UCLA PI Name: Alex Franklin
E-Mail: alexfranklin@g.ucla.edu
Expected Weekly Time Commitment: 3-4 hours per week

Job Description:

In the modern era, Standup Comedy and various Comedian-led Podcasts have become intertwined with politics and the ongoing debate over the actions of the current Administration. In fact, in late 2024, a popular Comedian and Podcaster named Marc Maron said: “The anti-woke flank of the new fascism is being driven almost exclusively by comics…They are part of the public face of a fascist political movement that seeks to destroy the democratic idea.”

Usually, Comedians and Podcasters are political outsiders and have a history of being anti-establishment. So in this Research Project, we seek to explore questions such as: How did a group of Comedians and Podcasters who started out defending their right to free speech end up becoming defenders of the current regime? What role do Standup Comedy and Podcasts play in influencing public sentiment on political issues? And…is Marc Maron right?

The members of the Research Team will help by investigating, suggesting and compiling Comedy Specials, Podcasts, Interviews and other materials that center on individuals involved in this controversy.

Preapproved for SRP-99 and SRP-199.

Application Instructions:

Please email your resume’ or CV to alexfranklin@g.ucla.edu.