WTF with Marc Maron Podcast

Peter Weller, best known as RoboCop, shares his remarkable journey and love for the arts. With a Ph.D. in Italian Renaissance Art History, he discusses the importance of art in times of political unrest and connects it to his passion for jazz—revealing a deep friendship with Miles Davis. Weller dives into the balance of artistic integrity versus success, reflecting on the emotional ties between music and personal experiences, all while highlighting how creativity shapes our understanding of the world.

Lynne Margulies, an artist and filmmaker celebrated for her documentaries on Andy Kaufman, shares insights from her remarkable journey with the iconic comedian. She reveals how Andy's promise to keep his legacy alive has shaped her work, especially in the new documentary, Thank You Very Much. The discussion uncovers Andy's unique comedic style, his fascination with professional wrestling, and the myths surrounding his life, highlighting the complexities of fame and the impact of his surreal humor on future generations.

Delroy Lindo, an acclaimed actor known for his roles in films like Malcolm X and Da 5 Bloods, joins to discuss his journey of self-discovery. He reflects on how acting saved his life since childhood and his decision to pursue higher education later in his career. The conversation touches on the complexities of identity through performance, the challenges artists face in the industry, and the transformative power of music in film. Delroy also shares personal anecdotes about family dynamics and the significance of storytelling in culture.

Modi Rosenfeld, an Israeli-American comedian renowned for his lively performances, delves into the roots of comedy from a Jewish perspective. He shares how comedy can uplift spirits and bridge divides, tracing its origins back to Talmudic tales. Reflecting on his rise during the pandemic, Modi describes the transformation of his career through Zoom shows. The discussion also touches on the essence of Jewish identity in humor, the evolution of comedy in his experiences, and the role of laughter in healing communities.

Nick Thune, a comedian and musician known for his sharp wit, shares a candid look at his battle with alcoholism and the path to recovery. He opens up about harrowing experiences with blackouts, hospital visits, and the impact on his marriage. Now sober and boasting a new comedy special, Nick reflects on the support that helped him rebuild his life. Their conversation touches on the complexities of addiction, the struggle for personal growth, and the emotional weight of performing in the wake of recovery.

Chris Fleming, a talented comedian and musician known for his character 'Gale', shares his unique journey into comedy. He discusses the influence of his supportive family, especially his mom, on his career. Fleming talks about blending inclusivity with avant-garde humor and using characters to connect with audiences. He reflects on the art of vulnerability in performances and how his personal experiences shape his comedic voice. The conversation also delves into the evolving nature of comedy in the social media landscape.

Jane Marie, a journalist and creator of The Dream, explores the underbelly of the wellness industry, pyramid schemes, and life coaching. She shares her journey from a Michigan internship at This American Life to podcasting fame. The conversation dives into how these topics reflect American society and critiques the often misleading narrative around success in multi-level marketing. With candid insights, Jane discusses the intersection of personal choices, societal expectations, and the importance of empathy in navigating today’s complex landscape.

When Mike Elias wanted to learn the guitar, his dad told him he had to teach himself. Mike took that rule and ran with it for the rest of his life, teaching himself everything from sewing to metal fabrication to fashion design, which he deployed when he founded Ship John Leather and Canvas in Portland, Oregon, and created one of the most sought after garments in the world, the Wills Jacket. Mike tells Marc about growing up oyster fishing and hunting in New Jersey, why he wound up making clothing, and the violent attack that changed his life. 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.

W. Kamau Bell, a comedian and insightful social commentator, engages with Marc Maron on the challenges of performing comedy amidst a politically charged atmosphere. They discuss the stark contrasts between the current political landscape and the earlier Trump years. Kamau shares his thoughts on balancing civic responsibility with entertainment, reflects on his five-year break from comedy, and reveals the impact of his documentary about Bill Cosby. Their conversation weaves humor with serious social commentary, making for a captivating dialogue.

Prolific singer-songwriter Will Oldham has been able to maintain what Marc calls “a haunting and elated tone” over the course of his career, whether in his collaborations with other artists or under the name Bonnie “Prince” Billy. Will talks with Marc about how his music stems from the example of his artist mother, records checked out of the library, and his Kentucky roots. They also talk about his recent album The Purple Bird as well as Will’s acting career, which launched when he was a teenager and John Sayles cast him in the film Matewan. 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.