Episode #76- How Does Jon Waterlow Make Sense of Stalin Jokes?

When I spoke to Jon Waterlow he reminded me that George Orwell once said that every joke is a tiny revolution. Well, it turns out jokes can be even more than that. In his fantastic new book, It's Only a Joke Comrade: Humour, Trust and Everyday Life Under Stalin, Waterlow explores the fascinating world of jokes in the Soviet Union during the 1930's. This week Jon joins me to discuss Stalin jokes, how we perceive reality, and the power and limits of political humour. Tune in and find out how Reagan's sense of humour, pencil techniques, and mind viruses all play a roll in the story.       See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.