Roasted to Perfection

When I reached out to talk to comedian, writer, actor, and activist Lukas Arnold, he suggested that we meet at one of his favorite locations in NYC: an elevated rooftop garden in Wall Street. Walking between the narrow streets of the financial district, I wasn’t expecting such a beautifully thought-out and open garden hidden among the large maze of office buildings. I hadn’t spoken to Lukas much before our meeting, but during our conversation, I had a similar feeling about him as well. In the never-ending flux of comedians and writers, it’s shocking and refreshing when you get to talk to someone as thoughtful as Lukas. Which is why I believe the most interesting thing about his considerate nature is that he has a talent for roasting people.

“It’s impossible to get roasted well without being known well and being seen as a full person,” he explains to me passionately. Lukas has been a fan of roast battles for years, a passion we both share. But I think I’ve always struggled with the comedic subgenre of roasting. It’s not everyone’s favorite thing to be told the silent part about them out loud. But that doesn’t stop them from enjoying watching other people get made fun of. Lukas explains why roasting and getting roasted is something that can strengthen a bond with someone else. “You are getting known…and that is a loving thing,” he says wisely.

Getting ready for a comedy battle itself is a form of mindfulness and staying present. “Comedy is verbal magic tricks, and roasting is competitive verbal magic tricks. It takes away so many variables so that you can just focus on making just a few—like five—jokes as good as they possibly can be… It’s almost meditative in a way.”

Lukas is also actively involved in his local community, a passion that has grown with his own success. Which is why I ask him: with so many voices sharing their opinions on the internet, why does it seem to be comedic voices that get most of the message across? “[Comedy] is reality made delicious,” he responds. “Something that I just heard growing up was ‘think globally, act locally.’” He believes if something needs to be said, and you have a voice that people hear, then you need to say it. This is a sentiment I resonate with, because good or bad, the truth can always be said with care and love. Whether it be with roast battles or commentary on politics, comedy is something that cooks the disgusting into something digestible.

“I feel like I have a lot to give, and I feel like I have a responsibility to listen and use what I have for as much as I can.”