How to pronounce "hardened"
Transcript
you know for a lot of us the world can
you know for a lot of us the world can
you know for a lot of us the world can feel like a really chaotic place there's
feel like a really chaotic place there's
feel like a really chaotic place there's so many things happening all over the
so many things happening all over the
so many things happening all over the world all at once and with cable news
world all at once and with cable news
world all at once and with cable news and the internet and social media we
and the internet and social media we
and the internet and social media we have access to all of it and while there
have access to all of it and while there
have access to all of it and while there are a lot of good things peered in there
are a lot of good things peered in there
are a lot of good things peered in there so much of the information we get can
so much of the information we get can
so much of the information we get can feel big and heavy and weighty which is
feel big and heavy and weighty which is
feel big and heavy and weighty which is why for many of us the preferred way to
why for many of us the preferred way to
why for many of us the preferred way to consume information about the world is
consume information about the world is
consume information about the world is with a dose of humor well our guest
with a dose of humor well our guest
with a dose of humor well our guest today specializes in just that he is a
today specializes in just that he is a
today specializes in just that he is a comedian he's an actor he's a journalist
comedian he's an actor he's a journalist
comedian he's an actor he's a journalist and he's an Emmy nominated producer
and he's an Emmy nominated producer
and he's an Emmy nominated producer please welcome Roy Wood Jr thank you
please welcome Roy Wood Jr thank you
please welcome Roy Wood Jr thank you Chris how you doing I'm doing great well
Chris how you doing I'm doing great well
Chris how you doing I'm doing great well Roy you know a lot of people know you as
Roy you know a lot of people know you as
Roy you know a lot of people know you as a comedian who sometimes plays a
a comedian who sometimes plays a
a comedian who sometimes plays a journalist on TV but you actually do
journalist on TV but you actually do
journalist on TV but you actually do speaking of your academic background you
speaking of your academic background you
speaking of your academic background you actually do have a background in
actually do have a background in
actually do have a background in journalism both in terms of your lineage
journalism both in terms of your lineage
journalism both in terms of your lineage your your father was a legendary
your your father was a legendary
your your father was a legendary journalist and your own education can
journalist and your own education can
journalist and your own education can you um to start us off maybe tell us
you um to start us off maybe tell us
you um to start us off maybe tell us more about that back and how it
more about that back and how it
more about that back and how it influences the way you define yourself
influences the way you define yourself
influences the way you define yourself as a comedian and also as a Storyteller
as a comedian and also as a Storyteller
as a comedian and also as a Storyteller I I grew up you know my father was a
I I grew up you know my father was a
I I grew up you know my father was a civil rights journalist my father if it
civil rights journalist my father if it
civil rights journalist my father if it was black and it was Strife he was
was black and it was Strife he was
was black and it was Strife he was embedded there so we're going all the
embedded there so we're going all the
embedded there so we're going all the way back to soo riots he got shot at by
way back to soo riots he got shot at by
way back to soo riots he got shot at by snipers he was embedded in
snipers he was embedded in
snipers he was embedded in Vietnam uh with predominantly black
Vietnam uh with predominantly black
Vietnam uh with predominantly black platoon he was part of the Civil Rights
platoon he was part of the Civil Rights
platoon he was part of the Civil Rights Movement he was in rhia now Zimbabwe
Movement he was in rhia now Zimbabwe
Movement he was in rhia now Zimbabwe covering that Civil War so you know my
covering that Civil War so you know my
covering that Civil War so you know my father has always been a person that has
father has always been a person that has
father has always been a person that has just always tried to find what's wrong
just always tried to find what's wrong
just always tried to find what's wrong and at least be a bullhorn for what was
and at least be a bullhorn for what was
and at least be a bullhorn for what was happening and so I grew up watching the
happening and so I grew up watching the
happening and so I grew up watching the local news every night my dad watch the
local news every night my dad watch the
local news every night my dad watch the local news and yell at the my dad would
local news and yell at the my dad would
local news and yell at the my dad would yell at the news the way people yell at
yell at the news the way people yell at
yell at the news the way people yell at football like the I'm not going to sit
football like the I'm not going to sit
football like the I'm not going to sit here and act like this is the family
here and act like this is the family
here and act like this is the family business I mean I have a lot of
business I mean I have a lot of
business I mean I have a lot of journalists in my family but I wanted to
journalists in my family but I wanted to
journalists in my family but I wanted to be a firefighter man I wanted to be a
be a firefighter man I wanted to be a
be a firefighter man I wanted to be a fire fighter and then I saw Stuart Scott
fire fighter and then I saw Stuart Scott
fire fighter and then I saw Stuart Scott and I wanted to do Sports I wanted to be
and I wanted to do Sports I wanted to be
and I wanted to do Sports I wanted to be funny I wanted to be Jenny moose I
funny I wanted to be Jenny moose I
funny I wanted to be Jenny moose I wanted to be Kenny Maine you know that
wanted to be Kenny Maine you know that
wanted to be Kenny Maine you know that that's those are the people that I
that's those are the people that I
that's those are the people that I looked up to and then once somewhere I
looked up to and then once somewhere I
looked up to and then once somewhere I got into my 30s I caught myself yelling
got into my 30s I caught myself yelling
got into my 30s I caught myself yelling at the
at the
at the television and I just like ah time to
television and I just like ah time to
television and I just like ah time to change my comedy well it is true right
change my comedy well it is true right
change my comedy well it is true right like so much of Comedy comes from some
like so much of Comedy comes from some
like so much of Comedy comes from some frustration with the things that are
frustration with the things that are
frustration with the things that are happening in the world often in a really
happening in the world often in a really
happening in the world often in a really small like insignificant way but it
small like insignificant way but it
small like insignificant way but it comes from that same H why is it like
comes from that same H why is it like
comes from that same H why is it like this you know question that other people
this you know question that other people
this you know question that other people don't seem to be paying attention to
don't seem to be paying attention to
don't seem to be paying attention to often yeah and I think that was part of
often yeah and I think that was part of
often yeah and I think that was part of the shift to journalism and and then
the shift to journalism and and then
the shift to journalism and and then just what happened is that as I when I
just what happened is that as I when I
just what happened is that as I when I started I started standing up when I was
started I started standing up when I was
started I started standing up when I was 19 so I didn't really have a lot to say
19 so I didn't really have a lot to say
19 so I didn't really have a lot to say all my jokes were about book buyback and
all my jokes were about book buyback and
all my jokes were about book buyback and your roommate eating your food just but
your roommate eating your food just but
your roommate eating your food just but once I turned that corner around my late
once I turned that corner around my late
once I turned that corner around my late 20s into my early 30s I started taking a
20s into my early 30s I started taking a
20s into my early 30s I started taking a little bit of a more journalistic
little bit of a more journalistic
little bit of a more journalistic approach to like what we were taught at
approach to like what we were taught at
approach to like what we were taught at Florida A&M was what is the thing you
Florida A&M was what is the thing you
Florida A&M was what is the thing you can say about this topic that hasn't
can say about this topic that hasn't
can say about this topic that hasn't been said yet or that you wish could be
been said yet or that you wish could be
been said yet or that you wish could be said and so that became kind of the same
said and so that became kind of the same
said and so that became kind of the same North Star for me comedically and I mean
North Star for me comedically and I mean
North Star for me comedically and I mean honestly to me comedy is journalism it's
honestly to me comedy is journalism it's
honestly to me comedy is journalism it's just you're just reporting on either
just you're just reporting on either
just you're just reporting on either what's happening to you personally or
what's happening to you personally or
what's happening to you personally or what's happening to all of us
what's happening to all of us
what's happening to all of us collectively it's not that different you
collectively it's not that different you
collectively it's not that different you know and I think once you're once you're
know and I think once you're once you're
know and I think once you're once you're in a truthful space then you have an
in a truthful space then you have an
in a truthful space then you have an opportunity to to truly connect with
opportunity to to truly connect with
opportunity to to truly connect with people and you know like that's just
people and you know like that's just
people and you know like that's just what it's been like I wish I could tell
what it's been like I wish I could tell
what it's been like I wish I could tell you that this was some deliberate Arc
you that this was some deliberate Arc
you that this was some deliberate Arc from when I was the first time I saw
from when I was the first time I saw
from when I was the first time I saw Sinbad on the HBO free preview weekend
Sinbad on the HBO free preview weekend
Sinbad on the HBO free preview weekend in the '90s and like no I just I enjoyed
in the '90s and like no I just I enjoyed
in the '90s and like no I just I enjoyed getting up in a room full of strangers
getting up in a room full of strangers
getting up in a room full of strangers and just trying to accepting the
and just trying to accepting the
and just trying to accepting the challenge of trying to make them laugh
challenge of trying to make them laugh
challenge of trying to make them laugh and the things that became of Worth to
and the things that became of Worth to
and the things that became of Worth to me became very important and then I had
me became very important and then I had
me became very important and then I had a child and then it became very serious
a child and then it became very serious
a child and then it became very serious about okay well what am I trying to say
about okay well what am I trying to say
about okay well what am I trying to say what the hell am I talking about let's
what the hell am I talking about let's
what the hell am I talking about let's actually try and let's structure
actually try and let's structure
actually try and let's structure something here yeah I I'd love to talk
something here yeah I I'd love to talk
something here yeah I I'd love to talk to you about that because you know
to you about that because you know
to you about that because you know Father Figure and imperfect messenger
Father Figure and imperfect messenger
Father Figure and imperfect messenger two of your comedy specials which are
two of your comedy specials which are
two of your comedy specials which are two of my favorite comedy specials of
two of my favorite comedy specials of
