Hasan Minhaj Doesn't Know Why Your Dad Loves Ken Burns
Nov 26, 2025
Join documentary legend Ken Burns, known for his captivating narratives of American history, as he dives into his new film on the American Revolution. He reveals why dads across the nation are enamored with his storytelling style. Explore how history can provide optimism amidst moral dilemmas, and hear about the complexities of figures like George Washington. Ken argues for the Revolution's global importance and discusses the role of public broadcasting in preserving deep historical narratives. Tune in for insights that intertwine the past and present.
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Why Dads Love Ken Burns
- Ken Burns says dads love his work because historical context becomes important as people age and invest in American history.
- He frames his films as emotional archeology that uncovers stories connecting the past to the present.
Be Present To Reduce Historical Anxiety
- Be present to reduce anxiety about the future and obsession with the past, Ken Burns advises.
- He argues being truly present liberates you from future worry or past depression.
Telling The Revolution Without Pictures
- Burns decided to make a Revolution film despite lack of images by innovating over a decade to tell the story.
- He timed release to meaningfully engage the 250th anniversary rather than compete with Hamilton's cultural phenomenon.
