Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
"I want to start, you know how in like sports they have like a basketball players they have the players Tribune. I want to start the comics Tribune and I and you know Francis is a great writer and he claims to be a great editor and I think it be great if Francis was involved in that in some way or shape or form and shaping it but I want a place when a comic has a beef with something." — Akash
"You know, like, you guys are right, I'm a rapist when it's like you're just a fucking creep. You know what line won't be back over from Louis? He got on stage and he said to the audience, 'I like to jerk off and I don't like being alone.'" — Akash
"The whole room was laughing. He wasn't telling it to be recorded for everyone to hear and judge. That's why it's an issue. If it doesn't do well in the room, they're okay. The issue is when it does well in the room, they can't nobody can stand being laughed at, it drives them fucking nuts." — Francis Ellis
The podcast episode, a Patreon exclusive, focuses on a debate concerning the public commentary and actions of comedians, specifically referencing Judd Apatow's criticism of Louis C.K. The hosts and guest, Francis Ellis, explore the idea of creating a "Comics Tribune" as a platform for comedians to voice opinions without politicization. A central theme is the impact of personal feelings on professional critiques within the comedy community, questioning whether Judd Apatow's stance was influenced by personal dislike rather than objective assessment. The discussion also touches on the concept of cancel culture and its potential to stifle artistic expression, with particular attention to how public figures with large platforms are perceived to have a responsibility to comment on controversial issues.
Further analysis is given to the idea that public outrage over jokes often stems from the success and laughter they generate, rather than the jokes themselves being inherently problematic in a live setting. The conversation then shifts to the broader implications of comedian's actions and public perception, using Louis C.K. as a case study for navigating public scandal and the complexities of apologies. The hosts ponder the effectiveness and sincerity of public apologies from figures facing severe accusations, contrasting perceived transgressions with the punishment sought. The episode concludes with a brief mention of the guest's upcoming travel and a reminder about the Patreon episode's exclusive nature.
The discussion highlights the fine line between supporting free speech in comedy and holding individuals accountable for their actions and words. The participants express admiration for comedians who execute their craft successfully, even if their personal lives or public statements are contentious. The episode implicitly argues that within the comedy world, the act of creation and performance, even if controversial, holds significant weight, and that the community's response to public figures should be nuanced. The idea of a "dark outlet" for comedic expression is explored as a potential mechanism for maintaining a public persona.