Join the Fun: How Laughing Liberally Delivers Comfort and Comedy for Lefties at the Bar

Matthew Filipowicz believes the next few years could feel quite grim.

“We’re stepping into a sequel to one of the worst movies ever made,” joked Filipowicz, a comedian and political satirist from Milwaukee. He humorously mentioned titles like “Paul Blart Mall Cop 7” and “MAGA 2: Electric Boogaloo.”

“Imagine being stuck in a movie theater with the doors locked and the popcorn burnt,” he added.

For over ten years, Filipowicz has found a way to push back against the darkness through his monthly comedy show, Laughing Liberally Milwaukee. He recently expanded the show to Madison, just before the presidential election, with hopes of bringing comfort to anxious progressives. “It’s a space for people to feel normal when faced with troubling views from those around them,” he explained.

The next show will be on January 27 at the Minocqua Brewing Company’s Madison taproom. The lineup includes comedians like Brian Green, Chloe Mikala, and Alice Pauser, plus Filipowicz’s own group, The Accountants of Homeland Security.

Laughing Liberally is part of a nationwide movement of progressive comedians who use humor to highlight liberal issues. Filipowicz has been involved in local chapters in Chicago, Boston, and Milwaukee. While the focus is on comedy, Filipowicz emphasizes the importance of offering diverse viewpoints—not just the typical perspectives you often see.

“We aim for a broad range of voices. It’s about inclusivity and social awareness,” he noted. He also highlighted how not all comedy venues embrace political material. Some places shy away from political jokes while allowing harmful content that targets marginalized groups.

“Some clubs want to avoid ‘offending’ people but are okay with racist or sexist humor. That’s where we step in,” Filipowicz said. Laughing Liberally strives to create an environment where comedians can express their truths without backlash. It’s crucial for them to perform in front of an audience that welcomes open discussion.

As the host and producer, Filipowicz enjoys guiding and nurturing new talent. He’s excited to see comedians grow and evolve in their craft.

“Watching comics develop their acts is very fulfilling,” he shared. Filipowicz plans to host at least 12 shows a year in Madison, offering local talent multiple chances to shine.

By showcasing such a variety of comedians, he hopes to make a small impact, even if comedy alone can’t address all the serious issues we face today.

“We live in a society where facts often take a back seat,” Filipowicz said. He believes comedy can inform and engage people. Through jokes about everything from local politics to national events, he sees humor as a possible stepping stone to greater awareness and advocacy.

Can comedy spark real change? Filipowicz remains uncertain. “After all those jokes about Trump, he still won,” he reflected. “Maybe the right joke just hasn’t been written yet.”