This week, contributor Matt Ruby offers his perspective as a comedian on recent so-called “socially conscious criticism” and “hot take” reviews of recent specials by Dave Chappelle and Louis C.K. Contributor Oriana Leckert then joins us for a further discussion of the topic. Also, Charles Hinshaw returns to discuss the recently released movie, Free Fire, starring Brie Larson, Cillian Murphy, and Armie Hammer. And along the way, we hear from Radio Dispatch’s Molly Knefel with her take on President Trump’s first 100 days in office and his record on deportations, we learn about an activist named Yasi and her involvement in the Black Lives Matter movement, and we get an early listen to an exclusive performance by Imaginary Tricks from an episode of BTR Live Studio set to be released next week.

Music composed by and show edited by Hansdale Hsu.

Mentioned in the episode:

“What Is Dave Chappelle’s Problem With Gay People?” by Eric Sasson // The New Republic

“It’s Hard To Laugh At Louis C.K.” by Jeff Ihaza // The Outline

“Hot takes and ‘problematic faves:’ the rise of socially conscious criticism” by Jaime Weinman // Vox

00:00 - Intro

00:57 - Matt Ruby on how critics review comedy in the age of the “hot takes”

06:02 - Comedy and critics / group conversation

35:43 - 1st Person: Yasi // Participating in Black Lives Matter

39:19 - Movie Review: ‘Free Fire’

56:11 - Molly Knefel on Deportation in Trump’s First 100 Days

58:55 - “Ease” (BTR Live Studio, 2017) - Imaginary Tricks

64:42 - Outro

65:15 - Finish.