10. Comedian Lisa May on Comedy, Freethought & Challenging Authority

Humanism Now

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“If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.”
― George Bernard Shaw
This week on Humanism Now, Nicole and AJ join James to discuss the relationship between comedy, freethought and humanism. We discuss the role of comedy in challenging authority and changing social norms, our personal comedy heroes and what should be off-limits to joke about?
Plus we're fortunate to present our interview with the incredibly talented London-based comedian, Lisa May. Lisa shares her personal transformation from entrepreneur to comedian and how curiosity, discomfort and connection, have shaped her outlook on life and laughter.
See Lisa May live alongside more top London standups at CLH's Xmas Party Comedy Night on 13 Dec 2023 - in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support.
Episode References:

• George Carlin - The Ten Commandments
• Eddie Izzard - Glorious
• Life Of Brian 1979 Debate
• Comedians in cars getting coffee

About Lisa May:
🔗 Lisa's Homepage
🎤 Standup Lols
📷 @standuplisamay
🐦 @standuplisamay
Lisa's references:

• Kintsugi - Japanese art of repair
• Jung and the value of humour
• The best of Mitch Hedberg

“Blessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light.” - Groucho Marx

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Chapters

1. 10. Comedian Lisa May on Comedy, Freethought & Challenging Authority (00:00:00)

2. PART 1: Panel's fav comedy shows (00:00:30)

3. The relationship between comedy and free-thought (00:06:26)

4. Comics who helped us question doctrine (00:16:08)

5. Monty Python & The Life Of Brian Debate (00:23:44)

6. Do you think religion as a topic is still funny? (00:29:00)

7. Atheist based comedy in other countries (00:31:17)

8. ANNOUNCEMENT: Message from Lucy Potter (00:36:02)

9. PART 2: Lisa May Interview - Lisa's life & inspirations (00:36:51)

10. Seeking out daunting opportunities (00:43:26)

11. Authenticity & openness on stage (00:46:29)

12. Psychology & neuroscience of humour (00:48:31)

13. Comedy's role in society - truth, respect & limits (00:50:38)

14. Advice for anyone starting out in stand-up (00:54:20)

15. Success in comedy & importance of community & laughter (00:58:00)

16. What makes Lisa May laugh? (01:04:22)

17. PART 3: Interview review & limits of comedy (01:07:13)

18. Outro and upcoming events (01:22:29)