A crazy thing happened to me yesterday. And also on the bus on the way here. In general, it has been an extraordinary week. Why is it important for stand-up that jokes are based on recent and real life (even though we all know that's a lie)?

In this exciting new episode, Raanan Hershberg, a (literally) fresh yet seasoned comedian, and master of deprecating and all sorts of humor, talks about his craft with us. Among other topics, we talk about authenticity in humor - that it is all predicated on lies and depends on audiences' (impressive) suspension of disbelief, but there is core truth there, and emotional authenticity. In essence, Raanan says a comedian's talent is mental. Whereas singers use their voice and musicians play their instruments - a good comedian plays the audience.

Raanan...