Dave Chappelle describes comedians as 'the nation's kidney'—essential processors who help audiences metabolize facts and emotions. In this NPR Newsmakers interview, the provocative stand-up explains why free speech matters to his art, why he invested $15 million in his hometown's public radio station, and how comedy and journalism share the crucial function of helping people make sense of the world. Comedians serve as cultural processors similar to journalists, helping people contextualize facts, feelings, and ideas during information overload in modern culture. Chappelle's investment in WYSO public radio stems from viewing his success as reciprocal—audiences protect his privacy and support his work, so he demonstrates gratitude by investing in his community.