What's So Funny About...?

pssilvaii
  • 1.0 (1)
  • COMEDY INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY
What's So Funny About...?

The What's So Funny About...? Podcast is brought to you by The Liberation Comedy Project (https://liberationcomedy.org). It is hosted by Pedro Silva. The mission of The Liberation Comedy Project is to draw people closer to one another by positively exposing the comedic in the conflicts that distract us from deeper relating across differences. Pedro Silva has been a conscious student of the human experience for most of his life. Fascinated by what makes us do what we do, he has studied culture and human motivation from a variety of angles.

  1. What's So Funny About...? Episode 16 w/ Steve Bhaerman

    JAN 9

    What's So Funny About...? Episode 16 w/ Steve Bhaerman

    In this episode, of the "What's So Funny About...?" Podcast, brought to you by the Liberation Comedy Project, we talk to comedian and activist, Steve Bhaerman Steve Bhaerman is an internationally known author, humorist, and workshop leader. For the past 35 years, he has written and performed as Swami Beyondananda, the "Cosmic Comic." Swami's comedy has been called "irreverently uplifting" and has been described both as "comedy disguised as wisdom" and "wisdom disguised as comedy." As the Swami, Steve is the author of Driving Your Own Karma (1989), When You See a Sacred Cow, Milk It For All It's Worth (1993), Duck Soup for the Soul (1999) and Swami for Precedent: A 7-Step Plan to Heal the Body Politic and Cure Electile Dysfunction (2004). You can learn more about Steve's work here. The Liberation Comedy Project is being incubated by Mediators Foundation (https://www.mediatorsfoundation.org/) and managed by YOUnify (https://www.younify.org/).

    53 min
  2. What's So Funny About...? Special Ep 15 - Alternative Comics

    06/30/2024

    What's So Funny About...? Special Ep 15 - Alternative Comics

    In this special episode of the "What's So Funny About...?" Podcast, Alternative Comics, we talk with Alan Jenkins and Gan Golan, creators of the graphic novel 1/6. Alan Jenkins is a multimedia writer, Harvard Law School Professor, human rights advocate, recovering Supreme Court litigator, and producer and editor of the social justice superhero Helvetika Bold! He is a Co-Founder and former President of The Opportunity Agenda, and has appeared widely in print and broadcast media, including CNN, MSNBC, the Hollywood Reporter, Fox News, the New York Times, and the Washington Post. Gan Golan is a NY Times bestselling author, artist and activist known for  'Goodnight Bush' and the critically-acclaimed 'The Adventures of Unemployed Man'. He’s designed Rock Music posters for Erykah Badu, Queen Latifah, Willie Nelson, Nick Cave and Henry Rollins and his Ben Harper poster is considered one of the greatest music posters of all time. Together this Dynamic duo are the creators of 1/6 , a graphic novel that explores what might have been if the events of January 6th went according to plan. You can find out more about 1/6 and get your copies at https://onesixcomicsstore.com/ The Liberation Comedy Project is being incubated by Mediators Foundation and managed by YOUnify .

    1 hr
  3. What's So Funny About...? Episode 14 - IrReverent: Spirituality, Comedy, and the Body Politic

    05/31/2024

    What's So Funny About...? Episode 14 - IrReverent: Spirituality, Comedy, and the Body Politic

