As Fellow for CMSI, I had the amazing privilege to participate on a grant that examined how and why comedy can play a role in social change.  As part of that fellowship, I curated a series of case studies with industry influencers on the topic.

Read my latest case study with Melvin Mar, who executive produces “Fresh Off the Boat,” a groundbreaking family comedy sitcom on ABC that manages to address race, culture and identity with cutting humor, grace and finesse.

As way of background into the larger context of this research, The Washington Post ran a Feb. 4, 2018 article, covering CMSI’s unique efforts for The Laughter Effect work and featured American University’s newest Comedian In Residence, Bethany Hall.

Congrats to Caty Borum Chatoo, CMSI and American University—what a privilege to be part of this groundbreaking research.

Want to read more about The Laughter Effect? Check out the editorial series on Medium.com.

Another case study with comedian, filmmaker and actor, Kiran Deol, as part of my fellowship for CMSI, that examined how and why comedy can play a role in social change.  In our interview, Deol takes a deep dive into her 2016 documentary short “American Haze,” which was produced for Sundance Now’s boundary-pushing short film series, “Take 5.” Deol’s film takes on the subject of patriotism and what it means in a diverse and divided America.