DiscoverFresh AirBest Of: Comic Bill Burr / Actor Simu Liu
Best Of: Comic Bill Burr / Actor Simu Liu

Best Of: Comic Bill Burr / Actor Simu Liu

Update: 2025-03-153
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This podcast features two distinct interviews. The first features comedian Bill Burr discussing his new comedy special, "Drop Dead Years," and his journey to manage his anger and its impact on his comedic style. He reflects on his childhood and how his upbringing shaped his temperament. The second interview is with actor Simu Liu, who discusses his physically demanding role in the film "Last Breath," which involves saturation diving. He also reflects on his career, including his breakout role as Shang-Chi and the challenges and triumphs of being an Asian Canadian actor in Hollywood. The conversation touches upon the #MeToo movement and its impact, as well as the broader issue of Asian representation in the entertainment industry. Burr also shares his perspective on cancel culture.

Outlines

00:00:16
Bill Burr: Anger, Comedy, and Personal Growth

Comedian Bill Burr discusses his new special, "Drop Dead Years," focusing on managing his anger and its influence on his comedy. He reflects on his childhood and its impact on his temperament and his views on cancel culture.

00:00:51
Simu Liu: From Shang-Chi to Saturation Diving and Hollywood Representation

Actor Simu Liu discusses his role in "Last Breath," the challenges of saturation diving, and his experiences as an Asian Canadian actor in Hollywood, including his reflections on Asian representation and the industry's challenges.

Keywords

Rage-fueled humor


A comedic style characterized by anger, frustration, and often dark humor. Bill Burr is a prime example.

Cancel Culture


The phenomenon of withdrawing support for public figures after objectionable actions or statements. Its impact on comedians is discussed.

Saturation Diving


A type of deep-sea diving where divers live in a pressurized environment for extended periods. Featured in Simu Liu's film "Last Breath."

Asian Representation in Hollywood


The underrepresentation and challenges faced by Asian actors in the film industry. Simu Liu's career provides a case study.

Bill Burr


Comedian known for his raw, often angry, comedic style.

Simu Liu


Actor known for his role as Shang-Chi and his work in "Last Breath."

"Drop Dead Years"


Bill Burr's new comedy special.

"Last Breath"


Simu Liu's new film about saturation diving.

Q&A

  • How has Bill Burr's approach to comedy changed as he's gotten older and worked on managing his anger?

    Burr has shifted from a confrontational style to a more self-aware and empathetic approach, incorporating his personal growth into his act.

  • What were the physical and emotional challenges Simu Liu faced while filming "Last Breath"?

    Liu underwent extensive underwater training and faced significant emotional challenges due to the film's intense, isolated environment.

  • How does Bill Burr feel about cancel culture?

    Burr believes cancel culture has gone too far, creating a herd mentality that disproportionately targets comedians.

  • What are some of the key themes explored in Simu Liu's memoir, "We Were Dreamers"?

    Liu's memoir explores his family's immigration, challenges of growing up with immigrant parents, and struggles breaking into Hollywood.

Show Notes

Bill Burr knows exactly where his sense of humor comes from. He learned at an early age that if he could make people laugh, then they'd be less likely to hurt him. "I am a mess of a human being, still, this far into life. ... But it makes for good comedy," he says. His new Hulu stand-up special is called Bill Burr: Drop Dead Years.

In 2012, three deep-sea divers were on a routine dive in the North Sea when one of the divers became trapped underwater. The harrowing story of that rescue is the plot of the movie Last Breath. Actor Simu Liu had to scuba dive in dark depths for his role, which was largely shot underwater.

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Best Of: Comic Bill Burr / Actor Simu Liu

Best Of: Comic Bill Burr / Actor Simu Liu