Joy Overload! The science of tickles and cuteness
40 Menit
4 Agustus 2026
Get ready for some smiles! We’re looking at the science of two things that bring us joy: tickles and cuteness.
We’ll explain why tickles make us giggle and why you can’t tickle yourself. Then we’ll talk about what makes cute things cute and why sometimes we want to eat or smoosh cute things.
Brains On is powered by YOU! Become a Smarty Pass member and enjoy ad-free episodes, virtual hangs, bonus content, discounts on merch and more. Head over to the Smarty Pass page to find out more.
Want to see Brains On and Smash Boom Best live?!? We just announced fall dates for both show, and there's more to come. Click here for ticket info.
9/19 Minneapolis, MN*
9/26 Charlotte, NC
10/11 Dallas, TX*
10/17 Colorado Springs, CO (two shows)
11/7 Norfolk, VA
12/6 Evanston, IL
1/31 Princeton, NJ
*Smash Boom Best show
Get ready for some smiles! We’re looking at the science of two things that bring us joy: tickles and cuteness. We’ll explain why tickles make us giggle and why you can’t tickle yourself. Then we’ll talk about what makes cute things cute and why sometimes we want to eat or smoosh cute things. Brains On is powered by YOU! Become a Smarty Pass member and enjoy ad-free episodes, virtual hangs, bonus content, discounts on merch and more. Head over to the Smarty Pass page to find out more. Want to see Brains On and Smash Boom Best live?!? We just announced fall dates for both show, and there's more to come. Click here for ticket info. 9/19 Minneapolis, MN* 9/26 Charlotte, NC 10/11 Dallas, TX* 10/17 Colorado Springs, CO (two shows) 11/7 Norfolk, VA 12/6 Evanston, IL 1/31 Princeton, NJ *Smash Boom Best show
