‘SNL’ Alum Nimesh Patel on Trump, Kash Patel, and Shane Gillis

About this episode

Comedian and Emmy-nominated writer Nimesh Patel joins Matt Wilstein on Obsessed: The Podcast for a sharp, hilarious conversation about political comedy, free speech, and the line between provocative humor and controversy. Patel discusses his new Netflix stand-up special, By the Dip, including his jokes about FBI Director Kash Patel, the Trump administration, and why he chose to take on some political targets while leaving others alone. He also reflects on his time writing for Saturday Night Live alongside Colin Jost and Michael Che, the evolution of comedy in a polarized political climate, the backlash surrounding Shane Gillis, and his decision to reconsider performing at Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Comedy Festival. Plus, Patel revisits the Columbia University controversy that thrust him into the spotlight and shares candid thoughts on censorship, cancel culture, and the business of comedy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices