WTF with Marc Maron Podcast

Spike Lee joins to discuss his latest film, *Highest 2 Lowest*, featuring Denzel Washington and set in the vibrant landscape of NYC. He shares insights on his passion for teaching and documentary work, while also reminiscing about the impact of *Bamboozled*. The conversation dives into the evolving New York creative scene post-pandemic, the role of improvisation in filmmaking, and the critical legacy of Black filmmakers, emphasizing themes of race and representation in cinema.

Tim Heidecker, a versatile comedian, writer, and musician, joins to share his journey from intimidating to approachable. He and Marc explore the importance of live music in their lives and their shared insecurities in filmmaking. They discuss the troubling trends in comedy, lamenting the regression in the industry while emphasizing the need for thoughtful engagement in a polarized society. The conversation highlights their creative processes and the significance of humor as a tool for change.

Regina King, an acclaimed actress and director, shares her fascinating journey from her sitcom beginnings on 227 to her powerful roles in films like Boyz n the Hood and If Beale Street Could Talk. She opens up about the emotional depths of her latest project, Caught Stealing, shedding light on themes of grief and mental health. Regina also reveals her creative venture into the wine industry, inspired by her son, and discusses the importance of authenticity and connection in both her professional and personal life.

Jeremy Allen White, best known for his roles in Shameless and The Bear, delves into his transformative experience playing Bruce Springsteen in Deliver Me From Nowhere. He candidly discusses his journey from childhood dance classes to tackling anxiety and panic attacks while navigating the challenges of acting. Jeremy shares insights about his professional relationships in Hollywood and the importance of vulnerability in performance. They also touch on the role of mentorship in shaping his career and the evolving nature of acting.

Peter Conheim, a film and audio archivist and former member of the experimental band Negativland, dives into the world of culture jamming and artistic anonymity. He discusses the impact of punk rock on identity and the nuances of audio editing, revealing how it can expose media truths. Peter also shares his experiences working on the Netflix documentary about Devo and the art of preserving cinematic history, highlighting the challenges of balancing artistic intent with modern technology. It's a fascinating journey through rebellion, creativity, and the evolution of independent art.

Ben Stiller, renowned actor and director known for his comedic genius, revisits his journey since his last appearance over 15 years ago. He discusses the pressing sense of responsibility he feels while directing 'Severance.' The conversation delves into his thoughts on the current state of comedy films, sharing insights on awards and the evolving landscape for actors. Stiller also unveils a heartfelt documentary about his parents, reflecting on family dynamics and the bittersweet passage of time.

Neko Case, a celebrated singer-songwriter and member of The New Pornographers, shares insights from her recently released memoir, The Harder I Fight the More I Love You. She reflects on the reliability of animals compared to people and embraces the concept of chosen family. Neko also dives into her creative process, the challenges of music production, and the surprising legacy of her pro wrestler great-aunt. Their conversation is a blend of humor and poignant storytelling, addressing themes of identity, trauma, and the transformative power of music.

Bowen Yang, a cast member of Saturday Night Live and an Emmy-nominated actor, opens up about his lifelong anxiety rooted in gay conversion therapy. He shares insights on the dynamics at SNL during a turbulent political era and the unique pressures of being a gay Asian comedian. The conversation touches on the complexities of identity and familial expectations, revealing the challenges of balancing personal authenticity with societal norms. Through humor, Bowen reflects on his growth, mental health, and the significance of representation in comedy.

Jim Gaffigan, a celebrated stand-up comedian known for his sharp observational humor on food and family, joins Marc Maron for a playful yet thoughtful dialogue. They discuss the behind-the-scenes journey of creating a comedy special and reflect on their growth as performers. The conversation touches on the changing landscape of comedy, the challenge of navigating political themes, and the evolving expectations of audiences. They also dive into the relationship between comedy venues and artistic vision, all while sharing laughs about the allure of food culture.

Questlove, the talented drummer of The Roots and an Oscar-winning filmmaker, shares his artistic journey from playing in his dad's band at age 12 to co-founding a groundbreaking hip-hop group. He opens up about his insecurities as an artist, the pivotal decision for The Roots to become a late-night house band, and the emotions behind winning an Oscar shortly after the infamous slap incident. Questlove also reveals his motivation for creating a documentary about Sly Stone, combining personal reflections and insights from the music industry.