The Funny Indian Newsletter, Vol. 218
November 2024: Brown Friday
Welcome
Welcome to The Funny Indian Newsletter!
Happy Holidays!
Musings
We Need Another Moonshot
It’s hard to find feel-good scenes in a documentary about a serial killer, but the final episode of the Netflix docuseries Night Stalker has some. The series explores a spate of brutal killings and sexual assaults in 1985 Los Angeles that left law enforcement baffled because the victims didn’t fit into any pattern with regard to race, sex, or even age. When the LAPD eventually identified Richard Ramirez as the killer, he was still at-large, so law enforcement put his mug shot on every news broadcast and print outlet they could find. Stepping off of a bus from Arizona into downtown L.A., Ramirez suddenly found himself recognized by everyone, and tried to flee on foot into a neighborhood — only to find himself chased, knocked down, and put under citizen's arrest until the police came. By the time Ramirez made it to the jail, a crowd of citizens comprising every demographic in L.A.’s diverse city had gathered around the building to denounce the man who had terrorized their city for months. It’s difficult not to experience a sense of connection and solidarity with them, even watching through a screen almost forty years later.
[Finish reading on my Gruntled Substack.]
Updates
Watch
Pretty cool to appear on India Today for an interview.
Listen
Normally, people (even writers) can't write a podcast intro to save their lives.
Enter Michael Stein, who #nailedit.
I had an amazing conversation with Michael Stein about my life, my career, and much more… here it is.
Oh, here's that intro...
Rajiv Satyal is a talented comedian and storyteller hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio. He discovered his passion for stand-up comedy at Go Bananas Comedy Club, encouraged by his brother, a well-known queer author. Initially, Satyal’s comedy focused on observational humor, but he eventually embraced his Indian heritage, weaving in personal anecdotes and cultural commentary that resonate with audiences. As he navigated the complexities of Indian culture and family dynamics, Satyal’s comedy evolved from general observations to deeply personal narratives, highlighting the nuances of growing up in a South Asian household. His late father was a staunch supporter, often relishing his moments in the spotlight through his son's performances, which enriched Satyal's material with authenticity and warmth. Rajiv’s journey reflects a common struggle among South Asian comedians balancing familial expectations and career aspirations. He transitioned from a successful corporate career at Procter & Gamble and Fiji Water to pursue his true calling in comedy, challenging the stereotypes that often dictate professional choices within his community. His humor often critiques societal norms, particularly regarding the pressure to excel in traditional careers such as engineering or medicine.
Like
What a thrill grabbing coffee with Andrew Yang in NY.
Last week, his friend (Hannah Y Kim) was looking for someone to interview him and Parag Parikh suggested me. That Instagram Live convo is now available in my Reels*.
Based on the comments we received during our Live, former 2020 Presidential candidate Yang's followers appeared to be split between Trump and Harris. I believe that's what makes him one of the most compelling figures in politics.
Indeed, as I told Yang, the first fan I knew of his is now a nearly 70-year-old conservative Republican who didn't necessarily love the UBI concept but did love that somebody was thinking of creative solutions.
Moreover, I was pleasantly shocked (if that's a term) at how humble Yang is. He just strolled in wearing a hoodie, ordered us coffee and snacks, and shared them like we were old friends. (Guess his UBI concept applies even to baked goods.) Truly hoping he continues to do big things.
Let's see where we go from here...
Like
I’m so anti-Trump, even my Reds hat is blue.
Laugh
Since this is a FUNNY Indian Newsletter, I present here the 5 funny things that I saw, heard, wrote, or remembered for the last month... otherwise known as FIVE - Funny Indian's V Events. Enjoy.
5.
4. Literally a gold medal performance. (Seriously, over the summer, what WAS that?)
3.
2. Welcome!
1. A classic.
Close
THANK YOU to all of you for your support. You are my true core of fans — I couldn't do this without you.
Happy Holidays!
Love,
- Rajiv