Chasing the Laugh Track

What makes you laugh?

Daily Prompt 1892: What Makes You Laugh?

If you’ve spent any time here with me, you already know—these blogs are basically a breadcrumb trail of who I am. Some crumbs are obvious. Others? You’ve got to squint a little, read between the lines, maybe even take a leap and guess. You might be right. You might not. That’s part of the fun.

Here’s one that requires zero decoding:

Most days at work, I walk into the ladies’ room, close the door behind me, exhale like I’ve just finished a marathon, and think, “Why on earth am I not writing for TV?”

And every single time, the answer is the same: I have absolutely no idea.

What I do know is this—I love to laugh. Not a polite chuckle. Not a courtesy giggle. I’m talking about the kind of laugh that sneaks up on you, takes over your whole body, and leaves you wiping your eyes wondering what just happened. And if I’m being honest? I want more of that in the world. We’re all wound a little too tight these days. No politics here—you know that’s not my lane—but let’s not pretend we couldn’t all stand to loosen the grip a bit.

So what do I do? I go hunting for laughter.

Over the years, I’ve spent plenty of time in comedy clubs—some live, some courtesy of the YouTube rabbit hole that swallows hours of my life without apology. I’m fascinated by comedic timing. It’s an art form. A science. A rhythm. And long before he became a household name with Seinfeld, I was drawn to Jerry Seinfeld. He studies comedy. Dissects it. Perfects it. His writing? Sharp. His delivery? Effortless. The man doesn’t just tell jokes—he engineers them.

Now yes, Seinfeld is legendary. Untouchable in many ways. But for me? It’s not even his best work.

That honor goes to Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.

The premise is simple—which is exactly why it works. Jerry grabs a classic car (because of course he does), gives you a quick love letter to the vehicle, picks up a fellow comedian, and they head out for coffee. That’s it. No bells. No whistles. Just conversation.

But oh…that conversation.

Two masters of their craft sitting side by side, talking shop, life, absurdity—it’s magic. Pure, unscripted magic. And every now and then, there’s a moment where Jerry completely loses it. Full-on, can’t-catch-his-breath laughter. The kind where you start laughing just because he is. Honestly, that might be my favorite part. Because if you can make him laugh like that? Good God…you’ve made it.

So here’s to chasing the laugh. To studying it, finding it, sharing it. To refusing to let the weight of the world steal something so simple and so necessary.

Because at the end of the day, if we can still laugh—really laugh—we’re doing something right.

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Author: KikiFikar

Kiki Fikar is a native New Yorker who is passionate about taking the day to day life we all experience and sharing it in her tales from Suburbia. She will often be found at the gym, writing snippets each day for future story lines, listening to her two children create their lives, and building the perfect beachfront home and writing retreat in her mind.

33 thoughts on “Chasing the Laugh Track”

  1. Spot on! I think the unscripted laughs you talk of are priceless. People in general are inherently funny. We all are. Though some put too much thought into it. Which can be a painful watch / listen.
    Let the laughter flow, I say..😉😃

    Liked by 2 people

  2. for the record, not sure why you aren’t writing professionally yet either. You are so talented!!!

    in the point of laughter, it is so healthy. Ralph and I are sitting on a bench in the oval, laughing and it fulfills the soul. We don’t need more money, we need more laughter!

    keep us laughing, Kiki, we love it!

    Liked by 2 people

  7. Omg yes. I still quote from that one when they were talking about people walking around in pajamas as regular clothing during the day. “Your being comfortable is making me uncomfortable.”

    Liked by 2 people

  12. “Hello, NEWman…” (slight grimace)
    “Hello, JERRY…” 😂🤣

    I really used to like the clips of him on stage. I was always so impressed he didn’t go low like everybody else…just hilarious observations about everyday life. The chemistry and writing made that show… and the other characters added along the way were great, too… his parents, George’s… Elaine’s boss, Jay Peterman… did you ever see the one where Mrs Castanza is in the hospital, George is visiting her and the attractive woman in the next bed is getting a sponge bath with only a sheet for privacy? Oh man, too funny…

    Impractical Jokers is also pretty funny 😂 Great post, my friend! 😎👏

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Thank you but there is no comparisons here. I love your work Raj. It is always so honest and straightforward which in my opinion shows us exactly who you are. You don’t always find that these days. I applaud your authenticity and your truthful storytelling ability! ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

  16. “let’s not pretend we couldn’t all stand to loosen the grip a bit.” oh so true!
    I say if xxx said the sky was blue, it would send some into an auto meltdown – get a grip! ~ Rosie

    Liked by 1 person

  17. Isn’t that the truth? Good Lord it is so crazy out there lately. I’m all for respect and being serious but let’s just laugh!!

    Thank you for being you Rosie! ❤️😊

    Liked by 1 person

  21. I love this.
    Laughter is a gift. It lifts the heart.

    I can be goofy too. I love making my wife laugh so hard she can’t make it to the bathroom in time. She gets mad, but I can’t always help it. Joy just comes out.

    Liked by 1 person

  23. Yeah, until you’re on your knees following the footprints all the way to the bathroom cleaning it up after her because you feel guilty 😂😂

    Liked by 1 person

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