Jesse David Fox discusses the role of comedy, standup as an art form, the melding of comedy with tragedy, and Maria Bamford as their favorite comedian. They also explore the impact and evolution of comedy, the influence of Mark Meiran's book, the power of comedy in dealing with grief and fear, the importance of vulnerability in comedy, the importance of elevating comedy as an art form, and the significance of taking people seriously. They also briefly mention reading habits, upcoming comedy shows, and the availability of new Brian Jones cat mugs.
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Quick takeaways
Comedy that embraces vulnerability can create a sense of community and provide emotional respite.
Authenticity in comedy, exemplified by Richard Pryor and Maria Bamford, fosters a profound connection with audiences.
Social media and online platforms have revolutionized comedy, allowing for greater exploration and broader reach.
The tribalization of comedy has led to a polarized landscape, stifling open dialogue and diverse perspectives.
Deep dives
The power of vulnerability in comedy
Comedy that embraces vulnerability can connect deeply with audiences, providing an emotional respite and creating a sense of community.
The impact of authenticity in stand-up
Comedians like Richard Pryor and Maria Bamford exemplify the power of authenticity in comedy, creating a profound connection with their audiences.
The evolution of comedy in an age of technology
The rise of social media and online platforms has transformed comedy, giving comedians more freedom to explore different styles and reach new audiences.
The dangers of tribalism in comedy
The tribalization of comedy, fueled by the ability to create niche communities, has created a divisive and polarized landscape, stifling open dialogue and diverse perspectives.
The Importance of Taking Risks in Comedy
The podcast episode discusses the significance of taking risks in comedy and how it can modernize and advance the art form. It emphasizes the importance of pushing boundaries, being vulnerable, and challenging traditional comedic norms to create meaningful and impactful performances on stage.
The Influence of Audiences on Comedy
The podcast delves into the relationship between comedians and their audiences. It explores the idea of supportive audiences versus condensing audiences, highlighting the benefits of having a receptive audience that allows comedians to take risks and delve into vulnerability. It also touches on the role of audiences in shaping the direction of comedy over time.
The Evolution of Comedy and the Threats it Faces
The podcast episode explores the current state of comedy and the challenges it faces. It discusses the impact of technology, social media, and algorithms on the comedy industry, and how they can both facilitate and hinder artistic exploration. It also touches on the dangers of comedians being misinterpreted or manipulated in the era of online content consumption.
Jesse David Fox thinks comedy is serious business. As the comedy reporter at Vulture, he’s been writing about it for more than a decade. Now Jesse is attempting to explain the role of comedy in our ever-evolving culture in his newly published Comedy Book. Marc, as you may imagine, has some thoughts. Jesse and Marc talk about standup as an art form, the meaning of edginess, the melding of comedy with tragedy and grief, and the reason Maria Bamford is their favorite comedian working today.