Felipe Esparza, a stand-up comic and host of "What's Up Fool?", discusses his comedic journey filled with legendary encounters. He reminisces about the vibrant Boston comedy scene and how cultural shifts of the '80s, particularly the influence of cocaine, shaped creativity. The conversation turns to heckling, the dynamics of performing comedy, and the eccentricity in comedic styles. They reflect on the evolution of comedy, from vaudeville to modern humor, and tackle the absurdities of colonial history, all while infusing humor into serious topics.

Felipe Esparza, a stand-up comedian and podcast veteran, shares laughs with fellow comedian Jessimae Peluso, known for her podcast 'Sharp Tongue.' They dive into Jessimae's chat with John Stamos and Felipe’s quirky crush on Lindsay Wagner from 'The Bionic Woman.' Filmmaker Justine Bateman joins later, discussing her concerns over generative AI in filmmaking and the political changes ahead. The trio explores childhood nostalgia, societal shifts, and the importance of authentic storytelling in comedy and art.

Felipe Esparza, a celebrated comedian known for his Netflix special 'Bad Decisions' and a finalist on 'Last Comic Standing,' opens up about the feelings of loneliness and isolation he grapples with. He shares humorous yet introspective stories of growing up in Boyle Heights amid gang culture and the lasting effects it had on his life. Felipe dives into his battles with addiction, the chaos of his teenage years, and his ongoing journey of recovery, all while blending humor with deep reflections on identity and the demands of fame.

Felipe Esparza, a comedian, discusses his unique journey, meeting other comedians, alcoholic experiences, group disputes, exclusion, observations at boarding groups, interpreting situations, financial disappointment, speech impairment, bombing, gangs protecting the environment and crack cocaine use. He also talks about his upcoming tour dates, TV appearances, and being excluded from a comedy festival lineup.

The challenges of standup comedy were nothing compared to the obstacles Felipe Esparza faced throughout his childhood. His family was caught crossing the border and sent back to Mexico. When he finally made it to America, he found himself living with an abusive father in a Los Angeles neighborhood being decimated by crack and PCP. And as Felipe tells Marc, even when he was getting good standup gigs, he couldn't escape his past. They also talk about Felipe's vegan journey, the big comedy lesson he learned from the library, and the difference between doing his act in English and in Spanish. Sign up here for WTF+ to get the full show archives and weekly bonus material! https://plus.acast.com/s/wtf-with-marc-maron-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.