Title: BEST OF: Trae Crowder on Comedy and The Liberal Redneck
Podcast: The Al Franken Podcast
Host: Al Franken
Guest: Trae Crowder (The Liberal Redneck)
Release Date: March 16, 2025

Introduction

In this "Best Of" episode of The Al Franken Podcast, host Al Franken sits down with Trae Crowder, widely recognized as "The Liberal Redneck." The conversation navigates through Crowder's personal history, his journey in comedy, and his distinctive blend of Southern culture with progressive political commentary. This episode offers listeners an engaging mix of humor, heartfelt stories, and insightful analysis on contemporary social and political issues.

Salina, Tennessee: A Town in Transition

Al Franken opens the discussion by highlighting Crowder's roots in Salina, Tennessee—a small town that faced significant economic downturns in the mid to late 1990s. The closure of the Oshkosh Bagash factory led to widespread unemployment, while simultaneously, the town grappled with a surge in pill addiction.

[01:34] Trey Crowder: “Forever and the pills showed up for good at the exact same time in like the mid to, you know, mid to late 90s in Salina. And that combination, just that was it. It was curtains for that town. It's never recovered, you know, to this day.”

Crowder emphasizes how these simultaneous challenges decimated Salina's economy and left enduring scars on the community.

Personal Struggles and Family Dynamics

Crowder delves into his tumultuous family background, recounting his parents' divorce when he was seven. His mother struggled with opioid addiction, leading to legal issues and intermittent custody of Trae and his sister. His father assumed full-time custody, ceasing child support payments, which later resulted in significant debt after his father's untimely death from pancreatic cancer.

[10:30] Trey Crowder: “I knew what the... This lump sum of money was for. I knew it was this back child support. And like at that moment, I said to her, I was like, so. So you're advising me that I need to sell the house my grandmother currently lives in so I can pay y'all my own child support? Is that what's happening here?”

This personal narrative not only highlights the systemic issues surrounding child support but also underscores Crowder's resilience in overcoming familial and financial hardships.

From Education to Early Career

Despite his passion for comedy, Crowder pursued an MBA to secure a stable career while nurturing his comedic talents. He worked at the US Department of Energy in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where he managed government contracts. Although he wasn't directly involved with the Manhattan Project's legacy, his role kept him connected to a significant scientific hub.

[22:11] Trey Crowder: “I had no interest in that starving artist at all, like, because I had grown up poor and everything.”

This pragmatic approach allowed Crowder to balance practicality with his creative aspirations.

The Birth of the Liberal Redneck

Crowder's comedic breakthrough came in 2016 with his "Liberal Redneck" videos, which went viral on social media. These videos cleverly juxtaposed Southern stereotypes with liberal political viewpoints, carving out a unique niche that resonated with a diverse audience.

[35:10] Trey Crowder: “...I realized that, like, if this dude and this thing is what I'm trying to make fun of, then I don't need any kind of fancy setup or camera. In fact, that would be a mistake...”

Inspired by viral content mocking conservative rhetoric, Crowder adopted a raw and unfiltered approach, leveraging humor to challenge and satirize prevailing political narratives.

[37:20] Al Franken: “Let me ask you about that.”

[37:22] Trey Crowder: “Yeah.”

This strategic pivot not only amplified his comedic voice but also positioned him as a prominent voice in political satire.

Navigating Political Identity in the South

A significant portion of the episode explores the complexities of being a liberal in the traditionally conservative South. Crowder discusses the evolving political landscape, noting the shift from working-class Democrats to the entrenched support for figures like Donald Trump.

[42:22] Trey Crowder: “…places like, like, to this day, gay kids get put out on the street by their Christian parents or like that stuff still happens all the time.”

Crowder reflects on the challenges of maintaining a progressive identity amidst widespread conservative attitudes, emphasizing the importance of representation and empathy in his comedic work.

[46:10] Al Franken: “People start saying it out loud. But yeah, I, I feel like not every Trump voter is racist, but every racist is a Trump voter.”

This candid analysis sheds light on the intricate interplay between cultural identity and political allegiance in modern America.

Career Milestones and Future Aspirations

Throughout the conversation, Crowder shares milestones from his career, including selling multiple pilot scripts and engaging in various writing projects. Despite setbacks, such as projects affected by the pandemic, he remains steadfast in his pursuit of expanding his comedic and creative endeavors.

[46:14] Trey Crowder: “Yeah, always touring.... I've just written a feature script that I'm about to try to get read and see what happens.”

Crowder's dedication to his craft is evident as he continues to tour, produce content, and collaborate with industry veterans to bring his vision to broader audiences.

Closing Reflections

As the episode concludes, Crowder expresses his admiration for Al Franken's legacy in comedy and political discourse. The mutual respect between host and guest underscores the episode's theme of bridging cultural divides through humor and understanding.

[46:51] Trey Crowder: “I. I want to say, just so you know, like, as somebody with that background who's a longtime fan of comedy and I grew up watching SNL and all that... I appreciate you having me on it. I think it's very cool because you're awesome. Kind of a legend. So I appreciate it.”

Al Franken wraps up by thanking Trae Crowder for his candidness and contributions, leaving listeners with a profound appreciation for Crowder's unique perspective and enduring commitment to his craft.

Conclusion

This episode of The Al Franken Podcast offers a comprehensive and intimate look into Trae Crowder's life as a comedian navigating the intricate terrains of Southern culture and liberal political ideology. Through heartfelt storytelling and sharp humor, Crowder illustrates the power of comedy as a tool for social commentary and personal expression. Whether you're a fan of comedy, political discourse, or both, this conversation provides valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of being a "Liberal Redneck" in today's America.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Trey Crowder [01:34]: “Forever and the pills showed up for good at the exact same time in like the mid to, you know, mid to late 90s in Salina. And that combination, just that was it. It was curtains for that town. It's never recovered, you know, to this day.”

• Trey Crowder [10:30]: “I knew what the... This lump sum of money was for. I knew it was this back child support. And like at that moment, I said to her, I was like, so. So you're advising me that I need to sell the house my grandmother currently lives in so I can pay y'all my own child support? Is that what's happening here?”

• Trey Crowder [22:11]: “I had no interest in that starving artist at all, like, because I had grown up poor and everything.”

• Trey Crowder [35:10]: “...I realized that, like, if this dude and this thing is what I'm trying to make fun of, then I don't need any kind of fancy setup or camera. In fact, that would be a mistake...”

• Al Franken [46:10]: “People start saying it out loud. But yeah, I, I feel like not every Trump voter is racist, but every racist is a Trump voter.”

• Trey Crowder [46:51]: “I. I want to say, just so you know, like, as somebody with that background who's a longtime fan of comedy and I grew up watching SNL and all that... I appreciate you having me on it. I think it's very cool because you're awesome. Kind of a legend. So I appreciate it.”

This summary captures the essence of the podcast episode by providing a structured overview, integrating key discussions, personal anecdotes, and notable quotes with proper attribution and timestamps.