This week on The Cultural Frontline, South African comedian Tumi Morake is looking at what makes us laugh globally and asking if comedy is the best way to approach uncomfortable topics.

Ventriloquist and comedian Conrad Koch and his outspoken puppet Chester Missing are well known in South Africa. Conrad Koch uses Chester Missing to explore South African history and discuss issues of race and colonialism. He explains why he wants to use comedy to start difficult conversations.

Has a song, a poem or a book ever changed the course of your life? Canadian-American actor, writer and comedian Seth Rogen shares the science fiction book that inspired his comedy writing, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams.

Stand-up comedy didn’t exist in China until recently but the success of comedy TV programmes, like the popular talent show Rock and Roast, has meant that the popularity of stand-up is soaring. Two women who have been pioneers in China’s comedy scene, Norah Yang and Maple Zuo, talk about cultural differences and the unique stand-up scene in China.

Canadian comedian Vance Banzo has used his solo stand up career to reconnect with his Indigenous heritage, often opening up conversations with his audience. He tells Tumi about his work with the award winning TV sketch comedy foursome, Tallboyz and explains why he wants to see more Indigenous Canadian comedians in the spotlight.

(Photo: Seth Rogen. Credit: Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for CTAOP)