TV · Radio · Podcasts
← Up First from NPR

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

NPR· Apr 15, 2026· 38m 43s

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 experienc

Now playing

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

🇬🇧English→🇬🇧English
Sample transcript — click Live captions above to run Whisper on the actual audio in your browser.

  1. Welcome to the program. I'm your host.

    Welcome to the program. I'm your host.

    0:00

  2. Today we look at the major stories shaping the news cycle.

    Today we look at the major stories shaping the news cycle.

    0:04

  3. We start in Europe, where leaders met in Brussels.

    We start in Europe, where leaders met in Brussels.

    0:09

  4. The summit focused on energy policy and migration.

    The summit focused on energy policy and migration.

    0:14

  5. Reporting from the ground, our correspondent has more.

    Reporting from the ground, our correspondent has more.

    0:19

  6. Thank you. The mood here was tense but constructive.

    Thank you. The mood here was tense but constructive.

    0:24