5: Why Does Comedy Matter When Everything Feels Broken?

9: Why Are We So Obsessed with Heated Rivalry and Will You Come to My Cottage This Summer?

Episode Information Thank you to everyone who helped bring this episode together. Guest Information  Stacy Brewster (He/Him) Author of What We Pick Up [https://bookshop.org/p/books/what-we-pick-up-stacy-brewster/e89bac9048a48908?ean=9781733724548&next=t&], screenwriter, creative coach, and workshop facilitator https://www.stacybrewster.com/ [https://www.stacybrewster.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-brewster-1b0148/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-brewster-1b0148/] https://www.instagram.com/stacybrew/ [https://www.instagram.com/stacybrew/] Recording and Production Recorded at: XRAY.FM [http://xray.fm] Studios Original Music: Rainezra @rainezra and Vews @pointofvews Audio Editing by: Kye Gilmer @residual_audio Learn More/Sources The following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading. The Celluloid Closet by Vito Russo Foundational book on how Hollywood historically portrayed LGBTQ+ characters through coding, villainization, and tragedy https://www.ucpress.edu/book/9780520250817/the-celluloid-closet [https://www.ucpress.edu/book/9780520250817/the-celluloid-closet] GLAAD Studio Responsibility Index Annual report tracking LGBTQ+ representation in film and television and how it has evolved over time https://www.glaad.org/sri [https://www.glaad.org/sri] “The Hays Code” – American Film Institute Overview of the Motion Picture Production Code and its explicit censorship of queer stories in Hollywood beginning in 1934 https://www.afi.com/news/the-hays-code/ [https://www.afi.com/news/the-hays-code/] Bechdal Test A measure of the representation of women in film and other fiction https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bechdel_test [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bechdel_test] “Ellen DeGeneres Comes Out” – Time (1997 cover story)  Historic mainstream coming-out moment and the backlash that followed  https://time.com/4728994/ellen-degeneres-coming-out-cover/ [https://time.com/4728994/ellen-degeneres-coming-out-cover/] Outsports – LGBTQ+ Athletes Coverage  Ongoing reporting and data on openly LGBTQ+ athletes, including the continued absence of openly gay male players in major leagues like the National Hockey League  https://www.outsports.com [https://www.outsports.com] Canadian Content Regulations – Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission  Explains how Canadian media funding structures support culturally driven and diverse storytelling  https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/cancon.htm [https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/cancon.htm] Brokeback Mountain – Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences overview Landmark queer film that helped shift mainstream visibility while still reflecting tragedy-based storytelling https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2006 [https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2006] Variety – Industry & Viewership Reporting  Entertainment industry reporting on streaming performance and audience data, including coverage relevant to Heated Rivalry https://variety.com [https://variety.com] “The Celluloid Closet” documentary (1995)  Film adaptation of Vito Russo’s work with visual examples of queer coding and censorship in Hollywood  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112651/ [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112651/] “Queer Representation in Film and Television” – UCLA Williams Institute  Research and data on LGBTQ+ visibility and representation in media  https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu [https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu] “LGBTQ Inclusion in Sports” – Human Rights Campaign  Research and reporting on LGBTQ+ participation and inclusion in athletics  https://www.hrc.org/resources/sports [https://www.hrc.org/resources/sports]

8: Why Are We Still Debating Climate Change When Action Is the Only Option?

Climate change is no longer theoretical. The measurements are clear and the impacts are already here. So why are we still debating instead of acting? Michael talks with climate activist and comedian Brian Ettling about climate communication, political will, and how ordinary people can push real change.  Guest Information  Brian Ettling (He/Him) Climate Activist/Comedian https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-ettling-97853226/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-ettling-97853226/] https://www.instagram.com/brian.ettling/ [https://www.instagram.com/brian.ettling/] https://climatechangecomedian.com/ [https://climatechangecomedian.com/] Recording and Production Recorded at: XRAY.FM [http://xray.fm] Studios Original Music: Rainezra @rainezra and Vews @pointofvews Audio Editing by: Kye Gilmer @residual_audio Learn More/Sources The following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading. Tracks global temperature trends and confirms recent years as the warmest on record. https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/global-temperature/ [https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/global-temperature/] Annual climate summary confirming record global temperatures and major climate trends. https://www.noaa.gov/news/2023-was-warmest-year-on-record [https://www.noaa.gov/news/2023-was-warmest-year-on-record] Long-running measurements showing atmospheric carbon dioxide now exceeding 420 parts per million. https://gml.noaa.gov/ccgg/trends/ [https://gml.noaa.gov/ccgg/trends/] Historic dataset visualizing the steady rise of atmospheric carbon dioxide since the 1950s. https://keelingcurve.ucsd.edu/ [https://keelingcurve.ucsd.edu/] Database tracking U.S. weather and climate disasters that caused more than one billion dollars in damage. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/billions/ [https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/billions/] Global report documenting rising deaths and economic losses from extreme weather and climate disasters. https://public.wmo.int/en/resources/library/atlas-of-mortality-and-economic-losses [https://public.wmo.int/en/resources/library/atlas-of-mortality-and-economic-losses] Overview of the catastrophic 2022 floods in Pakistan that affected more than 30 million people. https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/pakistan-floods [https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/pakistan-floods] Analysis of the 2023 Canadian wildfire season and the smoke that spread across much of the United States. https://www.noaa.gov/news/record-canadian-wildfires-2023 [https://www.noaa.gov/news/record-canadian-wildfires-2023] Explains how rising sea levels are causing regular coastal flooding even without storms. https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/nuisance-flooding.html [https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/nuisance-flooding.html] Satellite data tracking global sea level rise due to melting ice and warming oceans. https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/sea-level/ [https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/sea-level/] Major global scientific report summarizing the causes, evidence, and impacts of climate change. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/synthesis-report/ [https://www.epa.gov/climate-change/endangerment-finding] Report explaining how climate change is affecting infrastructure, agriculture, health, and communities in the United States. https://nca2023.globalchange.gov/ [https://nca2023.globalchange.gov/] Explains the federal determination that greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare. https://www.epa.gov/climate-change/endangerment-finding [https://www.epa.gov/climate-change/endangerment-finding] Landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision confirming that greenhouse gases can be regulated under the Clean Air Act. https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/06pdf/05-1120.pdf [https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/06pdf/05-1120.pdf] Overview explaining PFAS “forever chemicals” and their environmental and health risks. https://www.epa.gov/pfas [https://www.epa.gov/pfas] Overview of global plastic pollution and how it spreads through oceans and ecosystems. https://www.unep.org/plastic-pollution [https://www.unep.org/plastic-pollution] Scientific research showing microplastics have been detected in human blood samples. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412022001258 [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412022001258] Analysis explaining how extreme weather and electrification are increasing strain on power grids. https://www.iea.org/reports/electricity-grids-and-secure-energy-transitions [https://www.iea.org/reports/electricity-grids-and-secure-energy-transitions] Analysis of how climate-related extreme weather affects agriculture and global food prices. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/agriculture/brief/food-security-update [https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/agriculture/brief/food-security-update] Overview of major U.S. investments in clean energy, manufacturing, and climate technology. https://www.energy.gov/inflation-reduction-act [https://www.energy.gov/inflation-reduction-act] Congressional resolution outlining a framework connecting climate action with jobs, infrastructure, and economic reform. https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-resolution/109 [https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-resolution/109]

7: Why Are Trans People Forced to Justify Their Existence?

