He went on to share how a 16-year-old girl and her father came to one of his shows. The teenage girl had been about to take her own life when she started listening to Bargatze’s comedy, and she and her father started listening to him together because “you weren’t pushing them apart. You weren’t going to get them in a fight,” Bargatze said. Instead, “they’re laughing at me. I’m being dumb and whatever.”
He has since heard numerous similar stories and now feels he has trust built with his audience about the type of comedy that he does, whether he is performing in San Francisco or in Alabama.
“Well, and the dad and the daughter, who most certainly have different political leanings,” Shepard began.
“Oh yes,” Bargatze agreed.
“Get to come together,” Shepard continued.
“And that normally wouldn’t have anything in common,” said Bargatze.
“But now they have this thing they can share,” said Shepard, “and that’s f***ing valuable and lovely.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Hotline.
Editor’s note: This video contains language some might find offensive.
