Acclaimed writer and senior lecturer in comedy writing at LMU School of Film and Television, Rob Kutner, has released a new book titled “The Jews: 5,000 Years and Counting,” which explores Judaism’s long and complex history through a humorous, satirical lens. Published by Wicked Son, it was written in consultation with rabbis, history professors, and specialists in the field.
A celebrated comedy writer, Kutner has won five Emmys, a Peabody, a TCA, and a Grammy writing for TBS’ “CONAN” and “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.” In addition, he currently serves as head writer for “God’s Gang,” an independent interfaith action-comedy animated show.
Speaking about his new publication, Kutner observed, “Using humor and satire is an effective way to get people – especially young people, a prime target of the book – engaged with tough and old material, and also controversial material, as I learned from my time writing for ‘The Daily Show.’”
Kutner also reflected on the common ground between Jewish traditions and Loyola Marymount University’s longstanding Catholic, Jesuit, and Marymount customs: “Jews have always identified with lifting up the powerless or those on the margins – the Torah tells us to ‘remember you were strangers in the land of Egypt’ more than any other commandment. We definitely share the Jesuits’ penchant for being able to travel anywhere in the world and build a community of faith — even if our ‘travels’ weren’t always by choice! And with the Catholics, we share a long tradition of strong mothers and guilt,” remarked Kutner.
When asked what single piece of advice he would give to aspiring screenwriters, he shared this useful insight: “Don’t try to tell stories the way you think others would ‘like.’ You have a voice no one else does, but you may have to put in the work to excavate it.”
When he’s not mentoring the next generation of talented writers, or exploring Jewish history through humor, Kutner continues to blend comedy with unexpected disciplines. He recently co-authored the new book, “Pitch, Sketch, Launch: What Sketch Comedy Can Teach Us About Product Development,” alongside John Krewson, founder and CEO of Sketch Development Services. Drawing directly from his work at LMU, the book applies principles of sketch comedy to the world of product design and features a foreword by actor, comedian, and podcast host Connor Ratliff, whose work has been recognized by IndieWire, The New Yorker, and Time Magazine.
