Title Unaltered: Episode 20 of Running to the Noise
**Ed Helms Embraces Humour as a Catalyst for Change**
In an enlightening conversation with Oberlin College President Carmen Twillie Ambar on the podcast "Running to the Noise", actor and alumnus Ed Helms (Class of '96) delved into his journey from Oberlin to Hollywood, his views on humour as a tool for change, and his activism against dark money in politics.
Helms' time at Oberlin College was pivotal in shaping his career. Initially pursuing geology, he eventually switched to film theory and technology, a decision that opened the door to a world of creative possibilities. During his time at Oberlin, Helms participated in a student exchange at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, further enriching his exposure to performing arts.
Post-college, Helms moved to New York City and immersed himself in the sketch comedy scene, writing and performing with various groups and studying improv with the Upright Citizens Brigade ensemble. He worked as a trainee film editor at Crew Cuts and began voice-over work, which transitioned into acting roles. His early notable work included performing stand-up comedy, leading to an audition and a cast position on the satirical news show *The Daily Hunt* from 2002 to 2006, where he served as a correspondent and host of various segments. His first feature film role was in *Blackballed: The Bobby Dukes Story* (2004).
Helms' career was further propelled by roles on "The Office" and the "The Hangover" films, but his passion for using comedy as a means to spark change remains unwavering. He believes that humour, particularly representation and small actions in writers' rooms, can contribute to significant impacts.
In his podcast, "SNAFU: The Definitive Guide to History's Greatest Screwups", Helms emphasises the importance of kindness, empathy, and small acts of participation. He also highlights the power of diverse writers' rooms, stressing the importance of inclusivity in shaping narratives.
Moreover, Helms is an active supporter of the nonpartisan organization RepresentUs, using satire to fight corruption. His activism against dark money in politics reflects his commitment to creating a better world, a cause that he says is motivated by his children.
The conversation with Ed Helms, originally premiered in the first season of "Running to the Noise", offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and career of this accomplished actor and Oberlin alumnus. It serves as a testament to the transformative power of education, creativity, and the pursuit of a passion-driven career.
### Summary of Key Points
| Aspect | Details | |---------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | **Education** | Oberlin College (B.A. film theory and technology), NYU Tisch School of the Arts exchange | | **Early Career** | NYC sketch comedy, Upright Citizens Brigade improv, film editing trainee, voice-over artist | | **Breakthrough** | *The Daily Hunt* satirical show (2002-2006), early film role in *Blackballed* (2004) | | **Influence of Oberlin** | Credit Oberlin for creative foundation and passion for comedy | | **Views on Humor** | Humour is a tool for meaningful change, emphasising representation and small actions for impact | | **Activism** | RepresentUs, fighting corruption, dark money in politics | | **Podcast** | SNAFU: The Definitive Guide to History's Greatest Screwups |
- In the realm of education and self-development, Ed Helms' time at Oberlin College played a significant role in shaping his career, fostering his interest in film theory and technology.
- Post-college, Helms delved into the entertainment industry, honing his skills in New York City's sketch comedy scene and participating in improv workshops with the Upright Citizens Brigade ensemble.
- Personal growth and career development took a leap as Helms landed a role on the satirical news show, The Daily Hunt and his first film role in Blackballed: The Bobby Dukes Story, both from 2004.
- Helms is a proponent of using humor as a catalyst for change, emphasizing the importance of representation and small actions in writers' rooms for significant impacts, a belief exemplified in his podcast, "SNAFU: The Definitive Guide to History's Greatest Screwups."
- Aside from his entertainment endeavors, Helms is actively involved in social media, using platforms to advocate for causes such as fighting dark money in politics through his association with the nonpartisan organization RepresentUs, driven by his passion for personal growth and social change.