    In this special episode of the "What's So Funny About...?" Podcast, IrReverent: Spirituality, Comedy, and the Body Politic, brought to you by the Liberation Comedy Project, we talk with Benjamin-Shalom Rodriguez and Rev. Barbara Ann Michaels. Benjamin-Shalom Rodriguez (he/they) is a queer, Mexican-Israeli-American writer, director, and comedian. Ben's currently developing his half-hour animated comedy, Jesus Versus Zeus, with Sony and completed  season 2 of Stoned Breakups, which he created and hosts. He’s also an educator and filmmaker mentor with Edward James Olmos’ Latino Film Institute/Youth Cinema Project, where they teach students from underfunded schools how to make short films, and a charter member of the queer Latinx writers collective, The Clubhouse. Benjamin is also the director of America's Next Top Immigrant (https://danceswithfilms.com/americas-next-top-immigrant/) and can be followed on Instagram at @lolohgosh and lologosh. Reverend Barbara Ann Michaels, Jester of the Peace, (https://www.jesterofthepeace.com/), is an award-winning interfaith minister, performance artist, humorist, and author on a humanitarian humor mission. She founded the House of Holy Humor, a secular congregation for the humor arts. All faiths and atheists are welcome. Love, art, and humor are her trifecta of tools for emotional well-being. House of Holy Humor delivers playfully serious participatory arts experiences that further love, connection, and healing internationally, often through collaboration with organizations. ​ Her background includes using audience-interactive art and performance to further community and corporate missions at events from galas to trade shows to festivals and parties. She also had a 20 year career as an arts educator in theater and improvisation for adults and youth, amplifying their leadership skills through self-expression and collaboration. As an ordained interfaith minister, she was a wedding officiant for 10 years, specializing in creative ceremonies, including costume and helicopter weddings, for over 550 couples. She performed some of the first legal LGBTQ weddings in New York State. Her definition of a fulfilling life is people finding, giving, and being appreciated for their gifts to humanity - all people seen, heard, celebrated, and connected. She acts for a win-win world. The Liberation Comedy Project is being incubated by Mediators Foundation (https://www.mediatorsfoundation.org/) and managed by YOUnify (https://www.younify.org/).

    52 min
  4. What's So Funny About...? Episode 13 w/ Nick Marx

    05/03/2024

    What's So Funny About...? Episode 13 w/ Nick Marx

    In this episode, of the "What's So Funny About...?" Podcast, brought to you by the Liberation Comedy Project, we talk to Nick Marx co-author of That's Not Funny: How the Right Makes Comedy Work for Them Nick Marx is an Associate Professor of film and media studies, specializing in media studies, media industries, digital media, and American politics and culture.  He is author or co-editor of several books, including Sketch Comedy: Identity, Reflexivity, and American Television (Indiana University Press, 2019), The Comedy Studies Reader (University of Texas Press, 2018), and Saturday Night Live and American TV (Indiana University Press, 2013).  His peer-reviewed research has appeared in The Journal of Cinema and Media Studies, Communication, Culture & Critique, Television and New Media, Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies, and in the anthologies From Networks to Netflix: A Guide to Changing Channels (Routledge, 2022) and How to Watch Television (New York University Press, 2013). Nick's most recent book project is That's Not Funny: How the Right Makes Comedy Work For Them (University of California Press, 2022), which analyzes the cultural influence and economic clout of libertarian and conservative comedians like Joe Rogan, Tim Allen, and Fox News' Greg Gutfeld. You can read an excerpt of the book at New York magazine, and you can follow Nick on Twitter (@marxnick). The Liberation Comedy Project is being incubated by Mediators Foundation (https://www.mediatorsfoundation.org/) and managed by YOUnify (https://www.younify.org/).

    42 min
  5. What's So Funny About...? Episode 12 w/ Philip Ogren

    04/15/2024

    What's So Funny About...? Episode 12 w/ Philip Ogren

    In this episode, of the "What's So Funny About...?" Podcast, brought to you by the Liberation Comedy Project, we talk to comedian and activist, Philip Ogren. Philip lives in Boulder Colorado where he is a housing advocate, political activist, and stand-up comedian.  He also hosts a podcast Sharing Boulder which imagines a more inclusive, affordable, climate-friendly Boulder through the lens of housing and transportation policy and land use reform.   The Liberation Comedy Project is being incubated by Mediators Foundation (https://www.mediatorsfoundation.org/) and managed by YOUnify (https://www.younify.org/).