Episode Information Thank you to everyone who helped bring this episode together. Guest Information  Rhodes Perry (He/Him) Founder and CEO of Rhodes Perry Consulting [https://www.rhodesperry.com/] Author of Belonging at Work and Imagine Belonging https://www.linkedin.com/company/rhodesperryconsulting [https://www.linkedin.com/company/rhodesperryconsulting] Recording and Production Recorded at: XRAY.FM [http://xray.fm/] Studios Original Music: Rainezra @rainezra and Vews @pointofvews Audio Engineer/Editor: Kyle Gilmer @residual_audio Learn More/Sources The following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading. Transgender and nonbinary population estimates in the U.S. This provides the widely cited estimate that about 2.8 million people in the U.S. age 13+ identify as transgender or nonbinary, and about 3.3% of teens do, and explains limitations in the data. https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/press/trans-pop-estimates-press-release/ [https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/press/trans-pop-estimates-press-release/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Why trans and nonbinary people are undercounted in surveys Explains gaps in data collection on sexual orientation and gender identity and why many surveys miss people or why people may not answer honestly. https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/issues/data-collection/ [https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/issues/data-collection/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] National survey on trans adults’ lived experiences (KFF/Washington Post) Large survey covering healthcare, discrimination, safety, and daily life for trans adults in the U.S. https://www.kff.org/lgbtq/kff-the-washington-post-trans-survey/ [https://www.kff.org/lgbtq/kff-the-washington-post-trans-survey/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] What intersex traits are and how common they are (Cleveland Clinic) Explains intersex variations and commonly cited prevalence ranges around 1 to 2 percent. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/16324-intersex [https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/16324-intersex?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Global intersex awareness and human rights framing (UN Free & Equal / OHCHR) Explains intersex traits, human rights concerns, and global context. https://www.unfe.org/what-we-do/our-campaigns/intersex-awareness [https://www.unfe.org/what-we-do/our-campaigns/intersex-awareness?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Human Rights Watch report on medically unnecessary intersex surgeries in the U.S. Documents nonconsensual surgeries on intersex infants and children and the harms caused, and shows they have continued into modern times. https://www.hrw.org/report/2017/07/25/i-want-be-nature-made-me/medically-unnecessary-surgeries-intersex-children-us [https://www.hrw.org/report/2017/07/25/i-want-be-nature-made-me/medically-unnecessary-surgeries-intersex-children-us?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Human Rights Watch update urging an end to nonconsensual intersex surgeries More recent expert and human rights calls to stop these practices. https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/09/04/experts-urge-end-nonconsensual-intersex-surgeries [https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/09/04/experts-urge-end-nonconsensual-intersex-surgeries?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Marsha P. Johnson biography (Encyclopaedia Britannica) Authoritative overview of her life and role in LGBTQ+ history. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marsha-P-Johnson [https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marsha-P-Johnson?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Sylvia Rivera biography (Encyclopaedia Britannica) Authoritative overview of her life and activism. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sylvia-Rivera [https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sylvia-Rivera?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Compton’s Cafeteria Riot historical overview (PBS) Explains the 1966 uprising by trans and gender nonconforming people in San Francisco, years before Stonewall. https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/blog/premarketplace-history-the-comptons-cafeteria-riot-made-history-years-before-stonewall [https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/blog/premarketplace-history-the-comptons-cafeteria-riot-made-history-years-before-stonewall] The “three-article rule” and criminalization of drag and cross-dressing (History.com [http://History.com]) Explains how police used clothing laws to arrest gender nonconforming people. https://www.history.com/articles/stonewall-riots-lgbtq-drag-three-article-rule [https://www.history.com/articles/stonewall-riots-lgbtq-drag-three-article-rule?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Timeline of anti-cross-dressing laws in the U.S. (PBS NewsHour) Shows how these laws were used historically across the country. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/arresting-dress-timeline-anti-cross-dressing-laws-u-s [https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/arresting-dress-timeline-anti-cross-dressing-laws-u-s?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Trump executive order on “gender ideology” (January 20, 2025) Official White House text declaring the federal government recognizes only two sexes. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/defending-women-from-gender-ideology-extremism-and-restoring-biological-truth-to-the-federal-government/ [https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/defending-women-from-gender-ideology-extremism-and-restoring-biological-truth-to-the-federal-government/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Trump executive order on military policy (January 27, 2025) Directs the Department of Defense to revise policies related to gender identity and service. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/prioritizing-military-excellence-and-readiness/ [https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/prioritizing-military-excellence-and-readiness/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Reuters reporting on Supreme Court allowing trans military ban and Hegseth quote Includes the “No more pronouns. No more dudes in dresses” quote and legal context. