Recently 'canceled' comedian Matt Rife sits down with Dr. Jordan B Peterson to discuss the incident, his viral response, the prominence of crowd work in his act, his early career start at 15, innovative use of social media to build his name, and why he remains unapologetic for having a sense of humor.
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Quick takeaways
Comedy allows comedians to address sensitive topics and provide joy and release for both the performer and the audience.
Comedians should listen to audience feedback and adjust their material to ensure inclusivity and wider appeal.
Successful comedians refine their jokes based on audience reactions and must have the self-confidence to withstand controversies and criticism.
Deep dives
Confidence in Comedy
Matt Reif, a young comedian, reflects on his journey in the comedy scene, discussing his journey from performing in small clubs to gaining popularity. He addresses the topic of being canceled for a domestic assault joke and his response to the controversy. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and the role of comedy in bringing joy and release to both the comedian and the audience. He also delves into the spontaneity and risk involved in crowd work, highlighting the importance of timing and the instantaneous nature of comedy.
Navigating Offense and Subjectivity in Comedy
Matt Reif explores the subjective nature of comedy and the delicate balance between humorous intent and potential offense. He shares his perspective on the diverse reactions from audiences, highlighting that while some may find his jokes funny, others may take offense. However, he notes the importance of listening to audience feedback and adjusting material accordingly to ensure inclusivity and to appeal to a wider range of people. Ultimately, he believes that comedy has the power to heal and make people laugh, even in the face of challenging or sensitive topics.
The Evolution of Content and Audience Dynamics
Matt Reif discusses the evolution of his comedy career and the changing dynamics of his audience. He recounts his early experiences in smaller towns and his rise to prominence through platforms like TikTok. He highlights the importance of genuine laughter and the audience's reaction as an indicator of comedic success, sharing his process of refining jokes based on audience feedback. He also addresses the criticisms and challenges that come with success, including being an easy target for controversies and the self-confidence needed to withstand backlash.
The Power of Using Humor as a Defense Mechanism
Humor can be a powerful defense mechanism, especially when dealing with bullying or criticism. The ability to respond with wit and humor can effectively deflect mean comments and even turn the situation around. This sophisticated form of defense is more effective than physical aggression and showcases the skill of parrying pointed remarks through humor.
Comedy, Confidence, and Controlling the Audience
Comedy provides a psychological function of mastering our fears and dealing with the forbidden. Comedians often push boundaries, presenting unpalatable truths in a voluntary setting where the audience is ready to participate. Through comedy, comedians can tackle tragedies and make light of them, showing their ability to rise above and transcend negative situations. As comedians gain confidence and control over an audience, they are more likely to receive the benefit of the doubt and be allowed to push the boundaries further in their jokes.
Dr. Jordan B Peterson sits down in-person with recently “canceled” comedian Matt Rife. They discuss the incident in question, his viral response, the prominence of crowd work in his act, his early career start at the age of 15, the innovative use of social media to build his name, and the real reason he remains unapologetic for having a sense of humor.
Matthew Steven Rife was born in 1995 and is an American stand up comedian and actor. He started early, entering a school talent show at the age of 14 after being encouraged by a friend. Finding this to be a success, he went professional the next year at age 15. Using TikTok, he managed to consistently go viral with his stand up and "red flag" crowd work. He then entered the arena full time, using social media to grow his name before producing three straight-to-YouTube comedy specials from 2021 to 2023. This year, he debuted his first Netflix special, "Natural Selection."
- Links -
For Matt Rife:
On X https://x.com/mattrife?s=20
On Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2mKA8JTOCeodl9bEK7w42Q
On Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@matt_rife?lang=en