Dave Chappelle on free speech and the purpose of comedy | NPR’s Newsmakers

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In this bonus episode of <em>Up First</em>, we’re sharing the latest episode of <em>NPR’s</em> <em>Newsmakers</em>, featuring comedian Dave Chappelle. The provocative comedian and architect of <em>Chappelle’s Show</em> is one of the biggest names in comedy. Now in arguably the most successful chapter of his life and career, he views himself not just as an entertainer -- but as a professional processor of events and experiences. He describes comedians as 'the nation's kidney' -- an essential organ for processing the raw experiences of life. <br/><br/>Chappelle believes that function is one shared by comics and journalists -- they both process events and help audiences make sense of the world. That conviction is why he recently invested $15 million into the infrastructure of WYSO, the public radio station in his hometown of Yellow Springs, Ohio.  <br/><br/>In this conversation, Chappelle tells host Michel Martin why free speech is so important to him, and why he refuses to let public expectations dictate his art. <br/><br/><em>NPR's Newsmakers</em> is where you'll find NPR's biggest interviews. Follow the show wherever you listen to podcasts or subscribe and watch on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/npr"target="_blank" >NPR’s YouTube channel</a>.<br/><br/>See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.<br/><br/><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>