Laurie Kilmartin, a comedian who finds humor in dark situations, talks with Marc Maron about her latest special addressing abortion and comedy surviving information bubbles. They also discuss the importance of letting go and the challenges of bridging gaps in humor and protecting democracy.
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Quick takeaways
Comedy can survive information bubbles and the lack of a shared national dialogue.
Bridging the gap between different perspectives is challenging in a polarized society.
Crafting jokes about sensitive topics requires a balance between mocking and respecting the subject matter.
Deep dives
Finding meaning in artifacts and the legacy left behind
The podcast episode explores the idea of preserving personal artifacts and the legacy they hold. The host reflects on the significance of his own belongings and the question of whether or not they hold value for others. He ponders the role of museums and archival institutions in preserving and cataloging personal history, and considers the essence of truth and expression that can be found in simple and singular artistic works or achievements.
Navigating the influence and limitations of ideology
The podcast delves into the complexities of ideological beliefs and the challenges of trying to bridge the gap between different perspectives. The speaker discusses how some individuals firmly hold their own beliefs and view differing opinions as inherently dangerous or immoral. The conversation touches on the limitations of education and communication in changing deep-seated beliefs, and the difficulty of finding common ground in a polarized society.
The complex dynamics of family relationships and trauma
The episode explores the delicate dynamics of family relationships, particularly in the face of trauma and generational differences. The host shares personal experiences of grappling with the trauma and emotional disconnect within his family, particularly in relation to his mother. The challenging relationship between mother and daughter is examined, along with the impact it can have on personal dynamics and attempts at reconciliation.
Navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and cultural polarization
The podcast recalls the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic and the cultural polarization that accompanied it. The speaker discusses the politicization of issues such as mask-wearing and the challenges of trying to navigate a deeply divided society. The host and guest express their personal experiences and frustrations with the handling of the pandemic and the wider impact it had on societal dynamics and belief systems.
Navigating Controversial Comedy
The podcast episode dives into the topic of controversial comedy and how comedians use humor to discuss sensitive subjects. The comedian discusses her own experience with crafting jokes about her parents' aging and illness, acknowledging the fine line between mocking and respecting the topic. She highlights the importance of structure and audience perception, sharing that once she established confidence and comfort with discussing difficult topics on stage, it became an interchangeable component of her act. This opened up new possibilities and allowed her to delve into deeper and more personal material, creating a connection with the audience.
Parenting and Comedy
The podcast episode also explores the challenges of parenting as a comedian. The comedian shares her experience of being a single mother and the demands of navigating her son's emotional well-being. She discusses the constant monitoring of his mood and emotions, the uncertainties of knowing when to intervene or stay in the background, and the difficulties of balancing her career with the responsibilities of raising a child. The comedian reflects on the unique challenges of parenting a teenager and the impact of technology on social interactions among young people, contrasting it with her own childhood filled with outdoor activities and face-to-face interactions with friends.
Laurie Kilmartin can make comedy out of the darkest situations in her life, from her father’s hospice care to her mother dying of Covid to being targeted by Fox News and the right wing for making an abortion joke. The latter became the foundation for her latest special, Cis Woke Grief Slut, and Laurie talks with Marc about how comedy can survive information bubbles and the lack of a shared national dialogue. They also talk about getting to a point in their lives where it’s time to let things go.
