The Downside with Gianmarco Soresi #326 9/11 Daydreams with Jim Norton
Nov 4, 2025
Jim Norton, a veteran stand-up comedian and radio personality, joins to dive into the nuances of comedy in today's landscape. He shares his experiences post-9/11, revealing how the tragedy transformed the NYC comedy scene. Jim discusses the pitfalls of podcasting during elections and his centrist views on politics. He shares his journey of marrying a trans woman, touching on personal challenges and political disillusionment. Expect laughs and candid conversations about censorship, marriage, and the political ecosystem of New York!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Radio's Intensity Beats Podcast Comfort
- Jim Norton recounts doing 20–25 hours a week on Opie and Anthony, which made radio feel riskier and more live than modern podcasting.
- He says podcasting feels safer and easier to edit, changing how comedians approach content and risk.
Satellite Suspension After A Controversial Guest
- Norton recalls being suspended from satellite radio in 2008 after a segment with a homeless guest provoked controversy.
- Breitbart amplified the clip to pressure for firings during the Sirius/XM merger, showing how media reaction can threaten careers.
Censorship Often Came From The Left
- Jim Norton says most censorship he's encountered came from the left rather than the right, shaping his disillusionment.
- He contrasts progressive policing of language with individual kindness he's found among conservatives.
