EpisodeHow to Write a Joke99% Invisible · Nov 11, 2025 · 31 minPlay · 31:20SaveShareEpisode pageComedy writer Elliott Kalan (The Daily Show, The Flop House, Mystery Science Theater 3000, and co-host of the 99% Invisible Breakdown of The Power Broker) spills the secrets of how he grows jokes from tiny ideas into full-blown laughs.RelatedVideos 8Books 15:56How to sound smart in your TEDx Talk | Will Stephen | TEDxNewYorkTEDx Talks16M views • 11 years ago1:09D. Scott Williamson, ExpertD. Scott Williamson1.2M views • 12 years ago58:34xkcd | Randall Munroe | Talks at GoogleTalks at Google450k views • 18 years ago5:40Flash Mob Gone Wrong | Tom Scott | IgniteIgnite Talks - Smart Ideas From Around the World364k views • 16 years ago6:45Exact Instructions Challenge PB&J Classroom Friendly | Josh DarnitJosh Darnit1.6M views • 9 years ago5:02Jerry Seinfeld Interview: How to Write a Joke | The New York TimesThe New York Times3.1M views • 13 years ago48:24Conan O'Brien | Talks at GoogleTalks at Google3.5M views • 16 years ago6:57Nathan For You - Fixing Computer RepairComedy Central2.2M views • 9 years ago