Awkward, black and enterprising

Issa Rae is a multitalented artist with a distinct comic vision. As the creator of the funny and beloved "Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl" web series, she introduced an unlikely heroine to the world, an awkward and neurotic black woman. In "Ratchetpiece Theater," she casts the appraising eye of a high culture aficionado on translating the rhyme and reason of 'ratchet' music videos. 

Issa Rae is curious and inspired. She is creating opportunities for herself and others to develop shows that speak to diverse audiences. Watch Rae discuss the origin story of the "Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl" and what's next for her in part three of The New York Times "Off Color" comedy video series.

BITS AND PIECES

Doctor, professor and writer Atul Gawande explores the benefits of coaching in the professional world in this week’s The New Yorker. Listen to him talk with Neal Conan on Talk of the Nation about the article and the ways coaching can enhance performance throughout a career. Read the article here.

Marc Maron has a great job. He talks to comedians in his garage about their careers and what inspires them. Comics share their stories and comedy lore. Who knew that Jonathon Winters and Dick Van Dyke regularly visited an elderly Stan Laurel in his tiny apartment to listen to him talk about the golden age of silent movies and vaudeville?  Maron’s guests have included Richard Lewis, Sandra Bernhard, Louis CK, Amy Poehler and Ken Jeong. Get the WTF podcast here.