If ever there were an ideal moment, topic and guest for Truth Tastes Funny, it’s three-time Emmy Award-winning “recovering journalist” Rafer Weigel. Son of iconic Chicago sports reporter Tim Weigel, Rafer came up in the news business, and I chose this interview to close out Season 2, because while we’re just two dudes talkin’ about life, news, and storytelling, it’s hard not to think about the Dominion lawsuit against FOX, and the general complexion of “news” in a post-truth world. And, of course, the old adage, “If it bleeds, it leads.”
Also fascinating is Rafer’s experience – as an apolitical reporter – being caught between left and right after breaking the Jussie Smollett case: Smollett was convicted in late 2021 on charges that he staged an anti-gay, racist attack on himself on a frigid January 2019 night and then lied to Chicago police about it. The actor-singer maintained his innocence throughout the case and this month, the former “Empire” star officially filed to appeal his December 2021 conviction.
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Chapter Markers:
00:00 – The Art of Storytelling
08:11 – Journalism & The Weigels
11:40 – State of News Today
13:44 – Jussie Smollett
20:00 – Tabloid Journalism & Journalistic Entertainment
23:10 – Comedy, News & Discourse
27:28 – Truth & Risks in Standup
34:01 – A Human – & Humility – Reset
36:00 – Truth Really Does Taste Funny in the End
Find Rafer:
www.wmgcommunications.com
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Now President/Chief Storyteller at WMG Communications, Rafer brings his expertise in crafting engaging stories for his clients using their words to make them look and sound their best on camera. Weigel finds what’s unique about your business or non-profit and then expertly crafts those messages into a comprehensive editorial and content strategy to create consistent engagement for our clients across all their digital platforms.