Penn's Sunday School

Paul Provenza - The Right to Die Old

6 snips
Sep 10, 2025
Comedian and filmmaker Paul Provenza joins for a lively chat, reflecting on the 20th anniversary of The Aristocrats. He shares insights on the evolution of comedy, contrasting today’s cringe culture with the legendary styles of Andy Kaufman and Gilbert Gottfried. The trio delves into the aging dynamics in stand-up and the political resurgence of religion in current discourse. They reminisce about the impact of icons like Norm Macdonald and discuss the social significance of joke-telling, all while considering the timelessness of art and comedy.
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INSIGHT

Parenting Reframes Outlook On The Future

  • Children change your priorities from reveling in decline to investing in the future.
  • Penn says parenting makes you emotionally invested in saving civilization even if you distrust it.
INSIGHT

Shamelessness Became A Political Superpower

  • Penn argues Trump's lack of shame plus stupidity functions as political superpower.
  • He says this combination exploits a culture where shame used to regulate behavior.
INSIGHT

Religious Power, Not Doctrine, Drives Politics

  • Religion regained political muscle by aligning with power rather than theology.
  • Penn notes many religious activists prioritize political influence over religious doctrine.
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