WTF with Marc Maron Podcast

Demi Moore, a renowned actress famed for her roles in classics like Ghost and G.I. Jane, shares her lifelong quest for self-discovery with Marc. She reflects on her challenging upbringing, her rise in Hollywood, and the emotional complexities tied to her Oscar-nominated role in The Substance. The discussion touches on themes of vulnerability, personal growth, and the impact of family dynamics on identity. Demi candidly explores how overcoming past trauma has shaped her journey and influenced her approach to acting and life.

Ke Huy Quan, the Oscar-winning actor known for his iconic roles in 'Indiana Jones' and 'The Goonies,' shares his inspiring journey from refugee to Hollywood star. He reflects on his childhood memories of fleeing Vietnam and his emotional family reunions in LA. The conversation explores his decades-long hiatus from acting, and his triumphant return with 'Everything Everywhere All at Once.' Ke also discusses his new action comedy, 'Love Hurts,' drawing nostalgia for 80s cinema while revealing the resilience that has characterized his remarkable career.

Noah Wyle, celebrated for his role as Dr. John Carter on ER, discusses his return to a medical setting in The Pit. He shares insights from real doctors, emphasizing the emotional toll of healthcare and the impact of the pandemic on personal relationships. Noah also explores his passion for collecting memorabilia, reflecting on its sentimental value and the art behind it. The conversation touches on his Los Angeles roots and the transformative nature of Hollywood, blending humor with heartfelt anecdotes.

In a compelling conversation, Erin Brockovich—renowned consumer advocate and author—reflects on her roots and the impactful lessons from 'The Wizard of Oz.' She discusses the emotional toll of environmental crises and the challenges posed by misinformation. Brockovich emphasizes the power of grassroots advocacy and community resilience, especially amid natural disasters. As she navigates personal responsibility and societal narratives, she illustrates the importance of empathy and critical thinking in fostering hope and positive change.

Sophie Buddle, a talented LA-based comedian originally from Canada, brings her unique perspective to the conversation. She shares insights about Canadian culture and contrasts it with life in the U.S. The duo dives into intriguing topics like crisis management, including the absurdities of go bags during emergencies. Sophie also discusses the challenges of securing work visas and the art of crowd work in comedy, all while sharing humorous anecdotes that showcase her comedic style.

Bill Burr, a stand-up comedian and actor famed for his sharp wit, opens up about laying old grievances to rest, including his past tensions with Marc. The conversation meanders through profound themes, like confronting personal anger and childhood sadness. They share insights about aging and the loss of peers, as well as Burr's upcoming Hulu special and Broadway debut in 'Glengarry Glen Ross.' With humorous anecdotes, they tackle the struggles of navigating comedy and emotional growth in an ever-chaotic world.

Mo Welch, a comedian and cartoonist known for her heartfelt documentary 'Dad Jokes,' joins the discussion after recently evacuating her home due to LA fires. She candidly shares her experiences of childhood instability and how reconnecting with her estranged father became a source of inspiration for her comedy. The conversation also touches on the emotional challenges of navigating family dynamics and the role of humor in processing trauma, offering a poignant glimpse into how personal experiences shape artistic expression.

Richard Gadd, an award-winning comedian and writer known for his Netflix series Baby Reindeer, opens up about the interplay of trauma and creativity. He shares how his personal struggles shaped his comedy and the challenges he faced after the success of Baby Reindeer. Richard reflects on the evolution of his comedic style, moving from lighthearted themes to tackling deeper emotional experiences. He also discusses the importance of vulnerability in performance and how his work addresses the impact of trauma and societal stigmas.

Mike Leigh, the acclaimed British film director known for his honest portrayals of working-class life, shares his insights on filmmaking. He discusses the misconceptions around his work and the evolution of his collaborative methods with actors. Leigh reflects on the importance of realism versus naturalism, revealing behind-the-scenes stories from celebrated films like 'Secrets and Lies' and his latest, 'Hard Truths.' The conversation emphasizes the emotional nuances in storytelling and the tragicomic essence that defines his unique cinematic voice.

Adrien Brody, the Oscar-winning actor famed for his roles in The Pianist and Midnight in Paris, shares insights on his newest film, The Brutalist, which draws deeply from his family's immigrant history. He reflects on the whirlwind of winning the Best Actor Oscar at a young age and the emotional toll it took. Additionally, Adrien discusses his joy in collaborating with Wes Anderson, exploring how the camaraderie on set contrasts with the solitary challenges of acting.