US comedian Akaash Singh has captured the zeitgeist of modern masculinity with his popular podcast, Flagrant, co-hosted by fellow comic Andrew Schulz. As Singh prepares for his first tour of Australia with his live show Generational Triumph, he reflects on why so many men have turned to podcasting as a form of expression. According to Singh, “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.”
While the theory was originally articulated by a guest on his show, it resonates with Singh’s own experiences. The podcast, which has garnered millions of downloads and YouTube views, provides a platform for what Singh describes as a mix of inappropriate jokes and genuine discussions on topics like therapy. “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,” Singh shares.
The Manosphere and Misconceptions
Despite its success, Flagrant has been controversially associated with the manosphere, a term often linked to online communities that harbor misogynistic views. Singh, however, distances himself from this label, stating, “I hope men just grow up and evolve.” He acknowledges that his co-host Schulz has been a lightning rod for controversy, often criticized for his use of offensive language. Yet, the podcast also features guests like therapists, alongside more polarizing figures such as Donald Trump and Jordan Peterson.
Singh’s approach to comedy and podcasting is nuanced. His stand-up special Gaslit, set for release in 2024, tackles topics like gender identity with a provocative edge. “If four dudes in here can name nine genders, I’ll suck all your dicks right now,” he jokes, illustrating his willingness to push boundaries while maintaining a critical view of political correctness.
Cancel Culture and the Comedy Landscape
Singh argues that the impact of cancel culture has diminished with the rise of internet careers. “When there was only movies and TV shows, you had to worry about cancellation. That is kind of gone,” he explains. However, he acknowledges the persistent issue of online piling-on, citing his wife Jasleen’s experiences with her own podcast as an example of the vitriol that can accompany even mild content.
Controversy, it seems, is part of the formula for success in the Flagrant-adjacent sphere, where feuds and manufactured dramas are commonplace. Singh and Schulz have engaged in public spats with other podcasts, such as Bad Friends and Fresh & Fit, blurring the lines between reality and performance in a manner akin to professional wrestling’s kayfabe.
Comedy as a Reflection of Society
Singh’s comedic journey is also a personal one, shaped by his upbringing as a second-generation Indian-American in Texas. “You were supposed to be a doctor or an engineer,” he recalls, noting the lack of Indian representation in Hollywood during his youth. Despite completing pre-med studies, Singh chose to pursue comedy, a decision that has paid off over his 20-year career.
As he prepares for his Australian tour, Singh reflects on the evolving role of comedians. “A lot of comics rode that false hero narrative during lockdown,” he says, acknowledging the temporary elevation of comedy as an essential service. Now, he believes audiences recognize comedians as fallible individuals driven by a desire for attention and validation.
With Generational Triumph, Singh aims to connect with audiences on a deeper level, using humor to explore the complexities of modern masculinity. The tour will take him to Melbourne Recital Centre on February 8, Powerhouse Theatre in Brisbane on February 12, and Sydney’s Enmore Theatre on February 13.
In an era where the lines between entertainment and personal expression continue to blur, Singh’s work stands out for its blend of humor, introspection, and social commentary. As he navigates the challenges and opportunities of the new-look manosphere, Singh remains committed to pushing boundaries and sparking conversations through his comedy.
