What is the purpose of laughter? Is it simply a physiological response to humour? If so, why do people find themselves laughing at extremely 'unfunny' moments, such as when they find themselves involved in a car crash, or when watching a distressing video?  In this episode, I introduce the idea that laughter is more than an expression of humour appreciation and it is more likely to be a means to help us negotiate our way through this unpredictable world, by helping us to deal with some of life's challenges.