Intelligence Squared Best of 2023: Bernie Sanders and Russell Kane
Dec 27, 2023
Bernie Sanders, the US Senator known for his democratic socialist views, discusses the challenges facing America, especially in uniting the country through common struggles like healthcare and labor rights. Comedian Russell Kane shares his transformative journey into comedy, revealing how childhood experiences shaped his humor. Both guests highlight the impact of class dynamics, technology on inequality, and the urgent need for grassroots movements to drive societal change, making for a thought-provoking conversation filled with humor and urgency.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Outsider Status
- Russell Kane grew up in Enfield, which felt more like Essex, giving him a sense of "outsideness."
- This feeling of not belonging has shaped his comedic perspective.
Thatcher's Child
- Kane's family ascended to the upper working class when his father bought their council house in 1980 under Thatcher.
- He acknowledges the conflicting feelings about benefiting from the sale of social housing.
Mum's Influence
- Russell Kane describes his mother as highly energetic, organized, and debt-free.
- She worked as a dinner lady, childminder, and cleaner.
