The Gist Dan Soder & Moshe Kasher: A Lighthouse for the Mentally Ill
12 snips
Jan 3, 2026 
Dan Soder, a stand-up comedian known for his roles on Billions, shares insights on his journey from hard-drinking youth to a more mature comedic style, highlighting how his iconic Russian accent bit remains a crowd favorite. Meanwhile, Moshe Kasher, a comedian and creator of Problematic, critiques the internet's effect on attention spans and the challenges of navigating sensitivity in comedy today, emphasizing that laughter should be a comedian's main goal above social activism. Together, they explore the unique quirks of the New York stand-up scene and humorous takes on life's struggles.
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City Shapes Comedic Style
- Dan Soder moved to New York because its comedy sensibility matched his sharper, aggressive style.
- He contrasts New York's edge with L.A.'s performance-focused comedy approach.
Master The Fundamentals First
- Dan Soder says mastering quick punchlines builds fundamentals like a basketball player learning to dribble.
- He recommends learning rapid-fire timing so you can rely on fundamentals during tough shows.
Cigarette As A Beacon
- Dan Soder says lighting a cigarette acts like a flare that attracts drunk and unstable people.
- He jokes the ember becomes "a lighthouse for the mentally ill."
