WTF with Marc Maron Podcast

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.

Awkwafina, the talented rapper, comedian, and actress known for roles in 'Crazy Rich Asians' and 'The Farewell,' joins the discussion. She shares her unique journey from classical trumpet player to global star, reflecting on her mother's artistic influence. The conversation dives into the challenges of growing up in Queens, the struggles of being an only child, and the evolving nature of identity in the entertainment industry. Awkwafina humorously recounts her experiences with self-doubt and the importance of embracing one's heritage in shaping artistic ambitions.

Ari Aster, the visionary director behind films like Hereditary and Midsommar, delves into the psychological depths of trauma and anxiety in his cinematic works. He candidly discusses how his upbringing, with a poet mother and jazz drummer father, has shaped his artistry. Aster also reveals the unique blend of horror and comedy in his projects, highlighting the emotional intricacies that resonate with audiences. He reflects on how societal changes, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, influence storytelling and personal creativity.

Jackson Galaxy, known as the 'Cat Daddy,' is a renowned cat behaviorist and host of Animal Planet's 'My Cat from Hell.' In this engaging conversation, he shares his transformative journey from rock and roll aspirations to cat expertise. Jackson offers Marc invaluable tips to manage his cat's aggression and delves into the emotional nuances of cat ownership. The duo also discusses addiction, sobriety, and the unique bond between humans and their feline companions, highlighting the whimsical and complex world of cats.

In a lively chat, Sarah Sherman, also known as Sarah Squirm and a cast member of Saturday Night Live, shares her journey from the Chicago DIY scene to mainstream comedy. She reveals how Eric Andre changed her life and reflects on her chaotic yet creative experiences in her surreal performances. With humor, she discusses the challenges of live sketch comedy and the pressures of SNL, while also diving into her early inspirations and the evolution of her unique comedic style rooted in the grotesque.

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.

Leanne Morgan, a comedian known for her relatable stories and late bloom in comedy, discusses her journey from tobacco fields in Tennessee to Netflix stardom. She reflects on her false starts in the entertainment industry and the pivotal role social media played in her success. With humor, Leanne shares anecdotes about family, aging, and the complexity of addiction, all while emphasizing the joy of connecting with audiences. The charm of creating her new sitcom also shines through, showcasing the nostalgia and freedom of modern comedy.