Episode
Pep Rosenfeld on Work Laugh Balance
- Podcast
- The Human Risk Podcast
- Published
- Sep 6, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 3787
- Processing state
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Summary
What if the most powerful tool at work isn’t logic, but laughter? On this episode I'm speaking to a comedian who far from thinking humour is a workplace distraction, thinks it might be one of our most powerful tools. Episode Summary My guest is Pep Rosenfeld : comedian, improviser, and co-founder of the Amsterdam-based comedy institution Boom Chicago. He’s also the author of Work Laugh Balance , a manifesto for injecting humour into the working world. We explore why humour matters; not just as entertainment, but as a serious enabler of collaboration, communication, and honesty. Pep brings a unique perspective: part performer, part business trainer. We talk about how Boom Chicago went from late-night improv to a launchpad for corporate masterclasses in leadership and presentation. Along the way, we unpack the risks and rewards of using humour at work; what works, what really doesn’t, and how to find the line without crossing it. Pep shares ethical guidelines for office jokes, the power of self-deprecation, and why starting with a laugh can lead to deeper conversations. We also get into the craft of being funny. Pep explains why good comedy is rarely spontaneous, why AI still can’t tell a decent joke, and why live audiences matter more than ever. Whether you're trying to lighten the mood in a meeting or name the elephant in the room without causing a stampede, this episode offers practical ideas (and a few laughs) on how to do it with intelligence and care. AI-Generated Timestamped Summary [00:00:00] Opening on humour’s overlooked role in work; intro to Pep Rosenfeld [00:01:00] How Boom Chicago began as a summer comedy project in Amsterdam [00:04:00] Expanding into improv for kids on the autism spectrum [00:06:00] The book’s premise: humour fuels communication, leadershi…