WTF with Marc Maron Podcast Episode 1661 - Jena Friedman
Jul 17, 2025
Jena Friedman, a talented comedian and writer known for her work on The Daily Show and Borat 2, discusses the challenges of doing politically relevant comedy. She shares her experiences crossing the border, which highlight the risks comedians face today. Jena reflects on her activist roots and how they shaped her unique comedic voice. The conversation dives into the balance of addressing serious themes while maintaining humor in today’s climate, offering an insightful look at the intersection of comedy and politics.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Customs Question on Political Jokes
- Jena Friedman was asked by U.S. Customs if she made jokes about politicians during a border crossing in Canada. - She said no, joking Trump is a businessman, which got her through but felt ominous about the question.
US vs UK Political Comedy Reception
- American audiences experience fatigue with political comedy unlike European audiences. - Europeans see American political comedy as novel and are more receptive to darker comedic sensibilities.
True Crime Comedy Experience
- Jena produced a true crime comedy show mixing intense stories with humor to reframe narratives. - She cleverly handled difficult topics, like rough sex defense, by balancing comedy and advocacy.