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-supreme-court-lets-trumps-transgender-military-ban-take-effect-2025-05-06/ [https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-supreme-court-lets-trumps-transgender-military-ban-take-effect-2025-05-06/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Reuters reporting on Pentagon separation timeline for trans service members Explains the 30 and 60 day timelines and how the policy is implemented. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-military-start-kicking-out-transgender-troops-next-month-memo-says-2025-05-08/ [https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-military-start-kicking-out-transgender-troops-next-month-memo-says-2025-05-08/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Military Times reporting on the impact of the separation policy Covers how many service members may be affected and how the policy works in practice. https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2025/05/08/up-to-1000-transgender-troops-being-separated-under-new-pentagon-memo/ [https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2025/05/08/up-to-1000-transgender-troops-being-separated-under-new-pentagon-memo/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Williams Institute study on public accommodations and bathroom safety Shows that nondiscrimination laws did not increase safety incidents in Massachusetts. https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/ma-public-accommodations/ [https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/ma-public-accommodations/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] ABC News coverage of Nancy Mace bathroom ban effort Explains the Capitol bathroom controversy and the political context. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/mace-effort-ban-transgender-women-capitols-womens-restrooms/story?id=116009034 [https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/mace-effort-ban-transgender-women-capitols-womens-restrooms/story?id=116009034&utm_source=chatgpt.com] Animal Pride documentary program page (PBS International) Overview of the documentary about same-sex behavior, sex-changing species, and intersex traits in animals. https://pbs.org/programs/animal-pride [https://pbs.org/programs/animal-pride] UC Berkeley explainer on sex-changing fish Explains sequential hermaphroditism in species like clownfish and wrasses. https://evolution.berkeley.edu/fisheye-view-tree-of-life/gender-bending-fish/ [https://evolution.berkeley.edu/fisheye-view-tree-of-life/gender-bending-fish/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Natural History Museum explainer on same-sex behavior in animals Shows how widespread same-sex behavior is across many species. https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/gay-natural-history.html [https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/gay-natural-history.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com] VICE reporting on Grindr usage spike during the 2016 RNC Early reporting on increased Grindr usage around a conservative political event. https://www.vice.com/en/article/clear-vp-turnout-grindr-during-the-rnc [https://www.vice.com/en/article/clear-vp-turnout-grindr-during-the-rnc] Newsweek reporting on Grindr app spike/crash around the 2024 RNC More recent coverage of the same phenomenon. https://www.newsweek.com/grindr-app-crashes-milwaukee-rnc-1927750 [https://www.newsweek.com/grindr-app-crashes-milwaukee-rnc-1927750?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Pornhub Year in Review trends coverage Secondary reporting on adult search trends including trans-related content, useful for the “public panic vs private reality” point. https://www.them.us/story/pornhub-2025-top-searches-most-viewed-lesbian-femboy-lgbt-trends [https://www.them.us/story/pornhub-2025-top-searches-most-viewed-lesbian-femboy-lgbt-trends?utm_source=chatgpt.com] WPATH Standards of Care Version 8 International clinical guidelines supporting gender affirming care. https://wpath.org/publications/soc8/ [https://wpath.org/publications/soc8/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Peer-reviewed article on outcomes and standards of care (PMC) Academic publication discussing standards, outcomes, and evidence base. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9553112/ [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9553112/] American Academy of Pediatrics reaffirmation of gender affirming care Shows major U.S. pediatric medical body supports evidence-based care. https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/25340/AAP-reaffirms-gender-affirming-care-policy [https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/25340/AAP-reaffirms-gender-affirming-care-policy?utm_source=chatgpt.com] American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry statement Professional organization supporting access to gender affirming healthcare. https://www.aacap.org/aacap/Policy_Statements/2024/Access_Gender-Affirming_Healthcare.aspx [https://www.aacap.org/aacap/Policy_Statements/2024/Access_Gender-Affirming_Healthcare.aspx?utm_source=chatgpt.com]

6: Why Don’t Americans Acknowledge That Black History Is American History, and How Can We Change That?

