This week, host Isaac Butler talks to Dina Hashem, a stand-up comedian and writer for The Daily Show whose recent special is called Dark Little Whispers. In the interview, Dina discusses her reliance on inspiration rather than a formal writing process, her experiences in comedy roast battles, and the fact that her standards for good comedy keep getting higher.

After the interview, Isaac and co-host June Thomas talk about why artists sometimes need to take jobs that aren’t a great fit but help propel them towards better opportunities.

In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Isaac asks Dina about her exciting new hobby: drumming.

Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to working@slate.com or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.

Podcast production by Cameron Drews.

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Working: How a Stand Up Comedian’s Sense of Humor Evolves