Episode 588: Shining Light on Serious Topics ft. Myq Kaplan

by Jasmin and Mariann April 17, 2021

We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Myq Kaplan back to the podcast this week for an episode guaranteed to make you laugh! A renowned comedian and vegan activist, Myq tells Jasmin how he uses humor as a means to speak his truth regarding animals and veganism—without alienating his audience. Myq shares how he works to weave social justice advocacy into his stand-up comedy and tells us why this is of utmost importance to him as a white, cisgendered man. Myq discusses his multi-pronged approach to social change, how he’s working to propel the vegan movement forward, and why it’s important to ensure your audience that you’re on the same team.
Myq is a vegan stand-up comedian who has appeared on the Tonight Show, Conan, Letterman, James Corden, Seth Meyers, Comedy Central, Last Comic Standing, and America’s Got Talent. His first album, Vegan Mind Meld, was one of iTunes’ top 10 comedy albums of the year. His newest album, A.K.A., debuted at number one and was included among The New York Times’ five “coronavirus best new comedy specials … to remind you of the old normal” for being “invigoratingly funny.” Myq also has a one-hour standup special on Amazon, Small, Dork, and Handsome, and two podcasts, The Faucet and Broccoli and Ice Cream.

“The wonderful thing about comedy is that it’s not necessarily only about bright, shiny, light things. In fact, it’s often about shining that light on serious topics with humor.” -Myq Kaplan

Highlights:

How Myq feels about the pressure on comedians to constantly be funny
The difference between self-deprecating and thoughtful comedy in prompting meaningful discussions
The importance of understanding the effect of the language we use on others
How thought-provoking comedy can work to highlight social issues and the nuances of promoting a deeper understanding of animals without sounding facile
The ways people present to the world and how that can work for or against them as they work toward their goals
Why speaking up for marginalized communities through comedy is walking a fine line between inclusion and judgment
How Myq uses humor to propel the vegan movement forward and not alienate anyone in the community

Connect with Myq Kaplan:

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This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World. A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org.

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