Comedian Michael Hing talks about growing up with Chinese doctor parents, being a Cleo Bachelor finalist, using 'culture' in comedy, microaggressions as a Chinese guy in radio, and speaking out against racism in the media industry.
Michael Hing discusses his experience as a Chinese Australian in the media and the racism and microaggressions he has encountered.
Michael Hing talks about the importance of finding a balance between humor and addressing serious topics in comedy.
Deep dives
Michael Hing shares outrageous stories and discusses using culture in comedy
In this podcast episode, comedian Michael Hing shares two outrageous stories. The first is about receiving an amorous photo from a long-distance partner while at dinner with his parents and the awkwardness that ensues. The second story involves a misdiagnosis at a sexual health clinic that turns out to be caused by tight jeans. Hing also discusses his experience as a Chinese Australian in the media and the racism and microaggressions he has encountered. He shares his views on using comedy to address such issues and the challenges of finding the right balance between humor and confronting serious topics.
Michael Hing's journey in comedy and dealing with workplace racism
Michael Hing discusses his journey in comedy and how it became a way for him to cope with childhood experiences of being treated differently due to his Chinese heritage. He opens up about experiencing racism and microaggressions in the workplace, particularly when he worked at Triple J. Hing talks about the struggle of speaking up against racism and how it can be perceived by those in power. Despite the challenges, Hing remains passionate about comedy and plans to continue performing stand-up, exploring new opportunities, and creating content that combines humor and personal experiences.
Maintaining a balance between humor and confronting serious topics in comedy
Michael Hing talks about the importance of finding a balance between humor and addressing serious topics in comedy. He shares his approach of creating content that makes people laugh while also reflecting on serious issues like racism, microaggressions, and personal experiences. Hing believes in choosing the right moments to discuss such topics and giving audiences the option to engage in deeper conversations. He also emphasizes the need to navigate the comedy industry and the media landscape while maintaining a sense of authenticity and being true to oneself.
The future plans of Michael Hing in comedy and beyond
Michael Hing shares his future aspirations, including continuing to perform stand-up comedy and exploring new opportunities in the entertainment industry. He highlights the joy he finds in doing stand-up and the desire to create unique and meaningful projects. Hing also mentions his podcast, 'Silver Bullet,' where he and his co-host, Lewis Hobba, try out different wellness trends. Additionally, he expresses a desire to take time for personal growth, potentially writing, traveling, and living life beyond the daily routines of a comedian.