Episode 86 - On being funny and ethically persuasive with Dan French
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Dan French, a multi-talented fast-brained human who has successfully combined careers in comedy, academia, and public speaking.
Dan is not your typical comedian. He has a brain that allows him to juggle multiple careers simultaneously. When boredom strikes, he turns to various creative and intellectual pursuits, effectively splitting his brain into two halves. This unique approach has enabled him to excel as a marketeer, comedy writer, stand-up entertainer, and rhetorician.
We talk networking, ethical persuasion, and travelling the world as a stand-up comedian on cruise ships.
Dan is also a professor in rhetoric, a powerful tool for effective messaging and communication. Despite its often negative association with sales and politics, rhetoric can be used for good - and Dan shows you how on the podcast.
He also shares his technique of using a meta-level approach to abstract issues, enabling you to remove emotions from conversations and emphasizing the importance of validating the other person's perspective.
Other topics we cover include:
Embracing vulnerability and authenticity
The impact of humour on mental health
The value of continuous learning and personal growth
The role of creativity in problem-solving
The significance of community and support networks
The impact of storytelling
The potential for comedy as a catalyst for social change
Should comedians be given more power or at least a more prominent role in society?
Do we need to reinstate the court jesters? I'd love to know what your thoughts are after listening to this Episode!