Dive into the intersection of comedy and philosophy with South African comedian John Vlismas. We explore the power of humor as a political tool, its role in confronting societal issues, and the fine line between making people laugh and challenging their deeply held assumptions. Vlismas shares his insights on the evolving landscape of comedy, the ethics of jokes, and the responsibility of comedians. With captivating anecdotes and thought-provoking discussions, this episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the transformative nature of comedy. [00:00] Introduction to John Vlismas [01:17] The Role of Comedy in Politics [04:18] Techniques of a Good Comic [08:47] The Power of Dark Humor [14:54] Comedy's Role in Society [23:12] Personal Stories and Humor [32:02] Suffering in Comedy [32:47] Judging Humor and Perspective [34:33] Comedy in Horror Films [38:39] Ethics and Boundaries in Comedy [45:29] Evolution of Comedy [52:32] Crafting and Performing Jokes [56:48] Mastering the Art of Comedy [58:57] Conclusion