two of my favorite comedy specials of all time they they both open with you
all time they they both open with you
all time they they both open with you talking to your son so how how did
talking to your son so how how did
talking to your son so how how did having a kid change the way that you
having a kid change the way that you
having a kid change the way that you think about comedy and change maybe the
think about comedy and change maybe the
think about comedy and change maybe the responsibility of having a platform and
responsibility of having a platform and
responsibility of having a platform and people paying attention to you A lot of
people paying attention to you A lot of
people paying attention to you A lot of it if I'm being honest it's just me
it if I'm being honest it's just me
it if I'm being honest it's just me leaving Breck crumbs of knowledge for
leaving Breck crumbs of knowledge for
leaving Breck crumbs of knowledge for him for when he's older in case I'm not
him for when he's older in case I'm not
him for when he's older in case I'm not here that's really a lot of what it of
here that's really a lot of what it of
here that's really a lot of what it of what it is you know it's me
what it is you know it's me
what it is you know it's me having it's the general public getting
having it's the general public getting
having it's the general public getting to witness me leave messages to my
to witness me leave messages to my
to witness me leave messages to my child that's kind of what my career
child that's kind of what my career
child that's kind of what my career starting to turn into and I'm perfectly
starting to turn into and I'm perfectly
starting to turn into and I'm perfectly fine with that and it's not from a play
fine with that and it's not from a play
fine with that and it's not from a play and I don't say that in some morbid
and I don't say that in some morbid
and I don't say that in some morbid sense of die tomorrow but it is
sense of die tomorrow but it is
sense of die tomorrow but it is essentially important to me to make sure
essentially important to me to make sure
essentially important to me to make sure that the lessons and my father died when
that the lessons and my father died when
that the lessons and my father died when I was 16 and I think that's also part of
I was 16 and I think that's also part of
I was 16 and I think that's also part of why I'm wired like this now because
why I'm wired like this now because
why I'm wired like this now because there are certain lessons and things
there are certain lessons and things
there are certain lessons and things that I just wasn't we weren't wasn't
that I just wasn't we weren't wasn't
that I just wasn't we weren't wasn't time for those conversations when I was
time for those conversations when I was
time for those conversations when I was a teenager so the things that I really
a teenager so the things that I really
a teenager so the things that I really hope that he understands about himself
hope that he understands about himself
hope that he understands about himself in the world let me start putting that
in the world let me start putting that
in the world let me start putting that stuff out there in the world now
stuff out there in the world now
stuff out there in the world now comedically a little bit and I just
comedically a little bit and I just
comedically a little bit and I just think infusing him just a little bit
think infusing him just a little bit
think infusing him just a little bit kind of creates that through line of you
kind of creates that through line of you
kind of creates that through line of you know who it is I'm actually talking to
know who it is I'm actually talking to
know who it is I'm actually talking to without it being you know nail on the
without it being you know nail on the
without it being you know nail on the head you know there's just certain you
head you know there's just certain you
head you know there's just certain you know it it's also part of why I'm my
know it it's also part of why I'm my
know it it's also part of why I'm my standup I don't talk at least I try not
standup I don't talk at least I try not
standup I don't talk at least I try not to talk about specific people you know
to talk about specific people you know
to talk about specific people you know in part of that because you know for
in part of that because you know for
in part of that because you know for seven years on The Daily Show that's
seven years on The Daily Show that's
seven years on The Daily Show that's what we do we talk about people and I
what we do we talk about people and I
what we do we talk about people and I want to talk about issues and feelings
want to talk about issues and feelings
want to talk about issues and feelings because the issues will tend to still be
because the issues will tend to still be
because the issues will tend to still be there as the people affecting or
there as the people affecting or
there as the people affecting or disaffect those issues come and go it's
disaffect those issues come and go it's
disaffect those issues come and go it's always a the the the people trying to
always a the the the people trying to
always a the the the people trying to change the isues are revolving door but
change the isues are revolving door but
change the isues are revolving door but the issue Remains the issue so there's a
the issue Remains the issue so there's a
the issue Remains the issue so there's a question from one of the audience
question from one of the audience
question from one of the audience members Susan and I think this really
members Susan and I think this really
members Susan and I think this really relates exactly to what you're saying
relates exactly to what you're saying
relates exactly to what you're saying which is how can you use humor as a tool
which is how can you use humor as a tool
which is how can you use humor as a tool to bring up those difficult issues or
to bring up those difficult issues or
to bring up those difficult issues or questions I think that it's about
questions I think that it's about
questions I think that it's about figuring out a way to find the common
figuring out a way to find the common
figuring out a way to find the common denominator between people so so when I
denominator between people so so when I
denominator between people so so when I started doing standup again as a
started doing standup again as a
started doing standup again as a teenager if you're trying to do comedy
teenager if you're trying to do comedy
teenager if you're trying to do comedy every week in the South and I'm from
every week in the South and I'm from
every week in the South and I'm from Birmingham I was in school in
Birmingham I was in school in
Birmingham I was in school in Tallahassee so those are my two comedy
Tallahassee so those are my two comedy
Tallahassee so those are my two comedy bases but if you're in buxy you're at
bases but if you're in buxy you're at
bases but if you're in buxy you're at the casinos performing for retirees if
the casinos performing for retirees if
the casinos performing for retirees if you're in Florida down on the Lower East
you're in Florida down on the Lower East
you're in Florida down on the Lower East Coast it's l it's Latino heavy redneck
Coast it's l it's Latino heavy redneck
Coast it's l it's Latino heavy redneck heavy on the Gul Coast side you could be
heavy on the Gul Coast side you could be
heavy on the Gul Coast side you could be doing an urban night in Atlanta you
doing an urban night in Atlanta you
doing an urban night in Atlanta you could be doing a mainstream night in
could be doing a mainstream night in
could be doing a mainstream night in Nashville so what I started what I hated
Nashville so what I started what I hated
Nashville so what I started what I hated was always having to change up my jokes
was always having to change up my jokes
was always having to change up my jokes and change up everything
and change up everything
and change up everything whereas if I could figure out the things
whereas if I could figure out the things
whereas if I could figure out the things that connect us then I'd never have to
that connect us then I'd never have to
that connect us then I'd never have to change no matter where I am like you can
change no matter where I am like you can
change no matter where I am like you can find certain topics that and I don't
find certain topics that and I don't
find certain topics that and I don't mean that from a divisive versus non-
mean that from a divisive versus non-
mean that from a divisive versus non- divisive place but I just mean it for
divisive place but I just mean it for
divisive place but I just mean it for the things that we're passionate about
the things that we're passionate about
the things that we're passionate about if you start in a general place you know
if you start in a general place you know
if you start in a general place you know it's food it's love it's entertainment
it's food it's love it's entertainment
it's food it's love it's entertainment and some sort of form of employment or
and some sort of form of employment or
and some sort of form of employment or provision making money the thing that
provision making money the thing that
provision making money the thing that emotionally fulfills you right so what I
emotionally fulfills you right so what I
emotionally fulfills you right so what I what I what I started doing was trying
what I what I started doing was trying
what I what I started doing was trying to do material that was rooted in one of
to do material that was rooted in one of
to do material that was rooted in one of those things we all love a food we all
those things we all love a food we all
those things we all love a food we all desire emotion or have experienced
desire emotion or have experienced
desire emotion or have experienced heartbreak we all desire even if it's
heartbreak we all desire even if it's
heartbreak we all desire even if it's not employment if you just want to go
not employment if you just want to go
not employment if you just want to go hike what's the thing you want so if I
hike what's the thing you want so if I
hike what's the thing you want so if I share my emotion and my passion for
share my emotion and my passion for
share my emotion and my passion for something then in theory these people
something then in theory these people
something then in theory these people should be connected with me because they
should be connected with me because they
should be connected with me because they have a similar one
have a similar one
have a similar one so if you find a way to connect people
so if you find a way to connect people
so if you find a way to connect people in the beginning of a conversation then
in the beginning of a conversation then
in the beginning of a conversation then they are more open to receiving humor
they are more open to receiving humor
they are more open to receiving humor you know like it's it's not you you
you know like it's it's not you you
you know like it's it's not you you can't just joke joke joke joke joke you
can't just joke joke joke joke joke you
can't just joke joke joke joke joke you have to come in from some level and
have to come in from some level and
have to come in from some level and degree of understanding you know I think
degree of understanding you know I think
degree of understanding you know I think that for as long as people understand
that for as long as people understand
that for as long as people understand your intentions then humor is not the
your intentions then humor is not the
your intentions then humor is not the tight rope that we think it to be you
tight rope that we think it to be you
tight rope that we think it to be you know especially when people are starting
know especially when people are starting
know especially when people are starting out in comedy they they try and make
out in comedy they they try and make
out in comedy they they try and make these really General jokes that are are
these really General jokes that are are
these really General jokes that are are often kind of overwritten or overthought
often kind of overwritten or overthought
often kind of overwritten or overthought and I find that often the things that
and I find that often the things that
and I find that often the things that make people laugh the most are just the
make people laugh the most are just the
make people laugh the most are just the most honest the the truest thing you can
most honest the the truest thing you can
most honest the the truest thing you can say the most vulnerable yeah yeah and
say the most vulnerable yeah yeah and
say the most vulnerable yeah yeah and that's a big that at least for me that
