John Fugelsang on Separation of Church and Hate

Hope is logical. Hope makes perfect sense.

Welcome John Fugelsang:

We’re joined on the Starline by an actor, comedian, writer, TV host, political commentator, television personality, author and radio host of “Tell Me Everything”. His New York Times Bestseller is “Separation of Church and Hate”. We welcome John Fugelsang.

John, let’s go Beyond the Mic. You’re alive because “two people broke a promise to God.” How has comedy helped you avoid therapy?

In today’s polarized political climate, what made you confident you can break down a topic is a way where people would listen?”

In your book you ask “If the Virgin Mary came back, would the Vatican let her say mass?” But in today’s climate, isn’t the deeper question whether anyone would believe who she was who she claimed to be?

Late night TV has always been a reality check on the political climate. What makes right now an important moment for late night TV?

The Rockin’ 8:

His New York Times Bestseller is “Separation of Church and Hate”. We welcome John Fugelsang. John, it’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.

1. Best thing about your child?

2. Are you more like Calvin or Hobbes?

3. Biggest misconception about you?

4. Best interview you ever did was with who?

5. Favorite movie line you quote too often is?

6. Tea or coffee and how many cups before you’re human?

7. Guilty pleasure TV show you’ll actually admit watching?

8. Favorite Travelling Wilbury’s song is obviously is…

The Back Half:

John Fugelsang’s New York Times Bestseller is “Separation of Church and Hate” and he joins us Beyond the Mic for the Back Half. John, what’s your favorite scripture, and how did your parents’ religious background shape, both positively and negatively your relationship with it?

You have said “Inner peace can save your life, but external rage is an adequate backup”. Do you believe today’s world can return to a reasonable time or will rage continue?

Social media has given everyone a megaphone. When did you decide to use yours for outrage or empathy?

“I realize some of you may be starting to get upset, so let me do what my court-appointed therapist calls ‘de-escalation’.” Who do you think will read your book and if you can’t change one mind was it worth it?

Do you think the push to one direction will cause a snap back?

What’s the hardest part about trying to be both funny and faithful to facts in a time where truth is optional?

Who keeps you in check today?

What would your parents think of the book?

We called John back to get him to answer…

Five Impossible Questions:

1. Do you have hope for the future of late night TV and why?

2. Top 5 late night hosts of all time from least to best?

3. Which was the hardest and easiest chapters to write?

4. If you could ask a higher power any one question, what would it be?

5. As fashion shifts, so does society’s pressure on women. As you say in your book “…we’ve ushered in a new Golden Age of Slut-Shaming – a time where the culture, the media, and the men demand women sexualize themselves to prove their societal value, and then punish the ones who dare to enjoy it.” With female to male ratio now increasing every year, will this change?

Sneaking in A Couple More:

Who influences you now?

Best concert you’ve ever see live that wasn’t Bob?

What’s the biggest misconception about your book?

Do you have hope for the future?

What is the one thing you need to change in your own perspective of the world?

One Big Question:

If you could have five uninterrupted minutes with someone who completely disagrees with you, how would you use it and what topic would you discuss?

The Wrap:

He was Calvin but pretends to be Hobbes, freebases coffee and wants you to read his book “Separation of Church and Hate”. John Fugelsang thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is Beyond the Mic.

Check out John Fugelsang’s website here.

Listen to additional Beyond the Mic conversations with comedians here.