Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
"The comedy is in between ones. It's that, it's that emotion is that feeling. It's everything in between." — Adam Rowe (referring to the nuance in comedy)
"My job isn't to worry about whether they're guilty or not. Our job is to get them off. Our job is to convince the jury that this is an innocent thing." — Adam Rowe (explaining the role of a comedian as a defense lawyer for their jokes)
"You're doing it, American. These are articulating, yeah. I honestly think I sound like Jay-Z right now." — Adam Rowe (humorously comparing his accent when speaking in the US)
The podcast episode features comedian Adam Rowe engaging in a wide-ranging discussion with fellow comedians. The conversation begins by touching upon perceived issues in Great Britain, including the topic of "grooming gangs," which leads to a broader discussion about media portrayals and racial identity in news reporting, drawing parallels to American media narratives. The group then pivots to the challenges of cultural understanding in comedy, with examples of jokes not landing due to differing cultural references, such as the British concept of homeless people drinking cider.
A significant portion of the episode delves into personal anecdotes and reflections. Adam Rowe shares a humorous, yet insightful, story about being unexpectedly asked to perform on stage in Manchester, highlighting the differences in comedic delivery and audience reception between the UK and the US. The conversation then moves to more serious personal matters, with Rowe recounting his experiences with health anxiety, specifically his fear of multiple sclerosis, and the diagnostic process, which humorously ends with him realizing it was unrelated to his symptoms. The episode also touches upon the impact of family events on his well-being.
The discussion broadens to include observations on American culture, the popularity of sports like paddle, and the evolution of sports such as tennis and baseball for entertainment value. The comedians explore the concept of cultural identity, the perception of royalty, and the influence of historical narratives on national pride. The episode concludes with reflections on the nature of comedy, the importance of personal storytelling, and the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry, with a particular focus on Netflix specials and the creative process behind them.