that's a big that at least for me that
that's a big that at least for me that has been a big Revelation in in on stage
has been a big Revelation in in on stage
has been a big Revelation in in on stage is to realize like you can bring your
is to realize like you can bring your
is to realize like you can bring your full self and uh that thing that you're
full self and uh that thing that you're
full self and uh that thing that you're so worried about sharing actually is
so worried about sharing actually is
so worried about sharing actually is what other people want to hear and will
what other people want to hear and will
what other people want to hear and will connect with the most and so now
connect with the most and so now
connect with the most and so now a joke the best jokes land in one of two
a joke the best jokes land in one of two
a joke the best jokes land in one of two places it's either the audience absorbs
places it's either the audience absorbs
places it's either the audience absorbs it as wow I didn't know that or I didn't
it as wow I didn't know that or I didn't
it as wow I didn't know that or I didn't look at it like that or it's that's what
look at it like that or it's that's what
look at it like that or it's that's what I've been trying to say yeah yeah yeah
I've been trying to say yeah yeah yeah
I've been trying to say yeah yeah yeah yeah and so if you if you hit either of
yeah and so if you if you hit either of
yeah and so if you if you hit either of those
those
those nerves then anything you do after that
nerves then anything you do after that
nerves then anything you do after that the people they're
the people they're
the people they're all uhhuh you get up in front of a
all uhhuh you get up in front of a
all uhhuh you get up in front of a boring room and you acknowledge hey yeah
boring room and you acknowledge hey yeah
boring room and you acknowledge hey yeah I know this is boring let's hurry up and
I know this is boring let's hurry up and
I know this is boring let's hurry up and let's let's go let's do it like if you
let's let's go let's do it like if you
let's let's go let's do it like if you acknowledge the obvious so I spoke at
acknowledge the obvious so I spoke at
acknowledge the obvious so I spoke at the National Association of black
the National Association of black
the National Association of black journalists conference in Birmingham
journalists conference in Birmingham
journalists conference in Birmingham earlier this year and it's an average 1M
earlier this year and it's an average 1M
earlier this year and it's an average 1M fluorescent
fluorescent
fluorescent light stage Circle T I call it Circle
light stage Circle T I call it Circle
light stage Circle T I call it Circle table events the circle table banquet
table events the circle table banquet
table events the circle table banquet whatever right a challenge yes but which
whatever right a challenge yes but which
whatever right a challenge yes but which and it's gigs like that that prepared me
and it's gigs like that that prepared me
and it's gigs like that that prepared me for the White House cour responded which
for the White House cour responded which
for the White House cour responded which I want to talk about you do 20 years of
I want to talk about you do 20 years of
I want to talk about you do 20 years of circle tables you're ready for the DC
circle tables you're ready for the DC
circle tables you're ready for the DC Circle table the Super Bowl of circle
Circle table the Super Bowl of circle
Circle table the Super Bowl of circle tables but at that event the first thing
tables but at that event the first thing
tables but at that event the first thing I acknowledged was yeah thank you all
I acknowledged was yeah thank you all
I acknowledged was yeah thank you all for coming to Birmingham I know it sucks
for coming to Birmingham I know it sucks
for coming to Birmingham I know it sucks because there's no Uber black which is a
because there's no Uber black which is a
because there's no Uber black which is a true statement Birmingham my hometown I
true statement Birmingham my hometown I
true statement Birmingham my hometown I can say this Uber X is a 20 minute wait
can say this Uber X is a 20 minute wait
can say this Uber X is a 20 minute wait and if you're coming from LA or if
and if you're coming from LA or if
and if you're coming from LA or if you're coming from a five minute Uber
you're coming from a five minute Uber
you're coming from a five minute Uber City then that's a tough thing to to
City then that's a tough thing to to
City then that's a tough thing to to stomach and deal with um so you
stomach and deal with um so you
stomach and deal with um so you acknowledge that and then you're able to
acknowledge that and then you're able to
acknowledge that and then you're able to get into things that are a little
get into things that are a little
get into things that are a little tougher and a little harder uh to digest
tougher and a little harder uh to digest
tougher and a little harder uh to digest and often things that a lot of people
and often things that a lot of people
and often things that a lot of people don't want to laugh at or do not find
don't want to laugh at or do not find
don't want to laugh at or do not find funny yeah lordis in Mexico is saying
funny yeah lordis in Mexico is saying
funny yeah lordis in Mexico is saying that uh comedy is is underrated around
that uh comedy is is underrated around
that uh comedy is is underrated around the world but it's truly a tool for
the world but it's truly a tool for
the world but it's truly a tool for mental health and I I really agree in
mental health and I I really agree in
mental health and I I really agree in the sense too that like something that
the sense too that like something that
the sense too that like something that I've always admired about your comedy
I've always admired about your comedy
I've always admired about your comedy from the first time that I saw you is
from the first time that I saw you is
from the first time that I saw you is that you are able to talk about really
that you are able to talk about really
that you are able to talk about really heavy serious stuff in a way that's
heavy serious stuff in a way that's
heavy serious stuff in a way that's hilarious but you're also not afraid to
hilarious but you're also not afraid to
hilarious but you're also not afraid to talk about the light you know just goofy
talk about the light you know just goofy
talk about the light you know just goofy absurd stuff too you you have a mix of
absurd stuff too you you have a mix of
absurd stuff too you you have a mix of both and and that's such a joy to watch
both and and that's such a joy to watch
both and and that's such a joy to watch on stage
on stage
on stage comedians because we are of this craft
comedians because we are of this craft
comedians because we are of this craft we are a little
we are a little
we are a little more I don't know if encrusted is the
more I don't know if encrusted is the
more I don't know if encrusted is the word I don't know it's not salmon but
word I don't know it's not salmon but
word I don't know it's not salmon but we're hardened calcified there you go
we're hardened calcified there you go
we're hardened calcified there you go we're galvanized emotionally so things
we're galvanized emotionally so things
we're galvanized emotionally so things don't hit us as hard right away it's
don't hit us as hard right away it's
don't hit us as hard right away it's just funny to me and it's just it's
just funny to me and it's just it's
just funny to me and it's just it's weird and it's observ like I I've been
weird and it's observ like I I've been
weird and it's observ like I I've been talking about on stage to mixed reviews
talking about on stage to mixed reviews
talking about on stage to mixed reviews that I know white people are going
that I know white people are going
that I know white people are going through stuff because they're showing up
through stuff because they're showing up
through stuff because they're showing up you know in full fatigue to protest at
you know in full fatigue to protest at
you know in full fatigue to protest at Disney world like it's 90 degrees bro
Disney world like it's 90 degrees bro
Disney world like it's 90 degrees bro there's better attire you want to
there's better attire you want to
there's better attire you want to protest Pro like say what you want about
protest Pro like say what you want about
protest Pro like say what you want about the clan but at least the robe was nice
the clan but at least the robe was nice
the clan but at least the robe was nice and breathable and so that's
and breathable and so that's
and breathable and so that's it feels Pro Clan but it's not it's Pro
it feels Pro Clan but it's not it's Pro
it feels Pro Clan but it's not it's Pro so it's it's it's stuff like that where
so it's it's it's stuff like that where
so it's it's it's stuff like that where you make that joke now we can get into
you make that joke now we can get into
you make that joke now we can get into the deeper topic of white supremacy and
the deeper topic of white supremacy and
the deeper topic of white supremacy and now we can get into something a little
now we can get into something a little
now we can get into something a little more weird because we've made the kind
more weird because we've made the kind
more weird because we've made the kind of weird obvious joke that you would
of weird obvious joke that you would
of weird obvious joke that you would have never thought about but like oh
have never thought about but like oh
have never thought about but like oh yeah the clan yeah they never did they
yeah the clan yeah they never did they
yeah the clan yeah they never did they they wore loose stuff because they
they wore loose stuff because they
they wore loose stuff because they didn't want to die of heat stroke
didn't want to die of heat stroke
didn't want to die of heat stroke so it's fun to me it's fun to find those
so it's fun to me it's fun to find those
so it's fun to me it's fun to find those lines and those edges there's a question
lines and those edges there's a question
lines and those edges there's a question from Gretchen that I think is is a
from Gretchen that I think is is a
from Gretchen that I think is is a really important one which is when we're
really important one which is when we're
really important one which is when we're talking about creating those under that
talking about creating those under that
talking about creating those under that understanding of your intentions how do
understanding of your intentions how do
understanding of your intentions how do you create that understanding with the
you create that understanding with the
you create that understanding with the audience when you're making a joke that
audience when you're making a joke that
audience when you're making a joke that is on on the line or that could be kind
is on on the line or that could be kind
is on on the line or that could be kind of interpreted in different ways because
of interpreted in different ways because
of interpreted in different ways because it does seem like many
it does seem like many
it does seem like many times there's a risk of people kind of
times there's a risk of people kind of
times there's a risk of people kind of filling in the blanks and and thinking
filling in the blanks and and thinking
filling in the blanks and and thinking uh you know as Gretchen put it that
uh you know as Gretchen put it that
uh you know as Gretchen put it that there could be a simplistic assumption
there could be a simplistic assumption
there could be a simplistic assumption about you as a person based on your
about you as a person based on your
about you as a person based on your gender age residence political
gender age residence political
gender age residence political affiliation so how do you how do you get
affiliation so how do you how do you get
affiliation so how do you how do you get to the real understanding of what your
to the real understanding of what your
to the real understanding of what your actual intention is with the audience uh
actual intention is with the audience uh
actual intention is with the audience uh I think that comes just in time with
I think that comes just in time with
I think that comes just in time with within the duration of the performance
within the duration of the performance
within the duration of the performance so you know one thing for me that I have
so you know one thing for me that I have
so you know one thing for me that I have to work on and a lot of this this goes
to work on and a lot of this this goes
