Why We Turn Our Worst Moments Into Punchlines (Jamie Kilstein)

Amanda met comedian Jamie Kilstein at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and found an unlikely kindred spirit. Both arrived at Fringe to prove themselves, battle misconceptions, and reclaim their narratives through art. Both know what it's like to have the world decide who you are before you get a chance to speak. Kilstein was a prominent progressive stand-up comedian and co-host of the political podcast Citizen Radio, with a rising career and appearances at major comedy festivals. In 2015 he was publicly accused of emotional manipulation and infidelity, losing his audience, career, and platform almost overnight. In this conversation recorded between fringe festival shows, Amanda and Jamie dig into cancellation, community, betrayal, and the terrifying vulnerability of performing your worst moments on stage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices