WTF with Marc Maron Podcast

Darby Allin is an AEW wrestler and pro skateboarder known for his adventurous spirit, including a recent climb up Mount Everest for charity. He shares the intense physical and mental challenges of summiting the iconic peak and reflects on personal growth through extreme experiences. Dustin Chafin, a comedian with a rich journey from a Texas trailer park to thriving in New York, discusses how humor helped him navigate life’s ups and downs, including addiction and past relationships. Their candid stories provide insight into ambition, community, and the healing power of laughter.

Alexander Skarsgård, a versatile Swedish actor known for his roles in True Blood and The Northman, reveals his unexpected journey back to acting after a brief stint in the Swedish Navy. He shares fascinating insights about the challenges of filming The Northman and the contrasting ease of working on Big Little Lies. Alexander's love for offbeat comedy shines through as he discusses his roles in projects like Zoolander and the dark humor of Succession, along with his latest series, Murderbot, blending sci-fi and satire in entertaining ways.

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.