    48 min
  6. What's So Funny About...? Episode 11 w/ Robin Johnson

    03/13/2024

    What's So Funny About...? Episode 11 w/ Robin Johnson

    In this episode, of the "What's So Funny About...?" Podcast, brought to you by the Liberation Comedy Project, we talk to comedian, Robin Johnson. After more than 20 years of military service, Lieutenant Colonel Johnson, USA, Ret., discovered her new mission in improving people, organizations, and communities with humor. Lieutenant Colonel Johnson is a: Certified Humor Professional (Association for the Applied & Therapeutic Humor) TEDx Speaker HEAL*ARIOUS programs facilitator Nationally touring stand-up comedian Voted Best Charleston Comic 2022 CEO, Best Medicine Brigade Executive Producer Robin Johnson is breaking new ground with her work and is a powerful of example of what is possible when a person chooses to use their talents to serve others. IG: @heal.arious LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/healarious The Liberation Comedy Project is being incubated by Mediators Foundation (https://www.mediatorsfoundation.org/) and managed by YOUnify (https://www.younify.org/).

    49 min
  7. What's So Funny About...? Episode 10 w/ Wali Collins

    02/13/2024

    What's So Funny About...? Episode 10 w/ Wali Collins

    In this episode, of the "What's So Funny About...?" Podcast, brought to you by the Liberation Comedy Project, we talk to Wali Collins, a top NYC comedian and accomplished drummer, transitioned from aspiring architect to a sought-after entertainer. Despite an initial reluctance to try stand-up comedy, his humorous talent flourished, leading to regular featured performances. Hosting Comedy Central's "Stand-up Stand-up," he showcased diverse comedians. Wali's versatility extends to film roles in "Submission" and "Coyote Ugly." Notable TV appearances include Netflix's "The Get Down" and Hulu's "Difficult People." His clean, clever style makes him a corporate events favorite, entertaining major companies and even working with Presidents Bush and Obama, plus Michelle Obama. Explore his YouTube channel, "WAIT. WHAT?! with Wali," for thought-provoking content. You can find out more about Wali's work on instagram at @walicollins and https://www.walicollins.com/. The Liberation Comedy Project is being incubated by Mediators Foundation (https://www.mediatorsfoundation.org/) and managed by YOUnify (https://www.younify.org/).

    55 min
  8. What's So Funny About...? Episode 9 w/ Ryan Niemiller aka Cripple Threat

    01/30/2024

    What's So Funny About...? Episode 9 w/ Ryan Niemiller aka Cripple Threat

    In this episode, of the "What's So Funny About...?" Podcast, brought to you by the Liberation Comedy Project, we talk to Ryan Niemiller aka Cripple Threat. You may know Ryan Niemiller as the disarmingly handsome comedian and 3rd place finalist from America’s Got Talent Season 14. Despite being born with a disability in both arms, Ryan, the self-proclaimed “Cripple Threat of Comedy”, shares his views of the world from the perspective of the handicapped (and very handsome). Ryan began his comedy career in Los Angeles, California, and hasn’t looked back since. He’s a favorite performer in clubs and colleges across the country. His comedy covers topics such as dating, trying to find employment and attempting to find acceptance in a world not designed for him. With his quick wit, good looks, great timing, and a gimmick that only he can exploit, Ryan hopes to prove to the comedy world that he may be unarmed, but he is dangerous. And handsome – in case you missed it the first three times. You can find out more about Ryan and show dates at https://www.cripplethreat.com/ and on Instagram @cripplethreat8.

    1h 4m
See All (16)

About

The What's So Funny About...? Podcast is brought to you by The Liberation Comedy Project (https://liberationcomedy.org). It is hosted by Pedro Silva. The mission of The Liberation Comedy Project is to draw people closer to one another by positively exposing the comedic in the conflicts that distract us from deeper relating across differences. Pedro Silva has been a conscious student of the human experience for most of his life. Fascinated by what makes us do what we do, he has studied culture and human motivation from a variety of angles.

Information

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada