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Up First from NPR

Up First from NPR

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

Apr 15, 2026 · 39m

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About this episode

In this bonus episode of Up First , we’re sharing the latest episode of NPR’s Newsmakers , featuring comedian Dave Chappelle. The provocative comedian and architect of Chappelle’s Show 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. 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…