Podcast Summary: Andrew Schulz on "The Interview" with The New York Times

Episode Title: Andrew Schulz, ‘Podcast Bro,’ Might Be America's Foremost Political Journalist
Release Date: June 21, 2025
Hosts: David Marchese and Lulu Garcia-Navarro
Guest: Andrew Schulz, Comedian and Podcaster

Introduction

In this episode of "The Interview," hosted by David Marchese and Lulu Garcia-Navarro of The New York Times, comedian and podcaster Andrew Schulz delves into his rise in the entertainment industry, the cultural shifts that have propelled his career, his influential podcasting endeavors, and his perspectives on political discourse and media dynamics.

Career Explosion and Cultural Shifts

Andrew Schulz discusses the pivotal moments that catalyzed his career growth over the past few years. He attributes his breakthrough to embracing online platforms during a time when traditional avenues like HBO, Netflix, and Comedy Central were not receptive to his edgy comedy style.

"I put out like a 20-minute version of [my special] and the next week I sold out a comedy club." [04:33]

Schulz highlights how his willingness to maintain authenticity, despite the prevailing cultural sensitivities, resonated with audiences, leading to sustained momentum in his stand-up career.

Podcasting: A Platform for Political Dialogue

Schulz has transcended traditional stand-up success through his influential podcasts, notably "Flagrant" with Aakash Singh and "Brilliant Idiots" with Charlamagne tha God. These platforms have become significant spaces for political discussion, attracting high-profile guests like Donald Trump, Bernie Sanders, and Pete Buttigieg.

"We're not a gotcha pod. If we're asking you to come on, it's because we're interested in you and the decisions you want to make." [14:55]

He emphasizes the importance of authentic conversations over pandering to audiences, asserting that maintaining integrity is crucial even if it means making less money in the short term.

Language, Slurs, and Comedy Boundaries

A substantial portion of the discussion revolves around Schulz's use of language in his comedy and podcasts. He navigates the delicate balance between using slurs for comedic effect and avoiding terms that are deeply offensive without context.

"I think we're making words harmful that aren't harmful... There's always gonna be somebody offended by a word or opinion." [27:08]

Schulz debates the merits of protecting individuals through language regulation versus maintaining freedom of speech, questioning the efficacy and intentions behind labeling certain words as taboo.

The Manosphere and Masculinity in Media

Schulz offers insights into why certain podcast genres, particularly those appealing to young men, resonate strongly in the current media landscape. He suggests that platforms like "Flagrant" provide a space where men can express frustrations and engage in off-color humor without the constraints typical of corporate media.

"Guys are definitely feeling more relatability on the guy pods. And then the girls are feeling more relatability on the girl pods." [34:10]

He contrasts this with traditional media's struggle to engage with similar notions of masculinity, attributing the success of manosphere podcasts to their authentic and unfiltered conversations.

Political Influence and Responsibility of Podcasters

The conversation delves into the influence podcasters have on political discourse, especially in an era where politics is seen as downstream of culture. Schulz acknowledges the power wielded by popular podcasters and discusses the accompanying responsibilities.

"If you say something out loud, I bear the responsibility of it. That's the cost of this business." [43:26]

Both Schulz and Marchese explore the ripple effects of podcasters shaping political narratives and the ethical considerations that come with such influence.

Handling Criticism and Personal Growth

Schulz reflects on his sensitivity to criticism and his ongoing journey in therapy to better articulate his emotions. He distinguishes between genuine criticisms and perceived attacks, emphasizing his commitment to authenticity and personal accountability.

"Feelings are hard for me, man. You just know what you're feeling every second of the day." [10:50]

He expresses a desire to balance his comedic persona with his role as a political commentator, striving to maintain honesty without pandering to audience expectations.

Democratic Party Dynamics and Shift in Political Alignment

Andrew Schulz provides a critical analysis of the Democratic Party's evolving dynamics, attributing his support for Donald Trump to a protest against what he perceives as the party's institutional failures.

"The Democrats are tied to the same corporations that are funded by Republicans... they can't actually push back against those corporations." [35:27]

He discusses how internal fractures within the Democratic Party, alongside external pressures from corporate influences, have led to a shift that has alienated some of its traditional base, pushing listeners towards alternative political voices.

Concluding Reflections and Future Directions

In the latter part of the interview, Schulz and his video producer Felice reflect on the conversation, touching upon the challenges of maintaining authenticity in media and the cyclical nature of cultural shifts in comedy and political discourse.

Felice adds nuanced perspectives on language use and the evolving standards around slurs, advocating for a balanced approach that recognizes historical contexts without succumbing to overregulation.

"What makes a slur bad is it's a descriptor plus organized violence and perceived organized violence." [51:00]

Key Takeaways and Insights

• Authenticity Over Popularity: Schulz underscores the importance of staying true to one's comedic and political beliefs, even when it might not align with mainstream preferences.

• Influence of Podcasting: His podcasts serve as significant platforms for political dialogue, bridging gaps between various political ideologies and fostering open conversations.

• Language and Sensitivity: The use of slurs in comedy remains a contentious issue, with Schulz advocating for contextual usage while critiquing excessive censorship.

• Political Disillusionment: Schulz's critique of the Democratic Party highlights broader concerns about institutional integrity and the influence of corporate funding on political agendas.

• Personal Accountability: His journey in therapy and handling of criticism reveal a commitment to personal growth and responsible communication.

Notable Quotes

• On Career Breakthrough:

  "When I put out like a 20-minute version of it and the next week I sold out a comedy club. And I was never like a sellout, a comedy club guy at that point in my career." [04:33]

• On Maintaining Integrity:

  "If you're trying to create something authentic, you're gonna make less money. But the benefit of that in the long run is that you maintain your integrity and you maintain your authenticity." [06:41]

• On Language and Free Speech:

  "How you decide which ones... You just curtail how you speak completely so that you don't offend people? Or do you just have your constitution and understand who you are as a person and you go on living life and accept the blowback that comes with that?" [27:54]

• On Political Interviews:

  "I had three things I wanted to ask him about, and I asked him those things, and that's what I felt was." [16:46]

• On Podcasting's Responsibility:

  "If you say something out loud, I bear the responsibility of it. That's the cost of this business." [43:26]

Conclusion

Andrew Schulz's conversation on "The Interview" offers a deep dive into the interplay between comedy, podcasting, and political discourse. His candid reflections on maintaining authenticity, handling cultural sensitivities, and navigating the responsibilities of influential platforms provide valuable insights into the evolving landscape of media and communication.

Note: All timestamps correspond to the moments in the provided transcript for accurate reference.