The Best Joke Ever Told, and How It Can Change Your Life.

While humor is often subjective, I will die on this hill. Best Joke Ever Told.

What would you do if you were suddenly told, “Oh, by the way, we need you to stick around and fill another seven minutes” while appearing on live TV? On an appearance on the Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien, Norm Macdonald was told just that. However, during the commercial break, he told Conan he had no more material prepared, so he took a “20-second joke” and put on a master class in comedy. Conan later discussed the joke on his podcast, where he talked about the genius of the segment.

“What he’s doing breaks every rule. ‘Brevity is the soul of wit,’ that is the rule. He completely, like Picasso, blew up the form.” ~ Conan O’Brien

If you have not seen it, please take five minutes to watch it. It is worth it.

Why do I think this joke can change your life?

Perhaps it will not change your life immediately, but some gems here can change your life for the better in the long run.

1. Laughter is good for you. If this sends you on a deep dive into Norm Macdonald jokes, you are bound to laugh out loud. If Norm is not your thing, then choose someone else, but scheduling some comedy in your day can raise your spirits.

2. Do what the moth does. Go somewhere ‘the light is on’ and share your feelings. Emotional support is important, and if you can’t find/afford a doctor, go anywhere there is a light on. Living in West Nowhere Japan, my choices are limited, but I have a few friends who ‘keep a light on’ for me.

3. Break the rules, take risks, or, as Conan put it, blow up the form like Picasso. For some, taking risks may be as simple as leaving the house to go for a walk or just calling that friend you haven’t spoken to in a long time. Risks are relative, but there is no growth without discomfort.

Actionable points:

• Add “Watching ONE comedy video” on YouTube to your list of “off-task” activities. (Set a 25-minute timer when you work and do something off-task for five minutes between the 25-minute sessions. When I am off task, I often do a quick lap in my building, stretch, or stand on my balance board. I could watch a Norm Macdonald joke while on my balance board.)

• Be like the Podiatrist in the joke, and ‘keep a light on’ for your friends. Also, keep a list of those who would return the favor. We all need someone who will just be there and listen, and we all need to be there for others as well.

• Take risks, break the rules, or try something different. (For example, this week I wrote two poems and shared them on Substack, which was a bit outside my comfort zone. And I loved it.)