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/
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