to work on and a lot of this this goes back to psychology I used to watch this
back to psychology I used to watch this
back to psychology I used to watch this show on N Geo called brain
show on N Geo called brain
show on N Geo called brain games and the they they brought it back
games and the they they brought it back
games and the they they brought it back in a couple different iterations now
in a couple different iterations now
in a couple different iterations now it's more of a game showy thing now with
it's more of a game showy thing now with
it's more of a game showy thing now with Keegan with um Keegan Michael ke but in
Keegan with um Keegan Michael ke but in
Keegan with um Keegan Michael ke but in the earliest iterations of the show it
the earliest iterations of the show it
the earliest iterations of the show it just showed you how the human mind works
just showed you how the human mind works
just showed you how the human mind works and so I enjoyed the show because it
and so I enjoyed the show because it
and so I enjoyed the show because it talked about how something as simple as
talked about how something as simple as
talked about how something as simple as a smile before you say something versus
a smile before you say something versus
a smile before you say something versus a smile after you say something and how
a smile after you say something and how
a smile after you say something and how those change two different it literally
those change two different it literally
those change two different it literally changes the intention of it if you smile
changes the intention of it if you smile
changes the intention of it if you smile first then say it it seems Sinister but
first then say it it seems Sinister but
first then say it it seems Sinister but if you say it to feel Sinister then
if you say it to feel Sinister then
if you say it to feel Sinister then smile at the back end it's like ah come
smile at the back end it's like ah come
smile at the back end it's like ah come on I'm me like like
on I'm me like like
on I'm me like like it there's a way to kind of yo-yo a
it there's a way to kind of yo-yo a
it there's a way to kind of yo-yo a little bit you know and then sometimes
little bit you know and then sometimes
little bit you know and then sometimes you know be bold and just say what it is
you know be bold and just say what it is
you know be bold and just say what it is you're thinking and it might be a smile
you're thinking and it might be a smile
you're thinking and it might be a smile on the back end it might be something a
on the back end it might be something a
on the back end it might be something a little
more like like there was we were talking
more like like there was we were talking
more like like there was we were talking about Mike Pence and you know this was a
about Mike Pence and you know this was a
about Mike Pence and you know this was a old this is this was um this is during
old this is this was um this is during
old this is this was um this is during when when Daily Show um we were still on
when when Daily Show um we were still on
when when Daily Show um we were still on and it was a joke we were thinking about
and it was a joke we were thinking about
and it was a joke we were thinking about doing for my guest hosting week wherein
doing for my guest hosting week wherein
doing for my guest hosting week wherein essentially the argument I was trying to
essentially the argument I was trying to
essentially the argument I was trying to make was
make was
make was that of all of the current presidential
that of all of the current presidential
that of all of the current presidential candidates Mike Pence is the most
candidates Mike Pence is the most
candidates Mike Pence is the most confident because he has to get people
confident because he has to get people
confident because he has to get people who tried to kill him to vote for
who tried to kill him to vote for
who tried to kill him to vote for him and so that could work on stage but
him and so that could work on stage but
him and so that could work on stage but in the context of television in the
in the context of television in the
in the context of television in the context of structure there are people
context of structure there are people
context of structure there are people who would legitimately believe that what
who would legitimately believe that what
who would legitimately believe that what I'm saying is serious and there are
I'm saying is serious and there are
I'm saying is serious and there are people who would pull that little bite
people who would pull that little bite
people who would pull that little bite and put that up on whatever website and
and put that up on whatever website and
and put that up on whatever website and go roywood Jr endorses Mike Pence and
go roywood Jr endorses Mike Pence and
go roywood Jr endorses Mike Pence and then on the liberal side there's people
then on the liberal side there's people
then on the liberal side there's people who will see that link or see that
who will see that link or see that
who will see that link or see that headline not click it and then assume
headline not click it and then assume
headline not click it and then assume the worst of me so a lot of it also
the worst of me so a lot of it also
the worst of me so a lot of it also comes down to
comes down to
comes down to understanding the medium through which
understanding the medium through which
understanding the medium through which you're communicating the thing you know
you're communicating the thing you know
you're communicating the thing you know I also think that some of this feels
I also think that some of this feels
I also think that some of this feels like because you are are very much not
like because you are are very much not
like because you are are very much not in in overnight success right it wasn't
in in overnight success right it wasn't
in in overnight success right it wasn't like one day you were at an open mic and
like one day you were at an open mic and
like one day you were at an open mic and the next day you were on The Daily Show
the next day you were on The Daily Show
the next day you were on The Daily Show instead you had worked your way up
instead you had worked your way up
instead you had worked your way up through clubs you had been on radio you
through clubs you had been on radio you
through clubs you had been on radio you had been on uh television shows and then
had been on uh television shows and then
had been on uh television shows and then you had this big huge platform you I
you had this big huge platform you I
you had this big huge platform you I feel like one thing that is really true
feel like one thing that is really true
feel like one thing that is really true and I'm curious if it feels like this
and I'm curious if it feels like this
and I'm curious if it feels like this for you but you have to me felt like
for you but you have to me felt like
for you but you have to me felt like someone who has a really clear sense of
someone who has a really clear sense of
someone who has a really clear sense of himself and his voice and what he's
himself and his voice and what he's
himself and his voice and what he's willing to say or not say and I think
willing to say or not say and I think
willing to say or not say and I think that really comes across to an audience
that really comes across to an audience
that really comes across to an audience as well does it feel like that to you
as well does it feel like that to you
as well does it feel like that to you internally it does now but it didn't for
internally it does now but it didn't for
internally it does now but it didn't for like 15 years like you can go back and
like 15 years like you can go back and
like 15 years like you can go back and watch it's still up online you can go
watch it's still up online you can go
watch it's still up online you can go back and watch my old conen O'Brien sets
back and watch my old conen O'Brien sets
back and watch my old conen O'Brien sets from 2011 through 24 there was a stretch
from 2011 through 24 there was a stretch
from 2011 through 24 there was a stretch in my career where Conan O'Brien was the
in my career where Conan O'Brien was the
in my career where Conan O'Brien was the only person who would put me on TV
only person who would put me on TV
only person who would put me on TV every other show said no any other show
every other show said no any other show
every other show said no any other show that I'd already done would not have me
that I'd already done would not have me
that I'd already done would not have me back for whatever reason I'm not talking
back for whatever reason I'm not talking
back for whatever reason I'm not talking trash but facts Conan O'Brien was the
trash but facts Conan O'Brien was the
trash but facts Conan O'Brien was the only person who would book me and put me
only person who would book me and put me
only person who would book me and put me on television and you can see the
on television and you can see the
on television and you can see the evolution over those three or four those
evolution over those three or four those
evolution over those three or four those four or five years of Conan sets and
four or five years of Conan sets and
four or five years of Conan sets and that was kind of where I started turning
that was kind of where I started turning
that was kind of where I started turning the corner on talking about race
the corner on talking about race
the corner on talking about race relations in this country and that being
relations in this country and that being
relations in this country and that being a little bit more of an integral part of
a little bit more of an integral part of
a little bit more of an integral part of what I wanted to talk about on stage
what I wanted to talk about on stage
what I wanted to talk about on stage that's where I probably really started
that's where I probably really started
that's where I probably really started you know to turn that corner a little
you know to turn that corner a little
you know to turn that corner a little bit and now it's definitely pronounced
bit and now it's definitely pronounced
bit and now it's definitely pronounced it's clear I know what I want to do the
it's clear I know what I want to do the
it's clear I know what I want to do the next hour special I want it's about all
next hour special I want it's about all
next hour special I want it's about all of the men other than my father who
of the men other than my father who
of the men other than my father who influenced me after his death this idea
influenced me after his death this idea
influenced me after his death this idea of manhood and fatherhood and
of manhood and fatherhood and
of manhood and fatherhood and masculinity and then realizing I have a
masculinity and then realizing I have a
masculinity and then realizing I have a plethora of stories some funny some
plethora of stories some funny some
plethora of stories some funny some moving some you know I'm a comedian I
moving some you know I'm a comedian I
moving some you know I'm a comedian I have been very close to Comics that have
have been very close to Comics that have
have been very close to Comics that have killed themselves many of them I know I
killed themselves many of them I know I
killed themselves many of them I know I knew so this idea of all of these
knew so this idea of all of these
knew so this idea of all of these different life
different life
different life lessons where did I get those from well
lessons where did I get those from well
lessons where did I get those from well I want to actually talk about some of my
I want to actually talk about some of my
I want to actually talk about some of my favorite jokes that sound like they're
favorite jokes that sound like they're
favorite jokes that sound like they're kind of more in the past from from you
kind of more in the past from from you
kind of more in the past from from you but you know I always think that one of
but you know I always think that one of
but you know I always think that one of the the highest compliments that I can
the the highest compliments that I can
the the highest compliments that I can give to a a comedian is that they have a
give to a a comedian is that they have a
give to a a comedian is that they have a joke that I think about for the rest of
joke that I think about for the rest of
joke that I think about for the rest of my life you've changed the way that I
my life you've changed the way that I
my life you've changed the way that I will think about seeing an object or
will think about seeing an object or
will think about seeing an object or being in a situation and you have a a
being in a situation and you have a a
being in a situation and you have a a bunch of these you have some of the my
bunch of these you have some of the my
bunch of these you have some of the my most secondhand described jokes where
most secondhand described jokes where
most secondhand described jokes where we're in a situation and I say oh you
we're in a situation and I say oh you
we're in a situation and I say oh you have to watch this Roy Wood Jr joke
have to watch this Roy Wood Jr joke
have to watch this Roy Wood Jr joke about this and one of them is I forever
about this and one of them is I forever
about this and one of them is I forever now anytime I see an oversized American
now anytime I see an oversized American
now anytime I see an oversized American flag I always think about your
flag I always think about your
flag I always think about your incredible joke about the the the math
incredible joke about the the the math
incredible joke about the the the math of American
flags how many American flags equal a
flags how many American flags equal a
flags how many American flags equal a Confederate
Confederate
Confederate flag there's too many flags in one place
flag there's too many flags in one place
flag there's too many flags in one place I don't feel comfortable it's so funny
I don't feel comfortable it's so funny
I don't feel comfortable it's so funny and I just constantly think about you
and I just constantly think about you
and I just constantly think about you describing it as like that there's the
describing it as like that there's the
describing it as like that there's the residue of racism that too many American
residue of racism that too many American
residue of racism that too many American flags you can feel that it has it has a
flags you can feel that it has it has a
flags you can feel that it has it has a different message it's not blatantly
different message it's not blatantly
different message it's not blatantly racist but I'm watching
racist but I'm watching
racist but I'm watching you this ISS a lot
you this ISS a lot
you this ISS a lot it's too many effing Flags yeah but I
it's too many effing Flags yeah but I
it's too many effing Flags yeah but I mean like a joke like that that just
mean like a joke like that that just
mean like a joke like that that just comes from driving in the South for half
comes from driving in the South for half
comes from driving in the South for half a million miles absolutely I've driven
a million miles absolutely I've driven
a million miles absolutely I've driven every freeway in State Road I've seen
every freeway in State Road I've seen
every freeway in State Road I've seen the big Garrison Flags when you come
the big Garrison Flags when you come
the big Garrison Flags when you come into town and there's something really
into town and there's something really
into town and there's something really good and prideful about it and then I've
good and prideful about it and then I've
good and prideful about it and then I've also been
also been
also been in you know some corner store where
in you know some corner store where
in you know some corner store where there's a bunch of don't tread on me and
there's a bunch of don't tread on me and
there's a bunch of don't tread on me and all like it's it's interesting it's it's
all like it's it's interesting it's it's
all like it's it's interesting it's it's very interesting and and to me that's
very interesting and and to me that's
very interesting and and to me that's not even and that's a joke where in a
not even and that's a joke where in a
not even and that's a joke where in a way if you love the flag and you're not
way if you love the flag and you're not
way if you love the flag and you're not racist how can I thread this so you'll
racist how can I thread this so you'll
racist how can I thread this so you'll laugh at it too because this isn't about
laugh at it too because this isn't about
laugh at it too because this isn't about your love of the flag this is how when
your love of the flag this is how when
your love of the flag this is how when there's too many flags on the same
there's too many flags on the same
there's too many flags on the same street how it makes me feel and I'm not
street how it makes me feel and I'm not
street how it makes me feel and I'm not saying it is racist I'm just saying
this like even the thing we I talked
this like even the thing we I talked
this like even the thing we I talked about in the figure yeah about how I
about in the figure yeah about how I
about in the figure yeah about how I like the Confederate flag it's I would
like the Confederate flag it's I would
like the Confederate flag it's I would rather know where you stand in your
rather know where you stand in your
rather know where you stand in your racism than for you to be covert with it
racism than for you to be covert with it
racism than for you to be covert with it yep that's and it's just a broader
yep that's and it's just a broader
yep that's and it's just a broader statement about Society I would much
statement about Society I would much
statement about Society I would much rather it's it's like that it's like the
rather it's it's like that it's like the
rather it's it's like that it's like the the the discussion just about you know
the the discussion just about you know
the the discussion just about you know down south racism versus upnorth racism
down south racism versus upnorth racism
down south racism versus upnorth racism and how it's very polite and up you know
and how it's very polite and up you know
and how it's very polite and up you know North Northerners are very prejudiced
North Northerners are very prejudiced
North Northerners are very prejudiced but it's not in your face where in the
but it's not in your face where in the
but it's not in your face where in the South it's just straight up no stay over
South it's just straight up no stay over
South it's just straight up no stay over there don't even this is a Sundown town
there don't even this is a Sundown town
there don't even this is a Sundown town and I want you to know that like there's
and I want you to know that like there's
and I want you to know that like there's no Northern Sundown towns well it's such
no Northern Sundown towns well it's such
no Northern Sundown towns well it's such I think it's such a that that joke from
I think it's such a that that joke from
I think it's such a that that joke from Father Figure is such a perfect way of
Father Figure is such a perfect way of
Father Figure is such a perfect way of getting at something that is really
getting at something that is really
getting at something that is really nuanced about this conversation around
nuanced about this conversation around
nuanced about this conversation around history and symbols right of like that
history and symbols right of like that
history and symbols right of like that that you're you're Pro Confederate flag
that you're you're Pro Confederate flag
that you're you're Pro Confederate flag not because of the memory of the
not because of the memory of the
not because of the memory of the Confederacy because it lets you know who
Confederacy because it lets you know who
Confederacy because it lets you know who feels that way and some formation you
feels that way and some formation you
feels that way and some formation you know something that you worked on that
know something that you worked on that
know something that you worked on that is one of I absolutely love this
is one of I absolutely love this
is one of I absolutely love this documentary you were an executive
documentary you were an executive
documentary you were an executive producer on uh a documentary called the
producer on uh a documentary called the
producer on uh a documentary called the neutral ground and and that is made by
neutral ground and and that is made by
neutral ground and and that is made by this incredible filmmaker CJ hunt and
this incredible filmmaker CJ hunt and
this incredible filmmaker CJ hunt and it's about the fight to remove
it's about the fight to remove
it's about the fight to remove Confederate monuments and it looks at a
Confederate monuments and it looks at a
Confederate monuments and it looks at a really serious very sobering issue but
really serious very sobering issue but
really serious very sobering issue but in a hilarious way so I'm curious since
in a hilarious way so I'm curious since
in a hilarious way so I'm curious since that is so much of you know you have
that is so much of you know you have
that is so much of you know you have this family history of being involved in
this family history of being involved in
this family history of being involved in the Civil Rights struggle and now you
the Civil Rights struggle and now you
the Civil Rights struggle and now you yourself you have this big platform and
yourself you have this big platform and
yourself you have this big platform and you are using it to talk about some of
you are using it to talk about some of
you are using it to talk about some of these same issues so I'd love to to kind
these same issues so I'd love to to kind
these same issues so I'd love to to kind of get into that idea of how humor can
of get into that idea of how humor can
of get into that idea of how humor can be a way to confront history and why it
be a way to confront history and why it
be a way to confront history and why it might actually be a powerful way to do
might actually be a powerful way to do
might actually be a powerful way to do that I think it's I think we're past
that I think it's I think we're past
that I think it's I think we're past yelling at each other to get anybody to
yelling at each other to get anybody to
yelling at each other to get anybody to understand where you're coming from I
understand where you're coming from I
understand where you're coming from I just if the last eight years of politics
just if the last eight years of politics
just if the last eight years of politics have proven nothing more it has proven
have proven nothing more it has proven
have proven nothing more it has proven that two people screaming at each other
that two people screaming at each other
that two people screaming at each other is not going to get anything done you
is not going to get anything done you
is not going to get anything done you know we live in our own information
know we live in our own information
know we live in our own information Bubbles as well but you know I think one
Bubbles as well but you know I think one
Bubbles as well but you know I think one of the things that made George Carlin so
of the things that made George Carlin so
of the things that made George Carlin so amazing was that he could get you to
amazing was that he could get you to
amazing was that he could get you to laugh at something even if you didn't
laugh at something even if you didn't
laugh at something even if you didn't agree with him and I think that's always
agree with him and I think that's always
agree with him and I think that's always been the same approach so CJ hunt who
been the same approach so CJ hunt who
been the same approach so CJ hunt who who you know directed and made this film
who you know directed and made this film
who you know directed and made this film you know CJ and I met at The Daily Show
you know CJ and I met at The Daily Show
you know CJ and I met at The Daily Show you know he was a field director and
you know he was a field director and
you know he was a field director and before that he was working over at Robin
before that he was working over at Robin
before that he was working over at Robin theti so he was already in that grou
theti so he was already in that grou
theti so he was already in that grou groove of looking at humor from The
groove of looking at humor from The
groove of looking at humor from The Rundown with Robin the which was also
Rundown with Robin the which was also
Rundown with Robin the which was also like a political satire vehicle over at
like a political satire vehicle over at
like a political satire vehicle over at bet and so this idea
bet and so this idea
bet and so this idea of if I can get you to laugh at it then
of if I can get you to laugh at it then
of if I can get you to laugh at it then I can get you to
I can get you to
I can get you to listen and so you want to find jokes
listen and so you want to find jokes
listen and so you want to find jokes even if they're on yourself or at the if
even if they're on yourself or at the if
even if they're on yourself or at the if even if the jokes are at the expense of
even if the jokes are at the expense of
even if the jokes are at the expense of yourself and I think the thing that was
yourself and I think the thing that was
