Podcast Summary: The Gist - "Funny You Should Mention: Myq Kaplan"
Date: November 21, 2025
Host: Mike Pesca
Guest: Myq Kaplan (comedian)
Episode Length: ~85 minutes (excluding ads)
Overview
In this episode of The Gist, host Mike Pesca sits down with comedian and self-identified philosopher Myq Kaplan. The conversation dives into the intersections of comedy, philosophy, language, and love, using Myq’s new special, "Renee," as a jumping-off point. The discussion is equal parts introspective and playful, exploring questions of genre, self-definition, the boundaries of art forms, and the paradoxes of human relationships.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Are Comedians Philosophers?
[10:25-14:22]
- Pesca asks Kaplan if comedians are philosophers, referencing the intro to Myq’s new special.
- Myq explores defining what makes one a comedian or a philosopher, emphasizing the act ("the doing") over credentials or external validation.
"I do think that what makes someone either a comedian or a philosopher is in the doing. What do you do?" — Myq ([13:25])
Memorable Exchange:
- On self-definition and authority:
"I’m generally for self-definition for anything... not for doctors..." — Myq ([11:03]) "There is a band exception, I think." — Pesca ([11:18])
2. The Gricean Maxims & The Philosophy of Jokes
[14:22-17:10]
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Myq introduces Gricean maxims of conversation and how jokes intentionally violate norms for comedic effect.
"Quality is you’re telling them the truth. Quantity is you’re giving them as much information as they need, but not specifically more..." — Myq ([14:52])
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Discussion of how online commenters challenge his status as a comedian leads into a recurring bit between the hosts about the meaning of "pal" and definitions.
"Words have meaning, pal. And I'm like, what does the meaning of pal have to do with this?" — Myq ([17:10])
3. The Sorites (Heap) Paradox & Relationship Binary Thinking
[17:10-24:51]
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Pesca relates the Sorites Paradox (when does a collection of grains become a heap?) to Myq’s special and his transition from polyamory to monogamy.
"Life isn't defined clearly in binaries... your special is very much getting at the nature of non-binaries, not literally non-binary in terms of sexuality, but not binaries and not living life with binaries." — Pesca ([19:40])
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Myq discusses personal transitions: his relationship, sobriety, and starting comedy, noting how all resist clean, binary beginnings.
"When does a relationship become a marriage? In some states, at seven years – that is when you have a heap of relationship." — Myq ([19:48])
4. Linguistics: Spectrum, Definitions, and 'True Names'
[26:04-30:45]
- Myq draws parallels between color spectrums, sound spectrums (the transition between 'p' and 'b' sounds), and naming—how subtle shifts become categorical jumps.
"Our brains... you will not hear it changing. You'll just hear P... and then at some point, B." — Myq ([27:33])
- The ever-changing nature of words, place names, and the idea from Ursula Le Guin’s Earthsea books: "true names" as a form of power.
Notable Quote:
"There is ultimately no underlying like true name reality... every word that we're saying, like, originally didn't exist. And then at some point somebody's like, ah, move my mouth like this. And then we understand it to mean this." — Myq ([29:00])
5. Genres, Guinness Records & Comedy’s Fuzzy Edges
[33:42-41:46]
- Myq recounts participating in a week-long Guinness comedy show, and the absurdity of setting rigid rules for what "counts" as comedy (had to have at least 12 audience members, a comedian must always be on stage, etc.).
- Extended riffing on how genres and boundaries (in both comedy and music) are marketing inventions rather than intrinsic to the art form.
"There are as many genres of art as there are artists." — Myq ([49:07]) "Comedy can infuse everything... genre is usually there to help us..." — Myq ([39:54])
Highlight:
- Myq applies the "paradox of the heap" not just to careers and relationships, but to the very act of categorizing comedy and art.
6. Who Gets to Define Good Comedy?
[47:23-53:38]
- Pesca and Myq discuss the hypothetical "governing board" of comedy. Myq suggests community, peer referencing, and influence as the organic arbiters, rather than official panels.
"If you do that, you'll find...a few list of names that get...as you keep doing iterations, it's sort of like ranked voting." — Myq ([53:02])
7. Involuntary Laughter & Comedy versus Other Art
[56:41-61:23]
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Pesca proposes a thought experiment: What if comedy didn’t provoke involuntary laughter? Would it be more "intellectual," akin to head-nodding at poetry or art?
"That's very good. It's more heady and it's more transgressive also." — Pesca ([57:24])
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Myq recalls his transition from being easily delighted fan to a performer and how comedians often shift from contagious laughter to nodding in appreciation: "That’s funny."
"When do you...switch from not a comedian to yes, a comedian is when you go from laughing all the time to saying that's funny from the back of the room..." — Myq ([61:08])
8. Uxoriousness, Love, and Relationship Material in Comedy
[62:25-83:39]
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Discussion dives into Myq’s monogamous relationship with his partner Rini, the rare outpouring of positive material about a comedian’s partner, and whether that’s a comedic challenge.
"My relationship with Rini is unlike any that I’ve ever experienced..." — Myq ([70:29]) "I’m more Rene-algamous. You know what I mean?" — Myq ([70:13])
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Extended reflections on comedy’s conventions about wives (complaints, insults, etc.) and how Myq’s sincere adulation is both unique and, to some, potentially comedic risk.
"I've never seen it done, what you're doing, which is just this huge outpouring of love without anything like an insult, with complimenting her for being funnier than you are." — Pesca ([75:03])
9. On Truth in Comedy and Artistic Authenticity
- Myq explains why he prefers his audience to know what’s true, using comedian Anthony Jeselnik as a counterpoint.
"...the truth of [my jokes] is that they delight me." — Myq ([83:41])
- References to Jacqueline Novak’s observation that Myq is "a man obsessed with words," highlighting his linguistic play and self-awareness.
Notable Quotes & Moments
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On defying binary definitions:
"It's not at one point. It's not when that third person or eighth person fails to show up... life isn't defined clearly in binaries." — Pesca ([18:29])
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On comedy genres:
"Barry and Breaking Bad are identical. Whatever genre one is, the other one is, because they're both so funny... such high art..." — Myq ([39:54])
-
On comedy’s governing body:
"If you do that...eventually you'll get...a few list of names that get...as you keep doing iterations, it's sort of like ranked voting." — Myq ([53:02])
-
On Uxoriousness:
"I’m more Rene-algamous. You know what I mean?" — Myq ([70:13])
-
On authenticity and truth in comedy:
"I like the audience to know what is real. Not everything that I say is literally 100% true with no exaggeration, but..." — Myq ([79:15])
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 10:25 – Comedian vs. philosopher discussion
- 14:22 – Gricean maxims and what makes a joke
- 17:10 – Heap paradox applied to relationships
- 19:40 – Binary vs. non-binary thinking about life/relationships
- 26:04 – Linguistic spectrums: P vs. B, color, and names
- 33:42 – Guinness comedy record story
- 39:54 – Music genres, comedy, and boundaries
- 47:23 – Who decides what’s good in comedy?
- 56:41 – The thought experiment: laughter as involuntary response
- 62:25 – Uxoriousness, love, and relationship content in comedy
- 70:13 – "Rene-algamous" and redefining relationship categories
- 75:03 – The comedic challenge of being sincerely positive
- 83:41 – Words, truth, and artistic authenticity
Tone and Style
Throughout the episode, Myq maintains his signature playful, inquisitive style, frequently turning philosophical concepts back into jokes and vice versa. Pesca matches with thoughtful, well-researched prompts but constantly keeps the conversation brisk and deeply in the comedic spirit.
Takeaways for Listeners
- Comedy is both art and philosophy: Comedians are, in many ways, philosophers of everyday life.
- Definitions are fuzzy: Both comedy and human relationships resist strict categorization.
- Genres are marketing tools, not intrinsic qualities: Whether in comedy or music, genre boundaries often hinder more than help.
- Love and authenticity are rich comedic veins: Myq's special, "Renee," provides a refreshing take on sincere, non-insult-driven relationship comedy.
- Being yourself is the ultimate genre: The best comedy (and art) is deeply personal and authentically delivered.
Where to Watch/Listen
Myq Kaplan’s special "Renee" is available on YouTube.
For more on comedy, philosophy, and the art of wordplay, follow Mike Pesca on Twitter (@psc) and check out new episodes of The Gist from Peach Fish Productions.