The Big Questions with Big John is an interview show where our own Big John gets the opportunity to have conversations with interesting people from all walks of life.

In this episode, Big John talks with Matt Nagin, a stand up comedian and author.

Matt Nagin is a comedian and author who creates in various modes: humorous rants, lyrical poems, extended suicide notes (okay, not that last part). Matt published four books, appeared on reality shows, acted in TV and Film projects, and performed standup in seven countries. 

Perhaps most importantly, Matt always tries to help others. He spent several years as a Talent and Show Coordinator for The Gotham Comedy Foundation, a charitable organization that brings comedians into hospitals and senior centers. 

Matt is involved with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and, in 2019, was granted the Long Island Chapter’s Mission Award. 

A thirty-year survivor of Crohn’s disease, Matt’s life is proof of the healing power of laughter.

Mobile users: click here to view video

Chapters:
00:00 Opening
02:00 An ex-pat New Yorker
04:00 Being a Jew in Alabama
07:00 Being a stand-up and dealing with haters
10:00 The most censored time in comedy clubs since the 1950s
15:00 Is there a right to not be offended?
19:00 In effect, are comedians held to standards that actors are not
27:30 Dealing with hecklers
33:45 Focusing on writing
34:30 A life-changing moment
43:15 Committing to charitable work
48:00 All over the political spectrum
56:00 Voting for someone instead of against someone
1:02:45 Finally, Silly Questions