On changing your mind in the time of social media
Why I’m Finally Starting a Podcast (Again)
I’ve spent the last few years trying to figure out who I am—comedian, spiritual seeker, spiritual burnout, jiujitsu guy, cautionary tale, self hating comedian, grifter cuck (sorry thats just what some people have called me on the internet) etc.
Now it’s time to bring all of it into one place or at least try to.
But first some shit that may be relatable -
I have always had a problem with extremes. I fall in love with everything and then move way too fast. My lesbian friend calls me, well, a lesbian.
I’ve had a lot of phases and I treat all of them like Lenny from Of Mice and Men treats the rabbits. I find something beautiful then pet it till it dies. Or realize I was just totally fucking wrong.
FOX news wants to talk to me? SURE! I don’t agree with them but what can go wrong?
People are calling me a male feminist? SURE! WHAT CAN GO WRONG?!
I take mushrooms and find Jesus AND I AM SUDDENLY A CHRISTIAN INFLUENCER?! FUCK IT! WHAT CAN GO WRONG?
Well here are some quick examples in order:
I realize I’m supporting an institution that hurts people.
I let my entire life get away from me and make a bunch of dumb ass mistakes.
I learn that a lot of Christians are still bigots and stop liking me when I say gay people are people.
When you make your whole life public you don’t have a ton of time to just sit with your thoughts. Everything is content and everything moves fast.
I learned too late that is not a way to live.
When my life fell apart after my first podcast ended I disappeared. Then people like Joe Rogan wanted me back on their show and a path was laid out for me.
Be the former liberal guy. There are many. All with successful podcasts and books both of which I do not have.
I made a joke a few times that if I wrote a book called, “From Feminist to Freedom Fighter” I would be a trillionaire.
We all know the Russell Brand path. Get accused of something horrible then go, “WHAT?! I ALWAYS LOVED JESUS AND TUCKER CARLSON.”
I have made a lot of mistakes and unfortunately all of them have been authentic. Fallen in love when I shouldn’t have. Believed in certain people when I shouldn’t have. Trusted myself when I shouldn’t have.
When I started going on more right leaning shows I was proud. I defended Black Lives Matter on Rogan, Palestine on FOX, and a whole host of issues on Glenn Beck who honestly, let me speak incredibly freely.
I also said a bunch of stuff I regret. Lots of jokes and probably some cheap shots which I always prided myself on not doing.
The bottom line is I was never a political expert. I have always just been a flawed dude trying to figure it all out.
At this time A lot of my old worldview was being questioned. Some made sense. Some didn’t. Some I spoke out on. Some I didn’t.
Most of my friends were conservative or not political. Most of them are really good moms, dads, friends, etc.
The more time I have felt with my own thoughts, in meditation, on stage, in prayer (yeah I still do that) I realized that a lot of what I used to believe I still REALLY believe.
I’m just older, hopefully wiser, humbled, and have way more chill.
I don’t fit in a box and I think a lot of you don’t either. You may not fit in my stomped on boxes but you have your own issues you feel politically homeless with.
I’m vegan and have a gun
I’m a jiujitsu black belt and cry at Lilo and Stich
I’m Hawaiian but look like a colonizer
I have right wing friends but still use the word colonizer
I love that I was raised Jewish and I hate what Israel does to Palestine
I love Jesus and gay people
I have friends who are Navy Seals and Green Berets and am VERY anti-war
I call myself Christian while using buddhist meditations
When I found Jesus it was easy for people to call me a grifter but unfortunately I didn’t find THE PROFITABLE right wing Jesus TM. I found the one who reminded me who I really am.
That no matter what mistakes I have made in my past I still want to defend people.
I still want to flip tables when I see the rich fucking over the majority of people,
I still will make sacrifices and be unpopular at dinner parties in order to save animals.
I started this career defending LGBT people and I will continue to till my last breath no matter what shows I’m invited on.
The world is fucked right now. There isn’t a lot of nuance. And honestly I don’t know much I can bring but I can try and at the least can make you laugh while everything is on fire.
The Jamie Kilstein Podcast is my final boss letter to comedy, politics, and mental health. It’s not about outrage—it’s about standing up for people
We launch next week but you can subscribe now. If you’re tired of grifters, rage merchants, and fake redemption arcs… I think you’ll like this one.
🐼 The Jamie Kilstein Podcast drops next week—but you can subscribe now:
👉 HERE
🎙️ Want to help keep this thing alive? Support it on Patreon HERE
📍I’m also hitting North Carolina, Alabama, and Arizona next month. Tour dates HERE.
💌 This Substack is my main mailing list—subscribe and I’ll let you know when the chaos officially begins.