Baratunde Thurston, an Emmy-nominated host and producer, shares insights from his diverse career, from Harvard performer to stand-up comedian. He discusses the power of relatable humor and the challenges of satire in today’s socio-political landscape. Thurston emphasizes the art of public speaking and the transformative impact of feedback. He also highlights the importance of community in combating hyper-individualism and encourages collective engagement in democratic practices, advocating for genuine connections in both personal and civic life.
Strong relationships are crucial for success in performance and comedy, enabling deeper connections and discussions on complex topics.
Comedy requires extensive practice and self-reflection, balancing personal storytelling with broader societal issues to create impactful humor.
Navigating satire's challenges in a changing cultural environment emphasizes the importance of innovative humor to highlight societal absurdities.
Deep dives
The Power of Relationships in Performance
Building strong relationships is essential for success in performance, comedy, and public speaking. Establishing rapport allows performers to connect with their audiences more meaningfully, making serious topics more digestible. Humor serves as an effective bridge to tackle difficult subjects, enabling comedians and speakers to challenge audiences while maintaining engagement. By starting with relationships, performers can foster an environment of understanding and openness, leading to deeper discussions on complex issues.
Embracing the Craft of Comedy
Comedy is not just a product of natural talent; it requires extensive practice, training, and feedback. This process involves continuous improvement through various experiences, including stand-up gigs, public speaking, and live performances. Combining self-reflection and formal training, comedians can refine their craft and develop a unique voice. Success in comedy arises from the ability to share personal stories while simultaneously addressing broader societal issues, creating a balance between humor and depth.
Navigating Modern Satire in a Complex Landscape
Satire faces unique challenges in a rapidly evolving cultural climate, where real-life absurdities often blur the lines between comedy and reality. The current environment may stifle creative expression due to fear of backlash, making it more crucial for comedians to identify the nuances of their humor. To remain effective, satirists must adapt their craft, while continuing to highlight the absurdities of society in innovative ways. By navigating these complexities, comedians contribute to the ongoing conversation around pressing cultural topics.
The Importance of Community and Collective Action
Community plays a vital role in fostering connectivity and addressing societal challenges, emphasizing the need for collective engagement beyond individual pursuits. A shift from hyper-individualism toward community-oriented actions can counter feelings of loneliness and promote healthier interactions. People are encouraged to invest in relationships and participate in local activities to strengthen their sense of belonging. Through collaboration, individuals can tackle significant challenges together, illustrating the profound benefits of working toward shared goals.
Citizening: A Proactive Approach to Democracy
Citizening redefines civic engagement as an active, collective practice rather than a passive status. It encourages individuals to participate meaningfully in their communities while empowering them to understand the many forms of power and influence they can wield. By emphasizing the importance of relationships and shared challenges, citizening presents an inclusive framework for addressing societal issues. This active approach to democracy inspires individuals to collaborate, invest in their communities, and generate change.
Baratunde Thurston is an Emmy-nominated host, producer, writer, and public speaker. He is the host and executive producer of the PBS television series America Outdoors, creator and host of the acclaimed podcast How To Citizen, and a founding partner of the new media startup Puck where he does a lot of his writing. He is also the author of a New York Times bestselling comedic memoir, How To Be Black and an incredible speaker who has delivered multiple popular TED Talks with millions of views.
On this classic episode of the Elevate Podcast, Baratunde joined host Robert Glazer to discuss his wide-ranging career, the power of satire, and much more.
