Comedy has always been a reflection of society, a barometer for what we find acceptable to laugh about and what remains off-limits. But what happens when the lines of comedy and culture start to blur, shift, and evolve?
Join Beyond the Mic for an exclusive interview with Kliph Nesteroff, the ‘Human Encyclopedia of Comedy,’ as he unravels the fascinating history of showbiz and culture wars in his latest book ‘Outrageous.’ Don’t miss this deep dive into the evolution of comedy, TV, and Hollywood’s future in a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.
Welcome Kliph Nesteroff:
We’re joined on the Starline by a best-selling author called the “Human Encyclopedia of Comedy”. Called “provocative” and “essential” spending many years of his life as a stand-up comedian. His’s latest book “Outrageous: A History of Showbiz and the Culture Wars.” We welcome expelled high school class president nominee Mr. Classic Showbiz himself Kliph Nesteroff.
Kliph, let’s go Beyond the Mic. For every comedian who tiptoed the line in the 60’s and 70’s today considered prudes. How has showbiz evolved and culture devolved today?
In 1946 10,000 households with a television set in the US. Today there are nearly 124 million. Milton Berle faced banned for telling jokes in drag. A Minnesota congressman wanted television cleavage regulated. How close are we to that today?
The Back Half:
You once spent 10 minutes out of every our hour at reading a Jerry Lewis Biography. What’s the best thing you remember about Jerry?
Best essay you wrote for WFMU?
Do you still have a working 8mm & or 16mm projector?
One Big Question:
There are so many shows, from Kentucky Fried Movie, Airplane, Blazing Saddles, Tropic Thunder, The Gong Show, Gone with the Wind among others could never remade. Is this a cyclical pattern? Will Hollywood be reduced remaking shows and movies until everything is homogenized?
The Wrap:
“Outrageous: A History of Showbiz and the Culture Wars” is the book, Kliph Nesteroff thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.
And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.
Check out other Beyond the Mic conversations with authors here.
Kliph’s website is here.
