WTF with Marc Maron Podcast

Chad Kassem, the founder of Acoustic Sounds, shares his journey from a troubled youth to a vinyl aficionado obsessed with preserving high-quality audio. He discusses the importance of sound mastery and his quest to improve record quality, highlighting the emotional connection people have with vinyl. Chad reflects on the nostalgia tied to music and concerts, shares his insights on the technical challenges of audio preservation, and humorously warns about the pitfalls of record collecting. His passion for the analog sound experience is palpable and inspiring.

Mariska Hargitay, famed for her role as Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU, shares her deeply personal journey in creating the HBO documentary My Mom Jayne, which explores the life of her mother, Jayne Mansfield. Mariska discusses her struggle with her mother's legacy, how it affected her identity, and the emotional revelations she encountered while documenting her family's story. The conversation also touches on the impact of overcoming trauma and the powerful connections forged through storytelling and self-discovery in the face of familial complexity.

Rich Aronovitch, an energetic comedian known for his YouTube special, shares his inspiring journey through sobriety and the nuances of his comedy career. He reminisces about his early days on stage as Smooth Daddy Johnson and the chaotic experience that landed him in jail for letting air out of a cop's tires. They discuss the challenges of maintaining comedic integrity in a world shaped by social media and the joy of fatherhood, blending laughter with heartfelt reflections on personal growth and identity.

Jordan Klepper, a dynamic comedian and correspondent from The Daily Show, dives into the pressing issues of political authoritarianism and the role of comedy in addressing societal chaos. He shares his unique journey from a math major to improv comic, influenced by family ties to Tim Allen. Their lively conversation touches on navigating humor and storytelling in a fractured media landscape, tackling the complexities of the MAGA culture, and the importance of authenticity in today's comedic realm. Klepper's insights illuminate the intersection of politics and entertainment as modern challenges unfold.

Megan Stalter, a comedic actress celebrated for her roles in Hacks and her Netflix show Too Much, shares her unique brand of humor that fuses confidence with vulnerability. She reflects on growing up in a Pentecostal church and navigating her identity as a queer Christian. The conversation dives into her journey in comedy, personal anecdotes about relationships, and the battle with anxiety amidst her rise in showbiz. With laughter and insight, Megan discusses the complexities of love, family dynamics, and the impact of social media on mental health.

Cristin Milioti, known for her standout roles in The Sopranos and The Penguin, shares insights on her diverse career. She discusses breaking free from being typecast, revealing how theater shaped her early years. Cristin recounts her emotional journey while filming The Wolf of Wall Street and the heartbreak of her series Made for Love being erased. The conversation also touches on the thrill of live performances, her nostalgic love for classic films, and the importance of arts programs for youth.

In this engaging conversation, comedian Mike Birbiglia, known for his autobiographical humor, shares the delicate balance between laughter and deeper emotions. He discusses the risks of personal storytelling in comedy and how his relationship with his doctor father inspired themes in his Netflix special, The Good Life. The duo reflects on the unpredictability of comedy careers and the evolution of their comedic styles. Their candid exchange reveals how humor can drive connection while tackling complex familial dynamics.

Seth Meyers, comedian and host of Late Night with Seth Meyers, visits to share his insights on navigating the chaotic world of comedy during tough times. He discusses how his show aids both his own processing of societal issues and helps viewers cope. The nostalgia flows as he reflects on SNL 50 and his memorable encounters with legends like Keith Richards, Eddie Murphy, and Will Ferrell. The discussion also highlights the comedic brilliance of Nathan Fielder and Tim Robinson, showcasing their unique contributions to modern humor.

Josh Homme, the dynamic frontman of Queens of the Stone Age and Eagles of Death Metal, discusses his incredible journey of performing in the Paris catacombs, a dream 18 years in the making. He reflects on surviving cancer and the emotional repercussions of a terrorist attack during a concert. The conversation dives into artistic collaborations, particularly with Iggy Pop, and touches on the impact of mortality on creativity. Homme also explores the balance of friendship, vulnerability, and the role of music in processing grief and loneliness.

John Mulaney, a celebrated comedian known for his sharp wit and work on Saturday Night Live, opens up about his journey through sobriety and reflects on his recent Netflix talk show, Everybody’s Live. He discusses the highs and lows of his career while appreciating this 'happy time' in his life. Mulaney shares personal anecdotes revealing the challenges of balancing comedy with public perception. Their conversation touches on the evolution of comedy performance and the importance of authenticity, making for a candid and engaging dialogue.