Uploaded November 2021 | Updated September 2026, 6 days ago
You probably know Kal Penn from his successful acting career in hits like How I Met Your Mother, Designated Survivor, and the Harold and Kumar franchise, or as White House advisor to President Obama. His new memoir You Can’t Be Serious details why he rejected the idea of picking a “practical career,” growing up the son of immigrant parents, working in the entertainment industry, and behind-the-scenes scoop from his years at the White House. Penn is joined in conversation by Suroosh Alvi, founder of VICE Media.
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You probably know Kal Penn from his successful acting career in hits like How I Met Your Mother, Designated Survivor, and the Harold and Kumar franchise, or as White House advisor to President Obama. His new memoir You Can’t Be Serious details why he rejected the idea of picking a “practical career,” growing up the son of immigrant parents, working in the entertainment industry, and behind-the-scenes scoop from his years at the White House. Penn is joined in conversation by Suroosh Alvi, founder of VICE Media.
Donate now to support programs like this: chicagohumanities.org/donate
Explore upcoming events: chicagohumanities.org
Connect on Twitter: twitter.com/ChiHumanities
Connect on Facebook: facebook.com/chicagohumanities
Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/chihumanities
![Nyle DiMarco: Deaf Utopia [CC]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HZEjpomDlQI/mqdefault.jpg "Nyle DiMarco: Deaf Utopia [CC]
America’s Next Top Model and Dancing with the Stars champion Nyle DiMarco knows “just how damn cool it is to be Deaf.” DiMarco’s career (which also includes executive producing the reality show Deaf U and Academy-award nominated documentary Audible) has been dedicated to celebrating what makes Deaf culture so unique and beautiful. Join DiMarco at CHF for a conversation about his new book Deaf Utopia: A Memoir—and a Love Letter to a Way of Life with Chicago Today host Matthew Rodrigues.
Donate now to support programs like this: https://www.chicagohumanities.org/donate/
Explore upcoming events: https://www.chicagohumanities.org/
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Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chihumanities/")
