The Lever - David Cross On How To Be Funny In 2022

Friends:

This is a fun and informative week on The Lever’s podcasts. On Lever Time, I got the chance to interview comedian David Cross — star of Mr. Show and Arrested Development and one of the most subversive comedians of the last twenty years. We discussed political comedy in the modern era, what’s really at the heart of the “cancel culture” debate, and what’s keeping him hopeful these days. In addition, Andrew Perez spoke with the executive director of the progressive think tank Groundwork Collaborative about the fight that’s brewing in Congress over lifting the debt ceiling, and how Republicans are already using inflation as a justification for cutting social programs.

The Audit is still on hiatus, but will be back in a few weeks. Make sure to catch up on their first season, in which they audited the entirety of George W. Bush’s MasterClass. We promise it’s funny.

Learn more and find the episode links below.

Rock the boat,

Sirota

LEVER TIME: How To Be Funny In 2022 (w/ David Cross)

In the new episode of Lever Time, David Sirota is joined by comedy legend David Cross, known for his roles in Mr. Show and Arrested Development and one of the most subversive comedians of the modern era. The two Davids discuss the state of modern comedy, the debate around cancel culture and free speech, and what is the most constructive way to make fun of people you disagree with.

In addition, Andrew Perez sits down with Lindsay Owens, executive director of the progressive think tank Groundwork Collaborative, to talk about why the upcoming fight in Congress over the debt ceiling is so pivotal. Owens explains how inflation will play a role in the negotiations, and discusses whether or not President Joe Biden will allow the conflict to be used as an excuse to cut Social Security and Medicare benefits.

Click here for a rough transcript of the episode.

BONUS: On Lever Time Premium  (the extended version of Lever Time which is exclusively available for supporting subscribers), David speaks with journalist and author Geoff Dembicki about his new book The Petroleum Papers: Inside the Far-Right Conspiracy to Cover Up Climate Change, which details the how the fossil fuel industry has spent the last several decades spreading disinformation about climate science.

THE AUDIT: Catch Up On All Of The Episodes

The Audit’s study group has completed George W. Bush’s MasterClass. Was sitting through the entire thing a form of punishment? Definitely. Did it make for a great podcast? Absolutely. Catch up on all five episodes of the first season below!

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