Episode Information Thank you to everyone who helped bring this episode together. And thank you to Black Americans, past and present, whose labor, creativity, leadership, and perseverance have shaped this country from its beginning. They did not just influence the United States. They helped build it and continue to move it forward. Featured Voices Kevin Cook/Poison Waters Deanna Smith  Milo Reed Recording and Production Recorded at: XRAY.FM [http://xray.fm/] Studios Original Music: Rainezra @rainezra and Vews @pointofvews Audio Engineer/Editor: Kyle Gilmer @residual_audio Learn More/Sources The following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading. Origins of Black History Month (Carter G. Woodson, 1926, Negro History Week) https://www.zinnedproject.org/news/tdih/carter-woodson-black-history-month/ [https://www.zinnedproject.org/news/tdih/carter-woodson-black-history-month/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Why February (Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln birthdays) https://www.britannica.com/story/why-is-black-history-month-celebrated-in-february [https://www.britannica.com/story/why-is-black-history-month-celebrated-in-february?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Overview of Black History Month history and evolution https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/black-history-month [https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/black-history-month?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Presidential recognition of Black History Month (Gerald Ford, 1976) https://ford.blogs.archives.gov/2024/02/01/recognition-of-black-history-month/ [https://ford.blogs.archives.gov/2024/02/01/recognition-of-black-history-month/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Carter G. Woodson biography and mission https://www.naacp.org/find-resources/history-explained/civil-rights-leaders/carter-g-woodson/ [https://www.naacp.org/find-resources/history-explained/civil-rights-leaders/carter-g-woodson/] Slavery as a central economic system in U.S. history https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/slavery [https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/slavery] Cotton and slavery’s role in building American wealth https://www.britannica.com/topic/cotton-trade [https://www.britannica.com/topic/cotton-trade] Jim Crow laws as a legal system of segregation https://www.history.com/topics/early-20th-century-us/jim-crow-laws [https://www.history.com/topics/early-20th-century-us/jim-crow-laws] Black Codes and post-emancipation control systems https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-codes [https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-codes] Convict leasing after the Civil War https://www.britannica.com/topic/convict-lease-system [https://www.britannica.com/topic/convict-lease-system] Redlining and federal housing policy (HOLC maps, 1930s) https://www.history.com/news/housing-segregation-new-deal-program [https://www.history.com/news/housing-segregation-new-deal-program] Redlining and its impact on generational wealth https://ncrc.org/holc-health/ [https://ncrc.org/holc-health/] Civil Rights Act of 1964 https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/civil-rights-act [https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/civil-rights-act] Voting Rights Act of 1965 https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/voting-rights-act [https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/voting-rights-act] Fair Housing Act of 1968 https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/fair_housing_act_overview [https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/fair_housing_act_overview] James Baldwin quote on history and the present https://www.brainpickings.org/2013/08/14/james-baldwin-history/ [https://www.brainpickings.org/2013/08/14/james-baldwin-history/] African rice cultivation knowledge and Carolina economies https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/the-gullah-geechee-and-rice-culture.htm [https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/the-gullah-geechee-and-rice-culture.htm] George Washington Carver and sustainable agriculture https://www.britannica.com/biography/George-Washington-Carver [https://www.britannica.com/biography/George-Washington-Carver] Henry Blair patents (seed and cotton planters) https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/blair-henry-1807-1860/ [https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/blair-henry-1807-1860/] Norbert Rillieux and modern sugar refining https://www.britannica.com/biography/Norbert-Rillieux [https://www.britannica.com/biography/Norbert-Rillieux] Jan Matzeliger and shoe manufacturing automation https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jan-Ernst-Matzeliger [https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jan-Ernst-Matzeliger] Garrett Morgan and the gas mask and traffic signal https://www.britannica.com/biography/Garrett-A-Morgan [https://www.britannica.com/biography/Garrett-A-Morgan] Sister Rosetta Tharpe and the origins of rock and roll https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/sister-rosetta-tharpe-godmother-rock-n-roll-180963600/ [https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/sister-rosetta-tharpe-godmother-rock-n-roll-180963600/] Harriet Tubman and the Combahee River Raid https://www.nps.gov/articles/harriet-tubman-combahee-river-raid.htm [https://www.nps.gov/articles/harriet-tubman-combahee-river-raid.htm] Hidden Figures and Black women at NASA https://www.nasa.gov/feature/hidden-figures-the-women-who-helped-win-the-space-race/ [https://www.nasa.gov/feature/hidden-figures-the-women-who-helped-win-the-space-race/] Audre Lorde and “the master’s tools” https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/lorde-audre-1934-1992/ [https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/lorde-audre-1934-1992/] Angela Davis on prisons, policing, and systemic racism https://www.britannica.com/biography/Angela-Davis [https://www.britannica.com/biography/Angela-Davis] bell hooks on education and liberation https://www.britannica.com/biography/bell-hooks [https://www.britannica.com/biography/bell-hooks] Ida B. Wells and anti-lynching investigations https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ida-B-Wells-Barnett [https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ida-B-Wells-Barnett] Black Lives Matter movement origins https://www.britannica.com/topic/Black-Lives-Matter [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Black-Lives-Matter]

5: Why Does Comedy Matter When Everything Feels Broken?

