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Kelsey Cook on the Rise of Podcasts and Stand-Up Comedy
Comic Kelsey Cook recently shared her insights into the growing popularity of podcasts for news consumption and the unexpected boom of stand-up comedy in recent times. With a career spanning over 15 years, Cook’s latest special, “Mark Your Territory,” debuted on Hulu and YouTube on February 11.
Cook attributes the surge in podcast listenership to a waning trust in traditional media sources. “People are looking for political information from podcasts because they often feel a stronger connection to the host,” she explained. Cook emphasizes that podcasters often portray themselves as relatable individuals, contrasting sharply with the more distant personas of politicians and news anchors.
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According to Cook, the informal tone and relaxed interview style typical in podcasts contribute to their appeal. “Podcasts provide a different interview environment that feels more authentic, allowing for deeper discussions than what you might find on major news platforms,” she said. “That laid-back atmosphere encourages listeners to connect with the content and host.”
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The ongoing presidential campaign has illustrated this shift in public sentiment, notably with figures like Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance frequently appearing on popular podcasts such as “The Joe Rogan Experience” and “The Tim Dillon Show.” This approach garnered significant public engagement, contributing to Trump’s success in the recent elections, where he maintained high approval ratings post-victory.
Cook also discussed how stand-up comedy has emerged as a more liberated form of expression. In the past, comedians navigated through various gatekeepers, but now they wield more control over their content. She remarked, “Comedy has become a more open arena where artists can share their uncensored thoughts and build their audience without intermediaries.”
Reflecting on the factors propelling stand-up comedy’s popularity, Cook singled out the COVID-19 pandemic as a significant influence. The lockdowns prompted people to engage more deeply with social media and streaming platforms, thereby increasing demand for comedy content. “During the pandemic, everyone was home consuming content, and comics created more material to meet this newfound interest,” she noted.
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As restrictions lifted, audiences eager to attend live performances created a resurgence in touring for comedians. Cook suggested that many fans were excited to experience their favorite acts in person after exploring their work online during isolation. “Once everything opened up, there was a noticeable increase in attendance at comedy shows,” she stated.
According to Pollstar, revenue from stand-up performances has significantly increased, with gross earnings for the top 25 comedians reaching $582.7 million over the past year, underscoring the thriving state of comedy today.
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