Comedy
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Maggie Su’s protagonist grapples with identity, relationships in ‘Blob: A Love Story’
The protagonist of Maggie Su’s debut novel, “Blob: A Love Story,” is Vi Liu. Vi is a young Taiwanese-American woman who one day discovers a responsive blob and attempts to mold it into her ideal partner, Su tells WPR’s “BETA.”
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‘His fingerprints are quietly on every aspect of it’: Lorne Michaels’ journey with SNL
Author Susan Morrison talked with WPR’s “BETA” about interviewing SNL creator Lorne Michaels, his start in television and the pressure cooker of SNL’s ambitious live format.
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New graphic novel shares childhood stories of comedian and Wisconsin native Chris Farley
A new graphic novel by comedian Kevin Farley and artist Ryan Dunlavey shares stories of Kevin and brother Chris Farley’s childhood in Wisconsin and the role their father played in shepherding them into comedy.
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Charlie Brooker on the universe of ‘Black Mirror’ and new Netflix special, ‘Cunk On Life’
Charlie Brooker recently spoke with WPR’s “BETA” host Doug Gordon, where he talked about Cunk’s deadpan naiveté and the similarities between “Black Mirror” and “The Twilight Zone.”
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Jim Gaffigan brings the funny in ‘The Skinny’ Hulu stand-up special
Jim Gaffigan talks with WPR’s “BETA” about his first comedy special to appear on Hulu, “The Skinny.”
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Inside Wisconsin’s standup comedy scene and the culture of clubs, crowds and comics
Local comedians appreciate the intimacy of Wisconsin comedy clubs and the quality of audiences they provide.
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Jenny Slate shares her most intimate thoughts about motherhood in ‘Lifeform’
Jenny Slate joins WPR’s “BETA” to talk about the complicated beauty of motherhood and how she’s strengthened her connection to herself.
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Comedian Sarah Silverman faces her grief in ‘Postmortem’
Comedian Sarah Silverman grapples with her grief in her stand-up tour, “Postmortem.” She spoke with WPR’s “BETA” host Doug Gordon about how her comedy has evolved, learning from failure and finding comfort in conversation with her audience.
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Eugene Mirman on his life, career and new tour, ‘An Evening of Whimsey and Mild Grievances’
WPR’s “BETA” talks with Eugene Mirman about his funny friends, his latest tour, and his nine-volume comedy album, “Eugene Mirman’s I’m Sorry, You’re Welcome.”
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Simon Rich revisits his ‘Glory Days’
In his new book, “Gory Days,” Simon Rich tells us why the world’s most famous two-dimensional plumber, Super Mario, is having trouble dealing with turning 40.
