US comedian Akaash Singh has a theory about the proliferation of male-hosted podcasts: “There’s no other space for us to talk in any kind of therapeutic way. It’s not socially acceptable. That’s why these male podcasts all popped up,” he explains. This insight, shared on his podcast Flagrant, co-hosted with Andrew Schulz, reflects a growing trend where men seek platforms to express themselves outside traditional norms.
The popularity of Flagrant, with millions of downloads and YouTube views, has paved the way for Singh’s first tour of Australia with his live show Generational Triumph. On the surface, Singh’s podcast might seem like a typical bromance affair—complete with couches, brews, and banter. However, it distinguishes itself by embracing discussions on therapy and personal growth.
Breaking the Mold: Therapy and the Manosphere
Singh, a strong advocate for therapy, shares that it has been life-changing for him. “By the time Flagrant started, I was a pretty big proponent of therapy. It was really life-changing for me… I’ve been in therapy for 10 years now,” he notes. This approach sets him apart from the often misogynistic narratives within the manosphere.
Surprisingly, Singh found his podcast associated with the manosphere, a digital space often criticized for promoting misogyny. “I only knew of the manosphere as ‘that red pill thing, which is ‘women are all awful’, and then they’re selling you a course or whatever garbage shit they’re doing, which was gross to me. I hope men just grow up and evolve,” Singh remarks.
Controversies and Conversations
While Singh’s stance is more progressive, his co-host Andrew Schulz has been a lightning rod for controversy due to his use of offensive language. The podcast’s guest list, featuring figures like Donald Trump and Jordan Peterson, adds to its contentious reputation. Yet, Singh maintains a balanced perspective, acknowledging the evolving landscape of comedy and free expression.
Singh’s comedic style, as seen in his 2024 stand-up special Gaslit, often toes the line of political correctness. He jokes about the proliferation of gender identities: “If four dudes in here can name nine genders, I’ll suck all your dicks right now.” While not anti-woke, Singh challenges the notion that comedians are restricted in their expression.
The Evolving Landscape of Comedy
According to Singh, the concept of cancel culture has shifted with the rise of internet careers. “I think the cancel culture thing existed more before we all had our careers via the internet. When there was only movies and TV shows, you had to worry about cancellation,” he explains. This shift allows comedians more freedom, though not everyone agrees.
Singh’s wife, Jasleen, who hosts her own podcast, experiences the challenges of online criticism firsthand. “I don’t think cancel culture’s a thing, but the piling-on does happen. Even my wife, who just started posting content, I’m seeing some pushback she gets from some fairly tame clip,” Singh shares.
Comedians as Cultural Commentators
Singh questions the expectation for comedians to be held to higher standards than other entertainers. “We speak truth to power? I never wanted to be one of those guys,” he asserts. The comedian-as-savior narrative, amplified during lockdowns, has faded, revealing comedians as fallible individuals seeking validation through laughter.
Reflecting on his childhood as a second-generation Indian-American in Texas, Singh notes the unconventional path he took to comedy. “You were supposed to be a doctor or an engineer. There weren’t successful Indians in Hollywood back then,” he recalls. Despite initial parental expectations, Singh pursued comedy, ultimately winning over his family.
As Singh prepares for his Australian tour, he reflects on his journey and the generational triumphs he has achieved. “I don’t know if they have a choice. I’m 41—am I going to become a doctor now?” he quips.
Akaash Singh: Generational Triumph is set to perform at Melbourne Recital Centre on February 8, Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane, on February 12, and Sydney’s Enmore Theatre on February 13.
