Al Franken

Al Franken, a former senator and comedian known for his sharp political humor, joins Atsuko Okatsuka, a comedian and writer celebrated for her insightful social commentary. They tackle everything from the legal absurdities of tattoo-related deportations to the quirks of the Tesla Cybertruck. Franken reflects on the legacy of SNL, while Okatsuka humorously recounts her unexpected experience at a Jellicle Ball. Together, they suggest amusing reboots of classic tales, blending political satire with light-hearted commentary on modern culture.

In this lively discussion, Dan Aykroyd shares the origins of the Blues Brothers with John Belushi. Al Franken dives into Stuart Smalley's creation, reflecting on the therapeutic power of humor in self-help culture. Alan Zweibel reminisces about working with Gilda Radner and her iconic characters. Jon Lovitz reveals the story behind his character Master Thespian, celebrating SNL's enduring legacy. The show highlights its cultural impact over 50 years, filled with personal anecdotes and a review of the romantic comedy 'The Annihilation of Fish'.

Former Senator Al Franken, known for his sharp wit on Saturday Night Live, dives into his journey from comedy to the Senate. He shares personal anecdotes that highlight how humor can bridge gaps in political engagement. The conversation takes a critical look at Trump's influence on the political landscape and offers strategies for Democrats to connect with voters. Franken emphasizes the importance of progressive activism as the country gears up for future elections, urging listeners to stay motivated despite challenges.

Al Franken, the witty former Senator and podcaster, joins tech innovator Alex Karp, CEO of Palantir Technologies, for a lively discussion. They dive into the absurdities of today's political landscape, tackling bizarre claims and GOP rivalries. Karp shares insights on tech's role in national security and ethical challenges. Franken and Karp explore the allure of Donald Trump and the plight of disillusioned voters. With humor, they reflect on political engagement, the election cycle, and even the cultural shifts surrounding 9-11.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an independent presidential candidate, sparks controversy with his recent endorsement of Donald Trump, saying he's honored. His cousin, former congressman Patrick Kennedy, shares insights on family dynamics and public backlash over this political alignment. Comedian and former Senator Al Franken discusses the Democratic strategy to portray Trump in a less favorable light. The conversation dives into the implications this endorsement holds for voter dynamics and the upcoming election.

In this engaging discussion, comedian and former U.S. Senator Al Franken shares his experiences battling right-wing media. Former Fox News host Bill O'Reilly discusses the network's ambitions and tactics. Liz Winstead reveals the challenges of Air America in counteracting conservative narratives, while filmmaker Robert Greenwald highlights the making of 'Outfoxed' and exposes Fox News' biased reporting. The conversation delves into grassroots activism and cultural divides, revealing the strategies to combat a media giant.

Al Franken, a former senator from Minnesota and comedian renowned for his SNL sketches, shares intriguing insights on political dynamics and personal storytelling. He explores his admiration for Tim Walz and reflects on modern challenges within the Democratic Party. The conversation addresses the polarized political climate, critiquing social media's impact on community interactions. Franken also delves into his comedic past, discussing the cultural relevance of SNL and the profound connections between comedy and politics.

In this lively conversation, Al Franken, a comedian, writer, and former U.S. Senator, shares his unique journey from the political stage to stand-up comedy. He discusses the challenges of being funny in Washington, his hilarious struggle to cut his parents from SNL, and his current tour. The dialogue playfully navigates the complexities of humor in politics, touching on the evolving nature of comedy post-January 6th. Throughout, Al and Conan's banter showcases their camaraderie, with plenty of witty insights and nostalgia.

Al Franken served as a U.S. Senator from Minnesota from 2009 until January 2018, when he resigned following allegations of sexual misconduct. Franken currently hosts an eponymous podcast and stars in a one-man nationwide show called, “The Only Former Senator on Tour, Tour.” Franken discusses the strength of the Democrats’ messaging ahead of the midterm elections, the use of humor in politics, and the surprising strategy that Franken would use in a debate against Donald Trump. Plus, Preet’s thoughts on Justice Clarence Thomas’s move to temporarily shield Lindsey Graham a Georgia subpoena and the latest reporting on the Mar-a-Lago documents case.Don’t miss the Insider bonus, where Preet and Franken share stories about Harry Reid, the late Democratic senator from Nevada and former majority leader. To listen, try the membership for just $1 for one month: cafe.com/insider. For show notes and a transcript of the episode, head to: https://cafe.com/stay-tuned/past-the-tipping-point-with-al-franken/Tweet your questions to @PreetBharara with hashtag #askpreet, email us at staytuned@cafe.com, or call 669-247-7338 to leave a voicemail.Stay Tuned with Preet is brought to you by CAFE and the Vox Media Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al Franken, a former U.S. Senator and comedic commentator, teams up with Justice Allison Riggs, North Carolina's Supreme Court Justice and civil rights advocate. They dive into the mechanics of government that might ensnare Trump’s administration. Riggs shares her intense campaign experience and the pivotal role of judicial elections. The duo humorously critiques Biden's congressional stock ban proposal and discusses the influence of billionaires on policy, emphasizing the importance of electoral integrity and advocacy in shaping American democracy.