Joy Podcast Episode Summary: Craig Ferguson with Moshe Kasher
Released on April 22, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of "Joy," hosted by the storied late-night talk host Craig Ferguson, Ferguson sits down with acclaimed stand-up comedian and author Moshe Kasher. The conversation delves deep into Moshe's personal journey, exploring themes of sobriety, cultural identity, comedy, and more. Throughout the discussion, both hosts share insightful perspectives, peppered with humor and profound reflections on finding joy amidst life's challenges.

1. Sobriety and Personal Transformation

Exploring Early Sobriety and Its Impact

Moshe Kasher opens up about his early experiences with sobriety, sharing how he managed to get clean by the age of 16. This foundational period significantly shaped his identity and worldview.

• Moshe Kasher [06:14]: "It was my first book, Kasher in the Rye. The true tale of a white boy from Oakland who became a drug addict, criminal mental patient and then turned 16."

Craig Ferguson relates to Moshe’s journey, discussing his own three-decade-long sobriety and the complex relationship one can have with their past struggles.

• Craig Ferguson [07:22]: "I feel like that's still what I am. It's just, it's not connected to. It’s more a description of the type of person that I am."

Evolving Understanding of Addiction

As Moshe approaches his mid-30s, he reflects on how his perception of alcoholism has evolved, questioning the rigid definitions he once held.

• Moshe Kasher [08:23]: "I no longer understand the word alcoholic... Nothing about me is the same from when I was 15."

2. Cultural Identity and Judaism

Navigating Jewish Identity in a Modern Context

Moshe discusses the complexities of maintaining his Jewish identity amidst the intertwining of cultural and political agendas, particularly highlighting the Israeli-Palestinian conflict's impact on personal and communal identity.

• Moshe Kasher [26:06]: "Jewish identity has been swallowed whole by political agenda... my relationship with my religion and with my ethnic background has become more complicated and more difficult."

Craig Ferguson shares his own experiences growing up in Scotland during the Cold War, emphasizing how direct cultural encounters can reshape preconceived notions.

• Craig Ferguson [27:56]: "When I went to Russia... realizing that a lot of people in Russia were not... Stalinists, they were kind of... It just gets inhuman."

3. The Art and Evolution of Comedy

Comedy as a Philosophical Tool

The conversation shifts to comedy, with Moshe articulating his concerns about the current state of comedy being influenced by ideological extremes. He critiques how some comedians prioritize their political messages over genuine humor.

• Moshe Kasher [31:04]: "Jokes that are offensive without any point... lack of humor on both sides of the ideological comedy aisle."

Craig Ferguson echoes these sentiments, lamenting the challenges comedians face in balancing humor with social commentary.

• Craig Ferguson [34:14]: "Good comedians to me are just Socratic philosophers."

The Importance of Skill in Comedy

Both hosts emphasize the necessity of mastering comedic craft before delving into more experimental or crowd-centric forms of humor.

• Craig Ferguson [36:25]: "You don’t give a saxophone to someone who's never played one before and they make five different squeaky noises."

4. The Rave Scene and Personal Reinvention

From Sobriety to the Rave Culture

Moshe shares his transformative experience transitioning from sobriety to immersing himself in the rave scene at 16. This period marked a significant shift in his identity and lifestyle.

• Moshe Kasher [43:03]: "I felt like, I couldn't go back to grad school. It's too late. I had to find a way to make it feel refreshing, make it feel useful and meaningful."

Challenges and Identity Crisis

He recounts the difficulties of maintaining his identity as a DJ while facing challenges such as being defrauded by a promoter, leading to his gradual exit from the rave scene.

• Moshe Kasher [52:50]: "I gave up on DJing altogether in that moment."

5. Burning Man and the Evolution of Subcultures

Experiencing Burning Man Over the Years

Moshe discusses his long-term involvement with Burning Man, observing how the event has transformed over 25 years, mirroring broader cultural shifts.

• Moshe Kasher [53:20]: "I've seen it go from the thing it was to the thing it is. And I'm watching it become the thing it will be, which is not as exciting as I would hope."

Craig Ferguson humorously describes his perception of Burning Man, highlighting the generational changes and cultural dilution.

• Craig Ferguson [54:40]: "I always imagine it be like 50, 55 year old men out of shape, walking around wearing shirts and no pants."

6. Parenting and Preserving Individuality

Guiding the Next Generation

The hosts touch upon the challenges of parenting in a digital age, emphasizing the importance of allowing children to discover their unique paths amidst societal pressures.

• Moshe Kasher [56:52]: "I hope that you find things that are uniquely you and find a path that is uniquely yours."

• Craig Ferguson [57:09]: Discusses his son's passion for animation, reflecting on the fulfillment of seeing a child embrace their true interests.

7. The Deaf Community and American Sign Language

Embracing Diversity and Communication

In the final segment, Moshe delves into his experiences as a sign language interpreter and the importance of understanding and respecting different forms of communication.

• Moshe Kasher [69:33]: "I spent a long time as a sign language interpreter... the education of the deaf and American Sign Language."

Craig shares a personal anecdote about learning sign language to support a deaf friend in sobriety.

• Craig Ferguson [70:03]: "I was helping a guy get sober who was deaf... he taught me some sign language."

Notable Quotes

• Craig Ferguson [10:04]: "If I was allergic to peanuts when I was five years old... And I feel like that with me, alcohol is kind of like that."

• Moshe Kasher [31:04]: "If you believe all of the conspiracy theories, you're a bigger fool."

• Moshe Kasher [34:33]: "A thousand percent."

• Craig Ferguson [39:00]: "Throwing everything I could to make it look as fucking absurd as I felt that it was."

• Moshe Kasher [68:42]: "Amen."

Conclusion

This episode of "Joy" offers a profound exploration of personal growth, cultural identity, and the evolving landscape of comedy through the lens of Moshe Kasher. Craig Ferguson skillfully navigates the conversation, allowing Moshe to share his multifaceted experiences and insights. Listeners are left with a deeper understanding of the complexities of finding joy and maintaining authenticity in a world that often feels overwhelming and fragmented.

About Moshe Kasher

Moshe Kasher is a renowned stand-up comedian, author, and podcast host known for his sharp wit and introspective humor. His book, Subculture Vulture, chronicles his adventures through various subcultures, offering a candid look into his journey of self-discovery and resilience.

About Joy Podcast

"Joy" is an iHeartPodcasts series where Craig Ferguson engages with notable guests from diverse fields to discuss the state of joy in today's world. Through heartfelt conversations, the podcast seeks to uncover where joy resides in a seemingly collapsing society.