Episode Information Huge thank you to everyone who helped bring this episode together. After we wrapped, I realized I forgot to shout out a few absolute legends like Carol Burnett and Mary Tyler Moore. I also didn’t get to name some of the incredible women in comedy I love and admire so much, including Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, and Kristen Wiig. And Catherine O’Hara deserves special love too. While she isn’t a stand-up comedian, her ability to make me and so many others laugh is truly unmatched. There are honestly too many brilliant people to list, but I hope you have someone in your life who makes you laugh whether that’s a comedian you love, a family member, a coworker, or a friend. We all deserve a little more laughter.  Guest Information  Belinda Carroll (She/Her), Comedian, Activist IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6509199/ [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6509199/] Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belinda_Carroll_(comedian) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belinda_Carroll_(comedian)] Instagram: @belindacomedy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@belinda_comedy [https://www.tiktok.com/@belinda_comedy] Recording and Production Recorded at: XRAY.FM [http://xray.fm/] Studios Original Music: Rainezra @rainezra and Vews @pointofvews Audio Engineer/Editor: Kyle Gilmer @residual_audio Learn More/Sources The following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading. Proverbs 17:22 (Bible) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+17%3A22&version=NRSVUE [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+17%3A22&version=NRSVUE] Norman Cousins, Anatomy of an Illness https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/32961/anatomy-of-an-illness-as-perceived-by-the-patient-by-norman-cousins/ [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/32961/anatomy-of-an-illness-as-perceived-by-the-patient-by-norman-cousins/] Laughter and stress hormones, Berk et al., American Journal of the Medical Sciences https://journals.lww.com/amjmedsci/Abstract/1989/12000/Neuroendocrine_and_Stress_Hormone_Changes_During.1.aspx [https://journals.lww.com/amjmedsci/Abstract/1989/12000/Neuroendocrine_and_Stress_Hormone_Changes_During.1.aspx] Mayo Clinic on stress relief from laughter https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456 [https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456] Charlie Chaplin, Modern Times (1936) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0027977/ [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0027977/] Great Depression unemployment data, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2012/10/art1full.pdf [https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2012/10/art1full.pdf] Mel Brooks, The Producers (1967) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063462/ [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063462/] Mel Brooks on making Hitler ridiculous https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/mel-brooks-on-making-hitler-ridiculous-180962498/ [https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/mel-brooks-on-making-hitler-ridiculous-180962498/] Mark Twain lecture tours and humor https://www.pbs.org/marktwain/learnmore/writings_humor.html [https://www.pbs.org/marktwain/learnmore/writings_humor.html] Dick Gregory biography and civil rights comedy https://www.biography.com/performer/dick-gregory [https://www.biography.com/performer/dick-gregory] Dick Gregory: Beyond the Laughter documentary https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101688/ [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101688/] Lenny Bruce obscenity trials https://www.aclu.org/documents/trials-lenny-bruce [https://www.aclu.org/documents/trials-lenny-bruce] Lenny Bruce: Swear to Tell the Truth documentary https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120715/ [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120715/] Bob Hope USO history https://www.uso.org/stories/1942-bob-hope-and-the-uso [https://www.uso.org/stories/1942-bob-hope-and-the-uso] George Carlin on political language https://www.openculture.com/2013/02/george_carlin_on_soft_language.html [https://www.openculture.com/2013/02/george_carlin_on_soft_language.html] George Carlin books https://www.georgecarlin.com/books/ [https://www.georgecarlin.com/books/] Richard Pryor documentary Omit the Logic https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2486682/ [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2486682/] Eddie Murphy Delirious https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085478/ [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085478/] Eddie Murphy Raw https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093855/ [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093855/] I Love Lucy “Job Switching” chocolate factory episode https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0609194/ [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0609194/] I Love Lucy “Lucy Does a Commercial” Vitameatavegamin episode https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0609186/ [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0609186/] Joan Rivers documentary A Piece of Work https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1558250/ [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1558250/] Robin Williams Live on Broadway https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0303781/ [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0303781/] Mrs. Doubtfire https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107614/ [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107614/] The Birdcage https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115685/ [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115685/] SNL returns after 9/11 https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/snl-returns-after-9-11-flna1c9462991 [https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/snl-returns-after-9-11-flna1c9462991] Jon Stewart “Can we be funny?” story https://www.vulture.com/2016/09/jon-stewart-snl-911-oral-history.html [https://www.vulture.com/2016/09/jon-stewart-snl-911-oral-history.html] The Daily Show https://www.cc.com/shows/the-daily-show [https://www.cc.com/shows/the-daily-show] Full Frontal with Samantha Bee https://www.tbs.com/shows/full-frontal-with-samantha-bee [https://www.tbs.com/shows/full-frontal-with-samantha-bee] Last Week Tonight with John Oliver https://www.hbo.com/last-week-tonight-with-john-oliver [https://www.hbo.com/last-week-tonight-with-john-oliver] The Colbert Report https://www.cc.com/shows/the-colbert-report [https://www.cc.com/shows/the-colbert-report] Have I Got News for You https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mkw3 [https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mkw3] The Golden Girls https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088526/ [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088526/] Broad City https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2578560/ [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2578560/] Parks and Recreation https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1266020/ [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1266020/] Support the show All American Why is independently produced and listener supported. 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