Hari Kondabolu on comedy with a social conscience

Stand-up comedian Hari Kondabolu joins Jian to discuss the evolution of his smart, socially conscious brand of comedy -- and how responds to critics who consider him too political or "obsessed" with issues of race. 

That's like being "obsessed with swimming when I'm drowning," he laughs.  

The Brooklyn-based, Queens-raised comedian aims to make diverse audiences not only crack up, but also reflect on polarizing issues -- like race, colonialism and immigrant rights. 

He explains how 9/11 really activated his sense of social justice, how stand-up helped take the edge off his serious human rights work, and why he stopped doing accented impressions of his immigrant parents. 

His latest collection, Waiting for 2042, is among the first comedy albums ever put out by Portland punk-loving indie label, Kill Rock Stars.

Watch Kondabolu in action 

New to Hari Kondabolu's comedy? Watch two of his most recent performances on the Late Show with David Letterman (March 26th, 2014) and Conan (June 16th, 2014), as well as a segment he did about a Sikh Captain America for the FX's Totally Biased with Kamau Bell.