I respect Ronnie Chieng as one of the most skilled standup comedians working today. His 2019 Netflix special "Asian Comedian Destroys America!" offered a refreshing perspective—a foreigner observing the hypernormalism and nationalism of America. At the same time, he genuinely paid respect to the symbols of America and what they originally stood for.

Three years later, he returned with even keener observations in his 2022 Netflix special "Speakeasy." It was edgier and more personal, with a confrontational edge that made it compelling. It was cathartic to watch him create uncomfortable silence in the audience and be completely okay with it.

Speaking in front of people is not easy. Being honest and saying out loud things that are truthful to yourself—knowing they will not get everyone's approval—takes real courage. That is what I really want to learn from him.