The New Science of Laughter in Healthcare

Book Summary

We’ve all heard “laughter is the best medicine,” but why is therapeutic humor treated like woo-woo instead of the evidence-based intervention it actually is?

Prof. Frank Chindamo, CHP—former Saturday Night Live writer turned Certified Humor Professional—investigates why modern medicine has ignored one of humanity’s oldest healing tools.

Drawing on cutting-edge research, he reveals how laughter reduces cortisol, boosts immunity, and triggers endorphins—all without a copay.

The book explores why laughter works and who’s using it—from Kevin Hart turning a tragic accident into comedy gold, to U.S. military heroes, and even the former Pope.

We spotlight comedians such as Jon Stewart and John Oliver, who advocate for health using humor, as well as doctors who use humor in their medical practices and on their blockbuster YouTube channels.

We even offer a practical “How To” prescription for using humor intelligently—for yourself, with your doctor, and throughout healthcare institutions.

Part manifesto, part memoir, and entirely hilarious, this book makes the case for healthcare to finally take humor seriously.

Because we can prove laughter works, it’s time we prescribe it.