INTERVIEW: Controversial Comedian Bill Maher
For his decades-long career, comedian and commentator Bill Maher has skewered cherished customs and beliefs. Whether on his HBO show “Real Time with Bill Maher,” in his documentary film “Religulous,” or doing stand-up, he doesn’t shy away from controversy. Politics, drugs, faith — nothing is sacred. He’ll be performing in Birmingham this Sunday, but WBHM’s Dan Carsen caught up with him first. It’s a serious conversation, but it starts out on a light note, and ranges far and wide from there. The on-air five-minute version is above. An extended web-only 18-minute version is below.
Subject and time pegs for the extended interview are below:
0:23 — The theological question of whether the Devil is in charge of the Anti-Christ, or vice-versa.
1:04 — Is Bill Maher preaching to the (secular) choir?
1:45 — Most Democrats are believers, too.
2:15 — The question of safety from fundamentalist extremists.
3:02 — Carsen asks whether Maher can see the good religion can do.
3:51 — Maher objects to the question of whether he’s an atheist or an agnostic.
4:44 — “The Gospel of ‘I Don’t Know.'”
5:15 — “We used to believe in Zeus and Thor…”
5:28 — Carsen asks Maher why he’s so anti-religion.
5:49 — “9-11 was a faith-based initiative.”
7:03 — Carsen asks Maher about his role models.
8:02 — A decades-old quote from Maher on why he won’t run for office.
9:54 — Maher’s thoughts on future elections.
10:00 — Carsen asks about creative freedom at HBO.
10:50 — “9-11 changed everything, made people a little crazy.”
12:25 — Maher’s opinions on teaching religion in public schools as history or sociology.
14:15 — If Maher were king, he/we would address climate change and punish polluters with jail time.
15:05 — Carsen asks Maher if he smokes marijuana — which Maher believes should be legal — before shows.
16:53 — What to expect at Maher’s show at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex on Sunday.
Nepal lifts social media ban following protests where police killed 19 people
Nepal's government lifted its ban on social media platforms Tuesday a day after police killed opened fire on mass street protests against the ban, killing 19 people.
Rupert Murdoch buys out 3 of his kids, cementing his conservative media empire
The owner of Fox News, the Wall Street Journal and dozens of other media properties has settled a legal fight with three of his own children over who would control his companies after his death.
Estate of Jeffrey Epstein gives Congress ‘birthday book’ allegedly signed by Trump
Democrats on the House Oversight Committee said the book included a tawdry drawing and note that appeared to include President Trump's signature. Trump had previously denied its existence.
DHS launches immigration crackdowns in Chicago, Boston
These announcements by DHS are just the latest escalation of federal action in U.S. cities including Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. — all led by Democrats.
The school shooting industry is worth billions – and it keeps growing
The effort to keep schools safe from mass shooters has ballooned into a multibillion dollar industry. Companies are selling school districts assurance with high-tech products.
Highlights from the VMAs, from Mariah Carey’s first win to Lady Gaga’s magic act
Sunday's VMAs were the first time the awards show has been broadcast on CBS in addition to MTV. The show recognized rising stars and longtime icons alike.
