Wild Card with Rachel Martin Raphael Bob-Waksberg doesn’t forgive, but he forgets
Sep 11, 2025
Raphael Bob-Waksberg, creator of the acclaimed series BoJack Horseman, dives into the complexities of grief, faith, and identity through animation. He reflects on how his early experiences with boredom fueled his creativity and shaped his approach to storytelling. The conversation touches on the role of mentorship in parenting and the emotional layers embedded in his new show, Long Story Short. Bob-Waksberg candidly discusses evolving beliefs about religion while navigating loss, emphasizing the importance of connection and kindness in the face of sorrow.
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Childhood Boredom Became Creative Fuel
- Raphael describes being bored as a child and having ADD, which made him constantly distracted and inventive.
- He channeled boredom into drawing comics and songs instead of disrupting class.
A Toddler Moment That Humanized Parents
- Raphael recalls breaking his mother's glasses as a toddler and seeing her cry, which revealed her vulnerability.
- The moment taught him that parents are human and have emotional limits.
A Teacher Who Saw Him Clearly
- Raphael praises his high school theater teacher Jim Shelby for not talking down to students and guiding them.
- That teaching style influenced how Raphael treats his own children with respect and autonomy.
