Strong Opinions Loosely Held Season 1 Episode 6 Why We Need Female Comedians Now More Than Ever

In the sixth episode of the first season of Strong Opinions Loosely Held titled "Why We Need Female Comedians Now More Than Ever," host Elisa Kreisinger explores the role of female comedians in our current political and social climate.

Kreisinger interviews comedians Wanda Sykes, Aparna Nancherla, and Samantha Bee to discuss how women use comedy as a tool to challenge the status quo and promote change. The episode delves into how female comedians have been able to tackle taboo subjects like sexual harassment and the wage gap while also making audiences laugh.

One of the main themes of the episode is the idea that women in comedy are often held to different standards than their male counterparts. The guests discuss how female comedians are often judged as "not funny enough," or criticized for being too political or controversial. However, they argue that this negative feedback often stems from a societal discomfort with women who speak their minds and assert themselves.

Kreisinger also highlights the historical context of female comedians, noting that women have been using humor to challenge gender norms and expectations since the suffrage movement. The episode features vintage clips of comediennes like Moms Mabley and Phyllis Diller to highlight this history of women using comedy as a way to challenge the status quo.

The guests also discuss their personal experiences in the comedy industry, including the challenges they face as women of color. They discuss how their race and gender have impacted their careers and how they have had to navigate the industry in different ways than their white, male peers.

Throughout the episode, Kreisinger and her guests make a compelling case for why we need female comedians now more than ever. They argue that comedy provides a powerful platform for women to speak out and challenge societal norms, particularly in an era where women's rights and equality are being threatened.

Overall, "Why We Need Female Comedians Now More Than Ever" is a thought-provoking and entertaining exploration of the role of women in comedy and the impact they have on our culture and politics.