Comedians Tom Papa and Marc Maron discuss meaning, maturity, mysticism, and maintaining their humor as they navigate the comedy world at their ages and success levels. They reflect on their pasts, talk about touring schedules and venues, and explore topics like jazz music, spirituality, and the passage of time. They also jokingly contemplate their aging bodies, health concerns, and the uncertainty of what comes after death.

Larry Charles, comedy writer and filmmaker known for his work on Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Borat, Bruno, and Dicks: The Musical, talks with Marc Maron about comedy's role in the world, their mutual admiration for John Waters, Larry's filmmaking experience with Bob Dylan, and the defiance and appeal of his latest film Dicks: The Musical.

Les Claypool is the first guest who flew himself to his WTF interview. Whether he’s studying aviation, perfecting fly fishing or starting another band, the Primus founder and bass virtuoso is always doing new things to stave off boredom. Les and Marc talk about his origins, Tom Waits, Adrian Belew, South Park, Sean Ono Lennon, and the Fearless Flying Frog Brigade. Les also mentions that one of his favorite guitar players is the genre-hopping Marc Ribot. So the two Marcs sit down in the garage to talk about classical guitar, being at Woodstock, jazz influences, and Tom Waits again. 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.

LeVar Burton, known for his roles in Roots and Star Trek, discusses what he learned from making Roots, his love for Star Trek, and the impact of Reading Rainbow on teaching children to read.

Chevy Chase, American comedy legend, talks with Marc about his career in American comedy, his time on SNL and his hit comedy films like Caddyshack and Vacation. They also discuss Chevy's short-lived talk show and his relationships with people he's worked with over the years.

Standup comedian, writer, and actress Aparna Nancherla discusses imposter syndrome, feeling like an outsider, struggles with performance anxiety, and the question of 'What's the point of anything?'

Stand-up comedian Gary Gulman joins Marc Maron to discuss how comedy can be a tool for helping people feel less alone, integrating mental health into his act, and his recently published book on depression. They also explore topics such as depression, suicidal ideation, therapy and medication, the impact of depression on memory, and reflections on past traumas.

Hannah Einbinder, drawn to comedy by WTF with Marc Maron, talks about her family's colorful history in Los Angeles, her experience working with Jean Smart on Hacks, her admiration for Rachel Maddow, and her time as a cheerleader.

Naomi Klein, one of our most perceptive and astute social critics, discusses her new book 'Doppelgänger: A Trip Into The Mirror World' with Marc Maron. They explore the connection between public threats, the deliberate blurring of reality and identity, personal branding, and the appropriation of phrases like 'my body, my choice'. They also discuss the rise of big podcasts and the intellectual right, fear and uncertainty leading up to the election, conspiracy influencers, and Martin Short's acting abilities and iconic persona.

Bernie Taupin, songwriter responsible for beloved songs, talks about his partnership with Elton John, friendship with Alice Cooper, influence of The Band, and the timelessness of his music. They also delve into discussions about Western movies, influential impact of American music, discipline in songwriting, meeting Graham Greene, and the editing of Taupin's book.