Episode 53: Piyali Syam - From Philosophy to Funny

Piyali Syam is a stand-up comedian based in New York City.

Instagram and all episodes

(00:00) Fordham Bound: Secret Acting Plan

(02:05) Small-Town Upstate to City Dreams

(04:12) Art Kid: Drawing, Flute, Choirs, Theater

(06:18) First Love Was Drawing (and Big Feelings)

(08:27) Majors & Minors: Philosophy Over Performance

(10:11) High-School Theater Highs (and Cringe)

(12:36) “Be Useful”: Sampling Pre-Med, IR, Env Sci

(14:58) Choosing Philosophy: Courses That Mattered

(17:20) Logic, Nietzsche & Existential Meaning

(20:02) Loving Animals: Toward Vegetarianism

(22:41) Brighter Green, Climate Math & Moderation

(24:55) Seafood, “Aspiring Vegan,” Eating Animals

(27:40) Signs Toward Comedy: The Bra Line

(30:33) Abeson’s Note, Industry Boxes & Brecht’s Spoonful

(33:18) First Shows, Gotham Grad, Self-Regenerating Scene

(36:12) Slumps, Solo Show, Storytelling > Jokes-Per-Minute

(40:05) Dark Comedy Projects, Grants & Women-Led TV Aims

(45:15) Redefining Success & “Just Potential” Finale