The Gist podcast

Funny You Should Mention: Jena Friedman

3/6/2026
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Today on The Gist, A jet-lagged yet very gracious comedian and writer Jena Friedman joins the show to discuss her new stand-up special, Motherfucker. She talks with Mike about why writing abortion jokes is harder than ever in a post-Roe reality, the challenges of making dark topics funny on her true crime series Indefensible, and the current landscape of risky political comedy. Jena also opens up about the vulnerability of tackling grief on stage after losing her mother while eight months pregnant. 

Produced by Corey Wara

Video and Social Media by Geoff Craig

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