yourself and I think the thing that was very what I respected about CJ's
very what I respected about CJ's
very what I respected about CJ's approach to the neutral ground was that
approach to the neutral ground was that
approach to the neutral ground was that it didn't come necessarily from a place
it didn't come necessarily from a place
it didn't come necessarily from a place of attacking the people who believed and
of attacking the people who believed and
of attacking the people who believed and defended The Monuments it was simply an
defended The Monuments it was simply an
defended The Monuments it was simply an exploration into why what is it that
exploration into why what is it that
exploration into why what is it that makes you feel this now what if I told
makes you feel this now what if I told
makes you feel this now what if I told you this this and this about history and
you this this and this about history and
you this this and this about history and that everything that you've been
that everything that you've been
that everything that you've been everything you've been sold since
everything you've been sold since
everything you've been sold since reconstruction was propaganda and a lie
reconstruction was propaganda and a lie
reconstruction was propaganda and a lie the mothers of the Confederacy spun half
the mothers of the Confederacy spun half
the mothers of the Confederacy spun half of this stuff and got these monuments
of this stuff and got these monuments
of this stuff and got these monuments like this wasn't even supposed to be
like this wasn't even supposed to be
like this wasn't even supposed to be like so
like so
like so exploring it from that place instead of
exploring it from that place instead of
exploring it from that place instead of chastising people who want to defend all
chastising people who want to defend all
chastising people who want to defend all of that you know and there were still
of that you know and there were still
of that you know and there were still parts of that documentary that got very
parts of that documentary that got very
parts of that documentary that got very real for CJ you know he went to
real for CJ you know he went to
real for CJ you know he went to Charlottesville and I don't think anyone
Charlottesville and I don't think anyone
Charlottesville and I don't think anyone predicted that Charlottesville would
predicted that Charlottesville would
predicted that Charlottesville would have become you know such a lightning
have become you know such a lightning
have become you know such a lightning rod point because there have been so
rod point because there have been so
rod point because there have been so many Charlottesville before just so many
many Charlottesville before just so many
many Charlottesville before just so many other we're going to show up in protest
other we're going to show up in protest
other we're going to show up in protest and yell at each other from across the
and yell at each other from across the
and yell at each other from across the street incidents and Charlottesville was
street incidents and Charlottesville was
street incidents and Charlottesville was one that when off the rails and even in
one that when off the rails and even in
one that when off the rails and even in that you sit in the real feelings and
that you sit in the real feelings and
that you sit in the real feelings and the horror of that and you're still able
the horror of that and you're still able
the horror of that and you're still able to use humor to come out on the other
to use humor to come out on the other
to use humor to come out on the other side and you know I think that you know
side and you know I think that you know
side and you know I think that you know for the people that are looking at this
for the people that are looking at this
for the people that are looking at this especially like in the professional
especially like in the professional
especially like in the professional sector where you're trying to use humor
sector where you're trying to use humor
sector where you're trying to use humor and you're trying to use something
and you're trying to use something
and you're trying to use something light-hearted to go into issues that are
light-hearted to go into issues that are
light-hearted to go into issues that are serious within your companies or within
serious within your companies or within
serious within your companies or within your personal life you don't have to
your personal life you don't have to
your personal life you don't have to joke on the issue the issue itself is
joke on the issue the issue itself is
joke on the issue the issue itself is not
not
not funny but how did we get here that's
funny but how did we get here that's
funny but how did we get here that's funny the causation who are the people
funny the causation who are the people
funny the causation who are the people responsible for the causation or who are
responsible for the causation or who are
responsible for the causation or who are the people that are fighting to change
the people that are fighting to change
the people that are fighting to change this there's humor in that who are the
this there's humor in that who are the
this there's humor in that who are the people fighting against change who are
people fighting against change who are
people fighting against change who are the people fighting for change and I
the people fighting for change and I
the people fighting for change and I think if you if you look in those areas
think if you if you look in those areas
think if you if you look in those areas around an issue you're always going to
around an issue you're always going to
around an issue you're always going to find fertile ground so you're always
find fertile ground so you're always
find fertile ground so you're always going to find something on the outer
going to find something on the outer
going to find something on the outer rings that is worthy of satire or
rings that is worthy of satire or
rings that is worthy of satire or observation and even if it has to wait a
observation and even if it has to wait a
observation and even if it has to wait a day you wait a day but you know there's
day you wait a day but you know there's
day you wait a day but you know there's always going to be you know when you
always going to be you know when you
always going to be you know when you look back you know I look back you know
look back you know I look back you know
look back you know I look back you know you know and Trevor Noah had the
you know and Trevor Noah had the
you know and Trevor Noah had the unfortunate task of Hosting The Daily
unfortunate task of Hosting The Daily
unfortunate task of Hosting The Daily Show pretty much every time an unarmed
Show pretty much every time an unarmed
Show pretty much every time an unarmed cop killing footage got released it was
cop killing footage got released it was
cop killing footage got released it was a show
a show
a show week and so you know
week and so you know
week and so you know this idea
this idea
this idea of figuring out where the humor is in
of figuring out where the humor is in
of figuring out where the humor is in that and the humor is not in the tragedy
that and the humor is not in the tragedy
that and the humor is not in the tragedy it's in the bureaucracy around it so I
it's in the bureaucracy around it so I
it's in the bureaucracy around it so I just think when you look at it that way
just think when you look at it that way
just think when you look at it that way then you're able to find Pockets where
then you're able to find Pockets where
then you're able to find Pockets where you can you know you can you can jab a
you can you know you can you can jab a
you can you know you can you can jab a joke real quick and get in and get out
joke real quick and get in and get out
joke real quick and get in and get out it doesn't have to be hilarious all the
it doesn't have to be hilarious all the
it doesn't have to be hilarious all the way through but you definitely want as
way through but you definitely want as
way through but you definitely want as best you can to try and use humor I just
best you can to try and use humor I just
best you can to try and use humor I just think it's I just think it's a better
think it's I just think it's a better
think it's I just think it's a better way you know of doing things so
way you know of doing things so
way you know of doing things so for people who are listening who you
for people who are listening who you
for people who are listening who you know they they see the power of humor
know they they see the power of humor
know they they see the power of humor they see the power of Comedy but they're
they see the power of Comedy but they're
they see the power of Comedy but they're not professional comedians that they
not professional comedians that they
not professional comedians that they don't necessarily think of themselves
don't necessarily think of themselves
don't necessarily think of themselves that way what tips would you give them
that way what tips would you give them
that way what tips would you give them for trying to successfully land a joke
for trying to successfully land a joke
for trying to successfully land a joke without offending people I think if it's
without offending people I think if it's
without offending people I think if it's about trying to find humor without
about trying to find humor without
about trying to find humor without offending I I don't think that that
offending I I don't think that that
offending I I don't think that that place truly exists I think that you can
place truly exists I think that you can
place truly exists I think that you can try to make it as offense proof as
try to make it as offense proof as
try to make it as offense proof as possible so the first thing you have to
possible so the first thing you have to
possible so the first thing you have to do is let go of the fact that someone is
do is let go of the fact that someone is
do is let go of the fact that someone is is or isn't going to be offended um or
is or isn't going to be offended um or
is or isn't going to be offended um or you delve in the four as I call it the
you delve in the four as I call it the
you delve in the four as I call it the four the four safety Corners like food
four the four safety Corners like food
four the four safety Corners like food is never offending it not to the point
is never offending it not to the point
is never offending it not to the point of War maybe on Twitter if I if I go on
of War maybe on Twitter if I if I go on
of War maybe on Twitter if I if I go on Twitter and go I hate this food then a
Twitter and go I hate this food then a
Twitter and go I hate this food then a bunch of people
bunch of people
bunch of people but you can still show up to work the
but you can still show up to work the
but you can still show up to work the next day you're not going to get sent to
next day you're not going to get sent to
next day you're not going to get sent to HR because you said you didn't like
HR because you said you didn't like
HR because you said you didn't like macaroni with breadcrumbs which by the
macaroni with breadcrumbs which by the
macaroni with breadcrumbs which by the way is not the way to do macaroni please
way is not the way to do macaroni please
way is not the way to do macaroni please stop putting breadcrumbs in macaroni and
stop putting breadcrumbs in macaroni and
stop putting breadcrumbs in macaroni and stop truffling everything I'm getting
stop truffling everything I'm getting
stop truffling everything I'm getting off top oh people are oh the the
off top oh people are oh the the
off top oh people are oh the the comments are going off right now people
comments are going off right now people
comments are going off right now people are Furious about I see the Emojis
are Furious about I see the Emojis
are Furious about I see the Emojis floating up stop truffling everything I
floating up stop truffling everything I
floating up stop truffling everything I said it it's there's no reason
said it it's there's no reason
said it it's there's no reason everything doesn't have to taste like a
everything doesn't have to taste like a
everything doesn't have to taste like a fart only pasta so if you're not
fart only pasta so if you're not
fart only pasta so if you're not attacking a person or an ideology or a
attacking a person or an ideology or a
attacking a person or an ideology or a group of people you're generally in a
group of people you're generally in a
group of people you're generally in a safe place um if you are not attacking a
safe place um if you are not attacking a
safe place um if you are not attacking a particular reason why something happened
