The Gist Alex Edelman: "The Hardest Thing to Talk About in a Joke is Israel."
12 snips
Dec 26, 2025 Stand-up comedian Alex Edelman, creator of the acclaimed solo show Just For Us, chats about the delicate balance of humor and serious subjects. He reveals the challenges of joking about the Israel-Gaza conflict, emphasizing that comedy thrives in uncertainty. Alex also discusses the art of bombing on stage as a vital part of growth and how he structures his narratives with ‘invisible pillars.’ Dive into his thoughts on specificity in dark comedy and the pivotal role of the Comedy Cellar in fostering talent.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Use Tough Rooms To Test Material
- Try new jokes early to develop your future voice even if they fail tonight.
- Use clubs like the Comedy Cellar to test material because failing there refines what will work everywhere.
Joke Idea Born After Auschwitz Screening
- Alex left a MoMA screening about Mengele twins and thought about a Holocaust joke while riding the F train to perform.
- He worried if the audience would sense the "foulness" and be defensive before trying the bit on stage.
Shuffle Jokes To Find Your Voice
- Record sets and move jokes around on index cards to reveal your comedic voice and connections between bits.
- Place jokes strategically and test different orders to see which segues yield new material.