Podcast Summary: "The Interview": Andrew Schulz, 'Podcast Bro,' Might Be America's Foremost Political Journalist
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Daily
- Host/Author: The New York Times
- Episode: "The Interview": Andrew Schulz, 'Podcast Bro,' Might Be America's Foremost Political Journalist
- Release Date: June 21, 2025
Hosts: Michael Barbaro, Rachel Abrams, and Natalie Kitroeff
Description: This episode delves deep into the career and influence of comedian and podcaster Andrew Schulz. Known for his irreverent and anti-woke stand-up comedy, Schulz has also made a significant impact through his podcasting ventures, positioning himself as a leading voice in political discourse.
1. Introduction and Background
The episode opens with host David Marchese introducing Andrew Schulz, highlighting his rise as a prominent comedian and podcaster. Schulz is recognized for his bold, anti-woke humor and has expanded his influence through popular podcasts like Flagrant with Aakash Singh and Brilliant Idiots with Charlamagne Tha God.
Notable Quote:
- [00:41] David Marchese: "Andrew Schulz has arguably become even better known for his podcasting... which has made him one of the leading lights of the so-called manosphere."
2. Career Rise and Cultural Shifts
Schulz discusses the pivotal moment in his career when he transitioned from struggling to secure traditional stand-up gigs to leveraging the internet to reach a broader audience. By releasing his own special online, he tapped into an appetite for edgy comedy that traditional media was hesitant to promote due to cultural sensitivities at the time.
Notable Quote:
- [03:19] Andrew Schulz: "When I put out a 20-minute version of my special online, I started selling out comedy clubs the very next weekend. That's when I realized there was something significant happening on the internet."
3. Podcasting vs. Stand-Up Comedy
The conversation explores the differences between creating stand-up specials and podcast content. While stand-up relies heavily on live audience reactions and visual cues, podcasts offer a more flexible format where listeners can engage at their own pace, even if they tune in intermittently.
Notable Quote:
- [05:51] David Marchese: "On the podcast, you go for two hours, but do you change your material knowing people might be tuning in and out?"
- [05:57] Andrew Schulz: "We're still going to have the same conversation and endeavor to make you want to tune in the entire time."
4. Integrity and Audience Expectations
Schulz emphasizes the importance of maintaining authenticity over pandering to audience expectations. He acknowledges the temptation to tailor his content for maximum appeal but chooses to prioritize genuine expression, even if it means sacrificing some potential earnings.
Notable Quote:
- [06:48] Andrew Schulz: "If you create something authentic, you're going to make less money, but you maintain your integrity, which is the most important thing for me."
5. Media Labeling and Perception
The discussion shifts to how Schulz's podcasts are perceived and labeled by media and critics. Schulz addresses the criticisms of being part of the "manosphere" and the challenges of being misrepresented through selective excerpts.
Notable Quote:
- [07:40] Andrew Schulz: "We talk for six hours a week on a podcast. A 30-second excerpt, you can do whatever you want with it. And that's the cost of putting out content."
6. Responsibility of Influential Podcasters
Schulz reflects on the responsibilities that come with having a large and diverse audience. He acknowledges that with influence comes the potential to shape political discourse and the importance of using that platform thoughtfully.
Notable Quote:
- [58:21] David Marchese: "What responsibility might come with the authority that popular podcasters have?"
7. Emotional Sensitivity and Personal Growth
Schulz opens up about his personal journey with emotional sensitivity and therapy. He discusses the challenges of articulating feelings in real-time and his commitment to personal growth, especially in the context of his growing responsibilities as a public figure.
Notable Quote:
- [46:23] Andrew Schulz: "I'm working on understanding why I react to certain things and why justice is so important to me."
8. Political Engagement and Interviews
A significant portion of the interview focuses on Schulz's role in political discourse, particularly his interviews with prominent figures like Donald Trump. Schulz defends his approach to interviewing, emphasizing his commitment to asking questions that are personally important to him rather than pandering to audience expectations.
Notable Quote:
- [16:53] Andrew Schulz: "With the Trump interview, I had three things I wanted to ask him... Protecting IVF, empathy for illegals, and foreign wars."
9. Use of Language and Slurs in Comedy
The conversation delves into Schulz's use of derogatory terms in his comedy, discussing the line between offensive language and humor. Schulz explains his selective approach to language, emphasizing context and intent, and debates the evolving standards of what is considered acceptable.
Notable Quote:
- [27:14] Andrew Schulz: "Words can be made harmful by people outside my immediate circle, but I don't want to curtail my speech completely to avoid offending anyone."
10. Influence of Podcasts on Political Discourse
Schulz and Marchese discuss the broader impact of podcasts on politics, considering how influential podcasters like Schulz shape political opinions and the responsibilities that come with their platforms. Schulz argues that podcasts offer a space for more genuine and unfiltered conversations, which can influence listeners' political perspectives.
Notable Quote:
- [61:04] David Marchese: "What influence might popular podcasters be having on politicians and political discourse?"
11. Partisan Shifts and Party Dynamics
Schulz analyzes the shifting dynamics within the Democratic and Republican parties, attributing changes to broader cultural movements and internal party transformations. He posits that parties evolve based on constituent needs and external influences, leading to realignment and shifts in policy priorities.
Notable Quote:
- [35:49] Andrew Schulz: "The Democrats are tied to the same corporations as Republicans, making it hard for them to push back against those influences."
12. Final Thoughts and Future Directions
In concluding the interview, Schulz reflects on his personal growth, ongoing therapy, and aspirations to continue fostering authentic and impactful conversations through his platforms. He emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and maintaining integrity in both his personal life and professional endeavors.
Notable Quote:
- [46:43] Andrew Schulz: "Learning about why I react to certain things and why I care about justice is part of my ongoing journey."
Conclusion: Andrew Schulz emerges in this interview as a multifaceted figure balancing the realms of comedy and political journalism. His commitment to authenticity, coupled with his influence through podcasting, positions him as a significant voice in contemporary political discourse. Schulz's reflections on integrity, responsibility, and personal growth provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by modern podcasters navigating cultural and political landscapes.
Notable Closing Quote:
- [70:34] Andrew Schulz: "We get to talk shit for a living with our friends and interview presidents and historians. This is awesome."