip: If something funny goes wrong today, share it. Say it out loud—you’ll likely make it funnier and spark a story in return.

👉 Learn more about Gina: ginaramseyauthor.com

04/22/2026

Closing Keynote Spotlight: Sporty King — Keep Your EDGE

Sporty King—former Wall Street Journal leader turned inspirational speaker—uses humor, poetry, and powerful storytelling to inspire confidence, connection, and leadership.

In this interactive closing keynote, Sporty will bring our theme, On the Edge: Humor in the Hard Places, to life—leaving us energized to stay creative, confident, and mission-driven.

📍 Join us in San Diego
📅 May 14–17, 2026
🔗 Register: www.aath.org/humor-conference

04/22/2026

🎉 Big news—we’ve announced the 2026 Humor Award Finalists!

These amazing humans are spreading more laughter and connection everywhere they go—from workplaces to classrooms and beyond. 💛

👉 Check out the full list and help us celebrate them: https://www.humorthatworks.com/awards/2026-humor-awards-finalists/

Drop a comment and tell us who you’re cheering for! 👇

04/21/2026

For over 40 years, Mary Kay has shown that humor isn’t just fun—it’s a powerful tool for connection, learning, and living well. From her early days as a kindergarten teacher to founding the AATH Humor Academy, her work has shaped our understanding of the neuroscience and development of humor.

🦸 Humor Hero: Mary Kay Morrison, CHP

For over 40 years, Mary Kay has shown that humor isn’t just fun—it’s a powerful tool for connection, learning, and living well. From her early days as a kindergarten teacher to founding the AATH Humor Academy, her work has shaped how we understand the neuroscience and development of humor.

Her approach? Keep it simple and human. Whether she’s leading a workshop or chatting in line at the grocery store, Mary Kay uses humor—often through playful exaggeration—to spark connection and conversation.

✨ The impact: Laughter opens doors. People share more, connect deeper, and relationships grow stronger.

💡 Mary Kay’s Humor Tip:
Smile at everyone you meet. No punchline needed—just a genuine smile. You might be surprised what comes back your way.

🎥 Watch her Humor Hero Spotlight at https://vimeo.com/1183965843?fl=tl&fe=ec