Episode 225: Can Anybody Stop NYT Pitchbot's Infuriating Descent Into Annoying Dumb Lameness? (with Jeff Maurer)
Aug 17, 2024
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Jeff Maurer, a former writer for Last Week Tonight With John Oliver, joins to delve into the quirky intersection of comedy and politics. He shares insights on how political shifts have warped the nature of humor and the challenges comedians face today. The conversation gets spicy as they critique the New York Times Pitchbot and explore the evolution of media satire. Maurer also reflects on Conan O'Brien's influence on comedy and the absurdities of online influence and merchandise. Tune in for a mix of laughs and sharp commentary!
Jeff Maurer's journey from an EPA speechwriter to a standup comedian highlights the resilience needed to navigate the challenging comedy scene.
The evolution of political comedy, particularly during the Trump presidency, prompted shows to adapt their content towards serious investigative topics.
NYT Pitchbot's shift from humorous parody to hyper-partisan commentary reflects how politics can dilute original comedic intent in today's media landscape.
Deep dives
Jesse Singal and Tech Troubles
The episode opens with Jesse Singal acknowledging the audio issues they've encountered without Katie Herzog, who usually manages the technical aspects of the podcast. His humorous commentary reflects their struggle and reliance on Katie for smoother operations. The banter highlights the comical deficiencies men can face in tech-related matters. Additionally, Singal's light-hearted mention of childhood references, like The Simpsons, sets a lively tone for the discussion that follows.
Jeff Maurer's Career Path
Jeff Maurer shares insights into his unique career trajectory, which began with a speechwriting position at the Environmental Protection Agency after struggling to land a political job in Washington, D.C. He contrasts his daytime role with his nighttime gig as a standup comedian, reflecting on the challenging nature of getting started in the comedy scene. Maurer likens his experiences to scenes from the movie 'The Wrestler,' emphasizing the difficult and often disheartening journey of aspiring standup performers. His candid recounting of his early comedy failures underscores the resilience needed to pursue such a precarious profession.
Becoming a Writer for 'Last Week Tonight'
Maurer recounts how his comedy career led him to open for John Oliver, which ultimately opened the door for him to work on 'Last Week Tonight'. He describes the environment of the show's writers' room, emphasizing a collaborative, non-competitive atmosphere despite the intimidating presence of many talented individuals. Reflecting on the show's evolution, Maurer notes how the Trump presidency drastically changed the content and tone of their segments. This shift compelled them to adapt and expand their focus, as they began tackling more serious investigative topics in response to current events.
The Challenges of Political Comedy
The conversation shifts to the broader landscape of political comedy and the difficulties inherent in effectively engaging audiences. Maurer discusses the challenges faced by comedians today, particularly in maintaining authenticity while addressing complex political issues. He contrasts the nature of humor on shows like 'The Daily Show' and 'Last Week Tonight' with the more subversive comedy of past eras, highlighting a shift towards performative political statements. This realization leads to a discussion about the ways in which political narratives can become oversimplified, making it harder for comedians to break through with original humor.
The Rise and Challenges of NYT Pitchbot
The episode delves into the phenomenon of the social media account NYT Pitchbot, exploring its evolution from humorous parody to a more politically charged commentary. Maurer explains how the creator of this account transitioned towards critiquing media narratives surrounding political topics, often from a hyper-partisan perspective. This results in a dilution of the original comedic intent, as the account now tends to echo leftist sentiments rather than providing insightful parody. The discussion culminates in a reflection on how political discourse affects comedy, illustrating an environment where comedians grapple with the lines between satire, critique, and commentary.
This week on Blocked and Reported, Jesse is joined by former Last Week TonightWith John Oliver writer Jeff Maurer to discuss comedy, politics, how politics makes comedy suck, and everyone’s favorite Twitter media critic.
