Feel like you're on the “wrong” path? Negin Farsad (comedian, filmmaker, writer, actor, and activist) went from steady job as a NYC policy advisor to chasing laughs on lonely standup stages across the country. As one of the few Iranian-American Muslim women in comedy, she’s built a career blending sharp political satire with deeply personal storytelling—using humor to tackle racism, sexism, and Islamophobia. From touring conservative towns with The Muslims Are Coming! to hosting Fake the Nation , Negin shares the messy leap from public policy to punchlines, turning passion into a paycheck, what it means to be a “social justice comedian,” and why she believes laughter is one of the most powerful tools for change. Topics Covered: Growing up Iranian-American in times of political hostility, and how early exposure to diversity while in Palm Springs shaped her worldview and comedic voice The leap from dual master’s degrees and a NYC policy advisor role to full-time comedy Navigating initial disappointment from parents over career pivots before earning their understanding and support The pressures and trade-offs of turning a passion into a paycheck—and how that changes your relationship with the work you love Balancing motherhood, marriage, and career success while she and her husband both navigate “unstable,” gig-based artistic careers Using humor to challenge stereotypes, defuse protests, and reframe Muslim identity in American culture Diversifying her creative work across stand-up, film, writing, voice acting, activism, and unexpected gigs (including a psilocybin retreat) Mentioned: The Muslims Are Coming! (Documentary): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2788710/ Once Upon a Mattress (Musical): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Once_Upon_a_Mattress Comedy Central: https://www.comedycentral.com/ Homeland (TV Series): https://www.sho.com/homeland Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! (NPR): https://www.npr.org/programs/wait-wait-dont-tell-me/ TED Talks: https://www.ted.com/speakers/negin_farsad The Longest Table: https://www.longesttablecommunity.org/ Send us a text Email us:
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