WTF with Marc Maron Podcast Episode 1655 - Rich Aronovitch
Jun 26, 2025
Rich Aronovitch, an energetic comedian known for his YouTube special, shares his inspiring journey through sobriety and the nuances of his comedy career. He reminisces about his early days on stage as Smooth Daddy Johnson and the chaotic experience that landed him in jail for letting air out of a cop's tires. They discuss the challenges of maintaining comedic integrity in a world shaped by social media and the joy of fatherhood, blending laughter with heartfelt reflections on personal growth and identity.
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Turning Point: From Drink to Jail
- Rich Aronovitch hit a bottom with his drinking in 2006 and got a ride home from Marc Maron, who helped him see he had a problem.
- After letting air out of meter maid tires, Rich was arrested, charged with a felony, and faced possible deportation as a Canadian citizen.
Sobriety After Crisis
- Rich realized he had to stop drinking after ending up in an ambulance and facing deportation.
- He's been sober for 16 years, emphasizing jail, institutions, or death as the hard choices of addiction recovery.
New Orleans Childhood and Holocaust Roots
- Rich grew up in New Orleans in David Duke's district, facing antisemitic attacks and threats during childhood.
- His family had a harrowing Holocaust survivor background, shaping his family's history and experiences.