Blocked and Reported Episode 225: Can Anybody Stop NYT Pitchbot's Infuriating Descent Into Annoying Dumb Lameness? (with Jeff Maurer)
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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!
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Jesse's Stand-Up Career
- Jesse Singal briefly tried stand-up comedy after seeing a particularly bad open mic performer.
- He bombed at a basement show where the audience was other comics, ending his comedy career.
Discovered by John Oliver
- Jeff Maurer was discovered by John Oliver and a Daily Show producer after opening for Oliver in DC.
- This led to Maurer joining Last Week Tonight as one of the original writers.
Liberal Smugness
- Liberals may have become overly smug during the Bush years, partly due to John Stewart's comedic takedowns.
- This smugness potentially hindered their ability to adapt when the political landscape shifted.