Today, host Ali Muldrow is joined by comedian Andrew Wegleitner to talk about how comedy is more important than ever. Wegleitner has been doing stand up for 15 years and got his start right here in Madison, WI. He’s coming back to town to record his debut comedy special on August 3 at the Bur Oak as part of Madison Comedy Week.

Wegleitner talks about how he got his start in comedy, doing stand up at The Pub and Comedy on State. He says that Madison has a very welcoming scene for new comedians. Nevertheless it’s challenging to get a room of people to laugh and to make a living doing it. Wegleitner says that comedy needs risk taking and edge, even if it’s not overtly controversial. But these days the news can feel just as much like satire as it is our reality.

They also discuss the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on the heels of Colbert’s critique of Trump and the merger between Paramount and Skydance. There may be a worry that comedy will be tamed and contained by this political moment, but Wegleitner says that comedy offers us a chance to critique those in power. 

Andrew Wegleitner (10,000 Laughs Festival, Twin Cities Funniest Person finalist) has worked with numerous legendary comics including Louie Anderson, Mary Mack, and Todd Glass. He’s headlined prominent clubs in the Midwest and Colorado such as Sisyphus, The Cellar- Fargo, and Loonees Comedy Corner. He’s performed at such reputable theaters as Dudley Riggs, Paradise Center for the Arts, and The Orpheum in Hancock, MI.  He runs a production company, Co-Dependent Comedy, which regularly headlines some of the best talent in Denver, and his show is a perennial staple of Madison Comedy Week.

Featured image: a photo of Andrew Wegleitner.

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