We talk with comedians about comedy and politics. Should political observations be part of comedy acts? Or are they too isolating? One of the most popular stand-up comedians on the national stage is Nate Bargatze. In a recent piece in the Atlantic Monthly, writer Tim Alberta profiles Bargatze, who he calls "the nicest man in stand-up". Bargatze avoids politics and topics that could be offensive. He told Albert, “I want to be able to sell out a theater in San Francisco one week and Mobile, Alabama, the next week.”
We discuss the approach with our guests, who are all stand-up comics:
- Joel Lindley, comedian based in Rochester who has opened for Kevin Hart
- Steven Rogers, comedian based in New York City who has opened for Brian Regan and was on the "Late Show with Stephen Colbert"
- Amy Stephens, comedienne, comedy show producer, and podcaster
- Kai Von Doom, comedian based in Rochester
