Patton Oswalt Blames Boring Nerds for AI

November 26, 2025·1 hr 37 min·9 clips

Patton Oswalt slams comedians fighting to say slurs: 'You're fighting for something in the pet.'

Patton Oswalt appears on the podcast "Good One," hosted by Vulture senior writer Jesse David Fox. They discuss Oswalt's new stand-up album, his views on artificial intelligence, and his critique of modern nerd culture. The conversation also touches on his legendary KFC Famous Bowl joke from 2018. Oswalt recounts a recent hotel stay where a rock with the words "not now" or "now" replaced a traditional "do not disturb" sign, comparing the confusing experience to the film "Demolition Man." He explains his three-day suspension from the social platform Blue Sky for a post responding to commentator Megyn Kelly, which he felt was necessary despite the penalty. Oswalt argues that some comedians now mistakenly assume the responsibilities of journalists as public trust in traditional media has declined. He cites John Oliver as a rare comedian who responsibly urges audiences to consult primary journalistic sources. Oswalt expresses frustration with comedians who fight to use outdated slurs instead of viewing language restrictions as a creative challenge. He reflects on his own early material, noting that attempts to satirize bigotry sometimes provided a blueprint for the alt-right's "ironic" racism. The comedian describes AI as "the revenge of the boring," distinguishing uninteresting grinders from passionate, creative nerds. He shares an unfinished joke about AI in his new album, where the struggle to find an ending becomes an act of defiance against AI's results-oriented nature. Oswalt recalls a powerful, awkward sex scene in the film "Young Adult," where the characters' vulnerability created genuine fear on set. He contrasts this with a hilarious, giggle-filled moment on the set of "A.P. Bio" that required multiple takes. The discussion highlights how great comedy often emerges from boredom and creative constraints, not from seeking the easiest punchline. Oswalt believes comedians can provide comfort and a sense of community to marginalized groups feeling threatened in the current political climate. The tone is a conversational and thoughtful dialogue between two comedy enthusiasts. The style is analytical, blending personal anecdotes with broader cultural criticism. This episode will appeal to fans of Patton Oswalt, listeners interested in the ethics of comedy, and those curious about critiques of AI and online culture. It might be less engaging for listeners seeking purely lighthearted entertainment or those with no interest in meta-discussions about the comedy industry.

As heard by us

A loose, smart comedy conversation about craft, timing, and what survives in performance.

Patton Oswalt talks with Jesse David Fox about AI, nerd culture, a new stand-up album, and the stubborn life of a joke about the KFC Famous Bowl.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

If you want Patton Oswalt thinking out loud about his new stand-up album, AI, and why one joke still lands years later.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Good One