In an era where almost every industry has buckled under the weight of woke culture and corporate censorship, it’s comedy that stands as the last fortress of free speech. I had the pleasure of sitting down with legendary comedian Mike Binder on my latest episode of The Jeff Dornik Show, and what he had to say should resonate with anyone who cares about liberty, truth, and, yes, a good laugh.
Binder, a veteran of the comedy scene since he was just 17, has seen the shifts in our culture firsthand. He’s not just some comedian who throws out jokes without substance; he’s been on the front lines, witnessing how comedy has evolved—or perhaps devolved—in recent years. Binder nailed it when he said, “Comedians are the front line of freedom of speech, right?” This isn’t just about making people laugh anymore; it’s about speaking truth to power in a way that no one else seems willing to do.
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What struck me during our conversation was how Binder sees today’s comedians, like Joe Rogan and Jim Brewer, as the new torchbearers of free speech. These are guys who, unlike many in Hollywood, refuse to bow to the pressures of political correctness. Binder, who’s had his share of differences with Rogan, nonetheless acknowledged the courage it takes to stand up against the lies we’re constantly fed by the government and the media. “The government and the media were flat out lying to the people,” Binder said, reflecting on the COVID-19 lockdowns and mandates. And who was there to call out the absurdity? The comedians.
It’s ironic, really. Hollywood, once the rebel force that dared to challenge authority, has now become the enforcer of the status quo. Binder pointed out that the studios have painted themselves into “woke corners,” incapable of producing the kind of edgy, thought-provoking comedy that used to be their bread and butter. Instead, they’ve left it to the stand-up comedians to carry the torch. And thank God for that. As Binder said, “Stand-up became the one place you could because you could make your own thing without being canceled.” In a world where everyone is trying not to offend, comedians have embraced the entrepreneurial spirit, building their own brands and telling the truth as they see it, no matter who gets upset.
But here’s where things get really interesting. Comedy isn’t just about pushing back against woke culture; it’s also about uniting people in a way that other forms of entertainment have forgotten. Binder noted that comedy can bring together “lefties and conservatives and people in the middle,” all laughing together, even as the rest of society is tearing itself apart. This is something we need more of today—a space where we can come together, if only to laugh at the absurdities of our divided world.
Binder’s perspective on politics is refreshing, too. Unlike the late-night hosts who seem to think their job is to lecture the audience on morality, Binder’s approach is more grounded. He’s willing to poke fun at both sides, and he’s quick to admit that he could be wrong about his political opinions. “Why do you want to have that firm of a stance on anything? You don’t know you’re right. You could be wrong,” he said, a sentiment that’s sorely missing in today’s polarized world.
We also delved into the dangers of echo chambers, something I’ve been vocal about for a long time. In a world where Big Tech, social media, and mainstream media are forcing us into corners, where we only hear what we agree with, comedy offers a rare escape. Binder shared how he’s always tried to hear both sides, even watching shows like Steve Bannon’s War Room to understand the opposition. “If we’re thinking we’re so smart, let’s know what the other side is,” he urged.
As our conversation wound down, Binder touched on a point that’s become increasingly clear to me as I’ve distanced myself from the GOP and embraced a more independent, libertarian stance, even supporting RFK Jr. over Trump. Both Binder and I see the two-party system as a tool of division, a “giant quiet fart” that’s stinking up society. The real threat isn’t from one party or the other, but from the idea that we need to align ourselves so rigidly with one side that we can’t even have a civil conversation anymore.
And that’s where comedy comes in again. Binder spoke highly of comedians like Rogan, Brewer, and others who have refused to toe the party line, even when it would have been easier (and more lucrative) to do so. These guys aren’t just funny—they’re brave. They’re standing up for free speech in a time when it’s under constant attack. And it’s not just about making jokes; it’s about making sure that the spirit of liberty, the right to question authority, and the freedom to speak your mind don’t disappear.
So, where does that leave us? Binder’s message is clear: Don’t let the government, the media, or the woke mob take away your right to laugh, to speak out, and to think for yourself. Comedy may be the last bastion of free speech, but it’s also a reminder that the power to stand up and say “no” to the lies and the division still lies within each of us.
As for Binder, he’s not just talking the talk. He’s out there, doing stand-up, making movies, and running his show, Stand-Up World, to celebrate the world of comedy, past and present. If there’s one takeaway from our conversation, it’s that the fight for free speech isn’t over—it’s just getting started, and comedians like Mike Binder are leading the charge.
So, the next time you laugh at a joke that pushes the boundaries, remember: it’s not just about the punchline. It’s about keeping the flame of freedom alive, one laugh at a time.
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