During a recent conversation with comedian Joe Kwaczala, we explored different facets of his career and creative journey. Joe’s analysis of the current state of affairs, specifically in relation to cancellation culture and the importance of holding people accountable, offered valuable insights into the unique obstacles and possibilities that comedians encounter in the digital era. He highlighted the significance of being resilient and receptive to audience feedback.

Joe, when discussing the role of comedians in society, modestly shared his belief that their purpose is to entertain and occasionally challenge, rather than serve as contemporary philosophers. He recognized the exceptional talent of certain comedians who have the remarkable ability to capture a moment and transform it into a form of art that deeply resonates. However, he emphasized that these individuals are only a minority within the broader comedy scene.

Personally, I believe that the notion of cancel culture and excessive political correctness is somewhat exaggerated. I believe it is important to consider things from the perspective of accountability and responsibility. I disagree with the notion that the internet exaggerates things. Kwaczala stated that when people don’t respond positively to something you put out, they have a way to express their opinions. He made this comment during our conversation about the current climate and the scrutiny that comedians face. He emphasized that in the past, individuals and communities lacked the means to express themselves. He believes it’s justifiable that they have the opportunity to voice their opinions. However, he stressed the importance of allowing others the opportunity to take responsibility for their actions and words, as well as the chance to apologize and make amends.

When discussing the impact of comedians on society, Joe expressed his belief that the primary purpose of a comedian is to bring humor. Perhaps even slightly provocative. However, they are not intended to be contemporary philosophers.

Joe’s comedy style is a unique blend of silliness, sarcasm, and intelligence. He mentioned that he doesn’t intentionally aim for sarcasm or silliness, but rather expresses himself through his energetic stage presence and playful voices. He provided a detailed explanation of his set structure, seamlessly blending fresh material with tried-and-true jokes to deliver a powerful performance. The comedian’s style of humor is designed to uplift the audience, blending wit and cleverness to create a positive experience.

“Presenting one’s style of comedy to the audience is a crucial and challenging task for any comedian,” Kwaczala emphasized. Joe explained that when he takes the stage, he delivers a blend of tried-and-true humor and fresh content to captivate the audience. According to him, it’s crucial to gauge your audience’s response to determine what will elicit laughter and what won’t.

During the conversation, Joe’s venture into music was also discussed, marking a more recent chapter in his creative journey. Joe emphasized the impact of collaborating with talented musician Yusuf Kim on a wide variety of songs, drawing from his own early experiences with musical instruments. Joe’s decision to release an album was driven by his passion for crafting a seamless and delightful experience for his audience. He skillfully combines humor and music in a truly distinctive manner.

Comedy in today’s world requires a strong ability to promote oneself. Knowing how to select the appropriate clips from your sketches and edit them on your vertical phone is crucial. Kwaczala shared that many comedians are reluctant to do it, but acknowledge that it is necessary for survival.

Joe provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that arise from the use of digital platforms in the ever-changing landscape of social media and the comedy industry. He highlighted the significance of staying flexible in response to evolving circumstances and the necessity of persistent dedication in cultivating a loyal following. Joe’s conversation highlighted his versatile approach to entertainment, incorporating stand-up, sketches, and music to create a varied and captivating body of work.

During the early stages of my career, a nightclub owner advised me to dedicate my efforts solely to standup comedy. “You can’t be doing all those different things,” Kwaczala stated.

Joe confidently defended the importance of exploring a wide range of interests and talents, despite potential misunderstandings. He stayed true to his artistic vision, even when faced with societal expectations. His exceptional ability to think ahead and his openness to exploring various forms of creativity have greatly influenced his remarkable path in the realm of comedy and entertainment.