particular reason why something happened
particular reason why something happened um
um
um also don't make jokes based on
also don't make jokes based on
also don't make jokes based on assumptions of the truth of why you
assumptions of the truth of why you
assumptions of the truth of why you think someone did something because what
think someone did something because what
think someone did something because what we also live in is a correction culture
we also live in is a correction culture
we also live in is a correction culture and so people are quick to go well you
and so people are quick to go well you
and so people are quick to go well you know the reason why that actually
know the reason why that actually
know the reason why that actually happened so if you go he did that
happened so if you go he did that
happened so if you go he did that because this and joke well someone who
because this and joke well someone who
because this and joke well someone who doesn't believe that premise you know
doesn't believe that premise you know
doesn't believe that premise you know mik bigle has said it best everybody has
mik bigle has said it best everybody has
mik bigle has said it best everybody has to agree on the premise before we'll
to agree on the premise before we'll
to agree on the premise before we'll agree on to laugh at the punchline and I
agree on to laugh at the punchline and I
agree on to laugh at the punchline and I think that's what we've we've lost as of
think that's what we've we've lost as of
think that's what we've we've lost as of late but if we're just talking short
late but if we're just talking short
late but if we're just talking short fire short answer rapid fire food
fire short answer rapid fire food
fire short answer rapid fire food entertainment love and money like job
entertainment love and money like job
entertainment love and money like job employment if you stay in those four
employment if you stay in those four
employment if you stay in those four pockets it's going to be hard to offend
pockets it's going to be hard to offend
pockets it's going to be hard to offend someone but if you're if you're
someone but if you're if you're
someone but if you're if you're determined to make the EDG of your joke
determined to make the EDG of your joke
determined to make the EDG of your joke just know that somebody might not like
just know that somebody might not like
just know that somebody might not like it especially if it's at the expense of
it especially if it's at the expense of
it especially if it's at the expense of another group well a lot of people in
another group well a lot of people in
another group well a lot of people in the in the um audience here are asking
the in the um audience here are asking
the in the um audience here are asking some version of this question this is
some version of this question this is
some version of this question this is one of the most common things that
one of the most common things that
one of the most common things that people want to know about comedy these
people want to know about comedy these
people want to know about comedy these days I find it's like but what aren't
days I find it's like but what aren't
days I find it's like but what aren't you afraid of being canceled aren't you
you afraid of being canceled aren't you
you afraid of being canceled aren't you afraid of what what will happen if
afraid of what what will happen if
afraid of what what will happen if people take it the wrong way so how do
people take it the wrong way so how do
people take it the wrong way so how do you how do you think about that I don't
you how do you think about that I don't
you how do you think about that I don't think about jokes being taken the wrong
think about jokes being taken the wrong
think about jokes being taken the wrong way I can't concern myself with that my
way I can't concern myself with that my
way I can't concern myself with that my job is to write the joke that I think is
job is to write the joke that I think is
job is to write the joke that I think is funny and perform it for the people
funny and perform it for the people
funny and perform it for the people people who want to laugh now I exist in
people who want to laugh now I exist in
people who want to laugh now I exist in a different space because I'm not at a
a different space because I'm not at a
a different space because I'm not at a company where I can be written up I
company where I can be written up I
company where I can be written up I can't go I can't be sent to HR at a
can't go I can't be sent to HR at a
can't go I can't be sent to HR at a comedy club all that happens is that
comedy club all that happens is that
comedy club all that happens is that people either show up or they don't show
people either show up or they don't show
people either show up or they don't show up and at the end of the day I think
up and at the end of the day I think
up and at the end of the day I think that people vote with their wallets and
that people vote with their wallets and
that people vote with their wallets and their remote controls and so if there's
their remote controls and so if there's
their remote controls and so if there's people that still love you they're going
people that still love you they're going
people that still love you they're going to come see you and so those are the
to come see you and so those are the
to come see you and so those are the people that you do it for and you
people that you do it for and you
people that you do it for and you ultimately cannot if you're constantly
ultimately cannot if you're constantly
ultimately cannot if you're constantly performing
performing
performing to not piss off a group of people then
to not piss off a group of people then
to not piss off a group of people then who are you because now you're
who are you because now you're
who are you because now you're constantly altering yourself to public
constantly altering yourself to public
constantly altering yourself to public ideologies and to me that's a very
ideologies and to me that's a very
ideologies and to me that's a very dangerous and uncreative place to be
dangerous and uncreative place to be
dangerous and uncreative place to be because now you're trying to
because now you're trying to
because now you're trying to be creatively aloc cart for whatever the
be creatively aloc cart for whatever the
be creatively aloc cart for whatever the moods are at that particular time and if
moods are at that particular time and if
moods are at that particular time and if you're that then at what point are you
you're that then at what point are you
you're that then at what point are you ever yourself the the thing though that
ever yourself the the thing though that
ever yourself the the thing though that I wonder about is how do you balance the
I wonder about is how do you balance the
I wonder about is how do you balance the authenticity and the courage to say
authenticity and the courage to say
authenticity and the courage to say something that you believe in regardless
something that you believe in regardless
something that you believe in regardless of consequences with the ability to stay
of consequences with the ability to stay
of consequences with the ability to stay open to valid critiques about places
open to valid critiques about places
open to valid critiques about places where you're getting it wrong or you
where you're getting it wrong or you
where you're getting it wrong or you haven't thought it through all the way
haven't thought it through all the way
haven't thought it through all the way because it seems like a lot of times
because it seems like a lot of times
because it seems like a lot of times people take any criticism as an attack
people take any criticism as an attack
people take any criticism as an attack and shutting it down rather than an
and shutting it down rather than an
and shutting it down rather than an opportunity to grow so how do you
opportunity to grow so how do you
opportunity to grow so how do you balance those Nuance has been removed
balance those Nuance has been removed
balance those Nuance has been removed from the from the conversation you know
from the from the conversation you know
from the from the conversation you know I've always welcomed you know critique
I've always welcomed you know critique
I've always welcomed you know critique and criticism but then critique and
and criticism but then critique and
and criticism but then critique and criticism also has to come from a place
criticism also has to come from a place
criticism also has to come from a place of not trying to completely chop
of not trying to completely chop
of not trying to completely chop somebody's head off and I think I I'm
somebody's head off and I think I I'm
somebody's head off and I think I I'm one of the few comedians that reads
one of the few comedians that reads
one of the few comedians that reads their YouTube comments I know you
their YouTube comments I know you
their YouTube comments I know you shouldn't but YouTube and Reddit are by
shouldn't but YouTube and Reddit are by
shouldn't but YouTube and Reddit are by far the most comprehensive and fair
far the most comprehensive and fair
far the most comprehensive and fair critiques of any forms of entertainment
critiques of any forms of entertainment
critiques of any forms of entertainment in my
in my
in my opinion better than Facebook better than
opinion better than Facebook better than
opinion better than Facebook better than Twitter all of that because like Twitter
Twitter all of that because like Twitter
Twitter all of that because like Twitter and Facebook like that's all engagement
and Facebook like that's all engagement
and Facebook like that's all engagement and arguing in the comments like it's
and arguing in the comments like it's
and arguing in the comments like it's performative I consider that outrage
performative I consider that outrage
performative I consider that outrage performative whereas if you're typing a
performative whereas if you're typing a
performative whereas if you're typing a Reddit thread you don't know who's gonna
Reddit thread you don't know who's gonna
Reddit thread you don't know who's gonna see this it might only four people might
see this it might only four people might
see this it might only four people might see this or or a million like that's
see this or or a million like that's
see this or or a million like that's from the heart um I just I just don't
from the heart um I just I just don't
from the heart um I just I just don't think that you
think that you
think that you can I don't think that you can truly say
can I don't think that you can truly say
can I don't think that you can truly say you evolving as a
you evolving as a
you evolving as a performer if you're not looking at how
performer if you're not looking at how
performer if you're not looking at how some of the material is making people
some of the material is making people
some of the material is making people feel whether you adjust to it or not is
feel whether you adjust to it or not is
feel whether you adjust to it or not is up to you but what I do not like is the
up to you but what I do not like is the
up to you but what I do not like is the retroactive cancellation of oh here's
retroactive cancellation of oh here's
retroactive cancellation of oh here's something that you said from 15 years
something that you said from 15 years
something that you said from 15 years ago at a time where Society was
ago at a time where Society was
ago at a time where Society was different and I will judge it now based
different and I will judge it now based
different and I will judge it now based on current societal standards and attack
on current societal standards and attack
on current societal standards and attack you as if you just said it
you as if you just said it
you as if you just said it yesterday that I'm not cool with
yesterday that I'm not cool with
yesterday that I'm not cool with I I think that's a little bit of
I I think that's a little bit of
I I think that's a little bit of a if we want to acknowledge the past and
a if we want to acknowledge the past and
a if we want to acknowledge the past and apologize and get past it cool but
apologize and get past it cool but
apologize and get past it cool but totally and also you know any good
totally and also you know any good
totally and also you know any good performer any person that you want to
performer any person that you want to
performer any person that you want to spend time with hopefully they've grown
spend time with hopefully they've grown
spend time with hopefully they've grown and changed and improve you know and I
