Director Judd Apatow gave a fascinating interview to Vulture this week, revealing a glimpse into how his massively influential mind approaches the craft of comedy, as well as the industry’s intersection with politics.

Asked by David Marchese why “there been this shift in comedy toward moralizing and self-confession,” Apatow replied, “It’s because people are hungrier for honesty now, which is something they’re not getting from other places.”