How to pronounce "specials"

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