and changed and improve you know and I
and changed and improve you know and I think that's part of that should be part
think that's part of that should be part
think that's part of that should be part of that assessment when you find the old
of that assessment when you find the old
of that assessment when you find the old clip on person let's also take a look at
clip on person let's also take a look at
clip on person let's also take a look at their Arc from that time until now uh
their Arc from that time until now uh
their Arc from that time until now uh but I do think that jokes have real
but I do think that jokes have real
but I do think that jokes have real effects like I I think it's it's naive
effects like I I think it's it's naive
effects like I I think it's it's naive to think that you can make a joke and
to think that you can make a joke and
to think that you can make a joke and speak truth to power and and and
speak truth to power and and and
speak truth to power and and and establishment and the the government
establishment and the the government
establishment and the the government will change with this joke and then also
will change with this joke and then also
will change with this joke and then also not think that you can write a joke that
not think that you can write a joke that
not think that you can write a joke that could destroy somebody and make them
could destroy somebody and make them
could destroy somebody and make them feel inhumane you know we've been
feel inhumane you know we've been
feel inhumane you know we've been talking about how it's important to have
talking about how it's important to have
talking about how it's important to have a thick skin to be a comic and yet many
a thick skin to be a comic and yet many
a thick skin to be a comic and yet many artists and many creative people are
artists and many creative people are
artists and many creative people are really sensitive and that's that's key
really sensitive and that's that's key
really sensitive and that's that's key to tapping into their creativity so what
to tapping into their creativity so what
to tapping into their creativity so what advice do you have for people who are
advice do you have for people who are
advice do you have for people who are artists or creative people who want to
artists or creative people who want to
artists or creative people who want to be more comfortable getting that
be more comfortable getting that
be more comfortable getting that feedback who want to get to the place
feedback who want to get to the place
feedback who want to get to the place where maybe they could read their RIT
where maybe they could read their RIT
where maybe they could read their RIT comments or their YouTube comments but
comments or their YouTube comments but
comments or their YouTube comments but but they feel like they they aren't
but they feel like they they aren't
but they feel like they they aren't there yet find a person you love and
there yet find a person you love and
there yet find a person you love and read their YouTube
read their YouTube
read their YouTube comments and see the hate and see and
comments and see the hate and see and
comments and see the hate and see and just you're literally you're going to be
just you're literally you're going to be
just you're literally you're going to be amazed at how could someone not like
amazed at how could someone not like
amazed at how could someone not like that project or that movie what's a
that project or that movie what's a
that project or that movie what's a movie you love go read some reviews it's
movie you love go read some reviews it's
movie you love go read some reviews it's all got haters and once you see that
all got haters and once you see that
all got haters and once you see that it'll help normalize it a little bit for
it'll help normalize it a little bit for
it'll help normalize it a little bit for you and you'll know that what you were
you and you'll know that what you were
you and you'll know that what you were doing is not that different and that's
doing is not that different and that's
doing is not that different and that's just all part of the path you know I
just all part of the path you know I
just all part of the path you know I know some people don't like hate and
know some people don't like hate and
know some people don't like hate and it's also very different for women which
it's also very different for women which
it's also very different for women which is something that I learned from talking
is something that I learned from talking
is something that I learned from talking with a lot of you know with a lot of uh
with a lot of you know with a lot of uh
with a lot of you know with a lot of uh women comics in the industry that is you
women comics in the industry that is you
women comics in the industry that is you know what I've benefited from is that
know what I've benefited from is that
know what I've benefited from is that most any insult that I filled it has
most any insult that I filled it has
most any insult that I filled it has been a critique of my
been a critique of my
been a critique of my art it wasn't a death threat it wasn't
art it wasn't a death threat it wasn't
art it wasn't a death threat it wasn't my looks it was you know things of that
my looks it was you know things of that
my looks it was you know things of that nature so you know by all means I
nature so you know by all means I
nature so you know by all means I wouldn't say immerse yourself into
wouldn't say immerse yourself into
wouldn't say immerse yourself into anything that's triggering or your own
anything that's triggering or your own
anything that's triggering or your own traumas but if you can as best you can
traumas but if you can as best you can
traumas but if you can as best you can look and assess the things that you love
look and assess the things that you love
look and assess the things that you love and just see that none of it is
and just see that none of it is
and just see that none of it is unfailable it all gets insulted it all
unfailable it all gets insulted it all
unfailable it all gets insulted it all gets critiqued by people who can't do it
gets critiqued by people who can't do it
gets critiqued by people who can't do it who don't know what they're doing and
who don't know what they're doing and
who don't know what they're doing and once you understand that that's part of
once you understand that that's part of
once you understand that that's part of the process then you're able to trust
the process then you're able to trust
the process then you're able to trust what you're doing and just find your
what you're doing and just find your
what you're doing and just find your audience find the people who like you
audience find the people who like you
audience find the people who like you that's all you got to
that's all you got to
that's all you got to do well let's let's go and talk about
do well let's let's go and talk about
do well let's let's go and talk about the the White House correspondence
the the White House correspondence
the the White House correspondence dinner for a second because you hosted
dinner for a second because you hosted
dinner for a second because you hosted it this year and you know this is you're
it this year and you know this is you're
it this year and you know this is you're directly talking to the most powerful
directly talking to the most powerful
directly talking to the most powerful people in the country and I'm curious
people in the country and I'm curious
people in the country and I'm curious what jokes you were proudest of that you
what jokes you were proudest of that you
what jokes you were proudest of that you got to say
got to say
got to say in that setting I had like you know six
in that setting I had like you know six
in that setting I had like you know six or seven writers working with me on this
or seven writers working with me on this
or seven writers working with me on this um former Daily Show former nightly show
um former Daily Show former nightly show
um former Daily Show former nightly show you know all all worth their weight in
you know all all worth their weight in
you know all all worth their weight in the political satire sphere and we
the political satire sphere and we
the political satire sphere and we were constantly changing everything like
were constantly changing everything like
were constantly changing everything like we man I had a whole five minute spy
we man I had a whole five minute spy
we man I had a whole five minute spy balloon chunk and by the time we got to
balloon chunk and by the time we got to
balloon chunk and by the time we got to the dinner no one cared about spy
the dinner no one cared about spy
the dinner no one cared about spy balloons anymore like it was just such a
balloons anymore like it was just such a
balloons anymore like it was just such a we made so we made it a throwaway joke
we made so we made it a throwaway joke
we made so we made it a throwaway joke and it worked but the Clarence Thomas
and it worked but the Clarence Thomas
and it worked but the Clarence Thomas nft joke still makes me laugh and saying
nft joke still makes me laugh and saying
nft joke still makes me laugh and saying that we can see him but he's owned by
that we can see him but he's owned by
that we can see him but he's owned by someone else and that's what an nft
someone else and that's what an nft
someone else and that's what an nft is
is
is um which you know considering that
um which you know considering that
um which you know considering that people call Clarence Thomas a token
people call Clarence Thomas a token
people call Clarence Thomas a token black guy and nft also means token and
black guy and nft also means token and
black guy and nft also means token and they thought that I was also that was
they thought that I was also that was
they thought that I was also that was like a happy accident where people were
like a happy accident where people were
like a happy accident where people were like oh yeah you called him a token like
like oh yeah you called him a token like
like oh yeah you called him a token like nft a token I was like yes yes I did
nft a token I was like yes yes I did
nft a token I was like yes yes I did absolutely that was the intention when
absolutely that was the intention when
absolutely that was the intention when mhm you caught that well Roy it's been
mhm you caught that well Roy it's been
mhm you caught that well Roy it's been such a pleasure talking to you thank you
such a pleasure talking to you thank you
such a pleasure talking to you thank you so much and and congratulations on all
so much and and congratulations on all
so much and and congratulations on all of your degrees it's really impressive
of your degrees it's really impressive
of your degrees it's really impressive well yes thank you I worked very hard at
well yes thank you I worked very hard at
well yes thank you I worked very hard at them with
them with
them with [Music]
[Music]
[Music] sharpies
Phonetic Breakdown of "hardened"
Learn how to break down "hardened" into its phonetic components. Understanding syllables and phonetics helps with pronunciation, spelling, and language learning.
Standard Phonetic Pronunciation:
IPA Phonetic Pronunciation:
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Definition of "hardened"
Verb
-
To become hard (tough, resistant to pressure).
-
To make something hard or harder (tough, resistant to pressure).
-
To strengthen.
-
To modify (a website or other system) to make it resistant to malicious attacks.
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To become or make (a person or thing) resistant or less sensitive.Synonyms: inure
-
To become or make (a consonant) more fortis.
Adjective
-
Unfeeling or lacking emotion due to experience; callous.Example: "The bloody scene could reduce even the most hardened soldier to tears."
-
Firmly established or unlikely to change; inveterate.
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Having extra defences against attack; highly fortified.Example: "a hardened air base"
Related Words to "hardened"
Discover words associated with "hardened" through various relationships - including meaning, context, usage, and more. Exploring word associations helps build a deeper understanding of language connections.
Words That Sound Like "hardened"
Practice these words that sound similar to "hardened" to improve your pronunciation precision and train your ear to distinguish subtle sound differences.
Similar Spelling to "hardened"
Explore words with similar spelling patterns to "hardened" to improve your spelling skills and expand your vocabulary with words that look alike but may have different meanings.