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Blocked and Reported

Episode 225: Can Anybody Stop NYT Pitchbot's Infuriating Descent Into Annoying Dumb Lameness? (with Jeff Maurer)

Aug 17, 2024
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!
01:10:25

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 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.

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.

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