Comics can definitely be subversive on the whole, but it's a stylistic thing.

I think the more you hone your voice, take risks and talk about things that matter, the better chance you have of getting into the realm of the philosophers of stand up. But you have to be funny.

Sometimes it's fun to explore ideas that might make people uncomfortable. If you let it, there's a lot of self-censoring that can go on in the name of remaining likeable, but I don't find that an artistically interesting path to take.

TV is a different animal. It's not a club set. As you said, you do short sets on TV - about five minutes. So you have to get that rhythm down and also be aware of the camera so you're connecting with the viewers at home as well as the studio audience. It's a different muscle to develop.

I also do a certain amount of talking through material on stage, to see what happens and allow interesting ideas to manifest.

That heightened dynamic can produce interesting, funny ideas that are phrased in ways that surprise even you, as the performer.

Comics definitely embody the importance of practicing free speech.