If Tom Cruise Comes Calling, Are You Joining Scientology? (with Maria Bamford) | Lovett or Leave it

Maria Bamford joins Lovett or Leave it to chat about cults, Tom Cruise, mental health, belonging and her new book, "Sure, I'll Join Your Cult."
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Each week, former Obama speechwriter Jon Lovett and a panel of comedians, actors, journalists, and some of the many, many famous Friends of the Pod break down the week’s biggest news and make fun of whatever bullshit came out of our insane political nightmare factory.
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#lovettorleaveit #mariabamford #cults
LOLI81223

[@imnadia84]

As a therapist who takes insurance, I continue to do so for principal, all my friends said it's easier to be self pay because no paperwork. I continue to take insurance because therapy needs to be available to everyone, not just those that can afford it. Sadly mental health continues to be out of reach for so many Americans.

[@Eyecyou64]

Your friends sound like monsters

[@geekdivaherself]

Thank you very much!❤

[@rossrobbins7707]

Thank you for doing your part! I'm a peer support specialist, and every day I see how desperately people are hurting for connection, understanding, *healing*. One person helping another, one at a time, can change the world.

[@thisisit333]

As someone who’s suffered from BiPolar2 for over 40 years, I so appreciate mental health professionals that do realize the inadequacy of our situation in the US because of ‘insurance.’ During covid, I lost my job, thus my health insurance. I spent 3 years without therapy. I’m lucky I’m still alive. Thankfully my state offers a form of medicare that includes mental health. Although, it was difficult to access, because there are not enough therapists, or psychiatrists.

[@dyan785]

Thank you for doing this

[@failureisanoption]

Maria Bamford is an amazing person. I'm glad y'all had her on, and I'm glad she made it out.

[@elainsmith2032]

Is not making it out a thing with Lovett?

[@Rollinwitit]

Lovett did a perfect job of interviewing Maria. She is one of my favorite comedians.

[@Neddoest]

Always! She’s one of The Greats

[@kmcq692]

He did! Smart man.

[@VictoriaKnits]

“Peer counseling, horrible idea”. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@dndndndndn419]

Maria’s humor is so woven into my brain that I find myself slipping into her mom’s voice in my head.

[@AndreaMartinez-qu1be]

LMAO!!

[@TeamCat1128]

Totally!

[@UnpurrfectRobyn]

"If I wasn't okay and somebody noticed, LET ME KNOW!" I feel seen.

[@marylhere]

That should be printed on a shirt or better yet a button…only someone who notices things will notice.

[@thisisit333]

Thankfully my sister has been aware of the signs, as I’ve had BiPolar2 for 40 years. She’s helped me enter the hospital before it was too late on 2 occasions. However, people at work just ignored the changes in my behavior. I’ve always been open and honest with people, yet too many people just don’t care.

[@vanessawhitneypro]

BRILLIANT Human Being... Love Maria Bamford!

[@sarahd.5244]

What bugs me is that some 12 step programs are mandated for people. They don't always work out, especially if you're not into the religious aspect, but you can be court-ordered to attend. Kaiser Permanente was wretched, I think I got like 10 sessions and then they would be like "oh you're cured right?" no that is not how mental health works!

[@audreywellham2413]

🙏🏻💙. I agree. We should be so much better at this by now.

[@Meganec3810]

The easiest way to trigger me is to bring up KP mental health just soooo bad literally just I mean you need more help from dealing with them then the og disease anyways good luck on the journey!

[@rdean150]

Agreed. I think 12 step programs are beneficial. Both my parents have been in AA for decades and it has definitely helped them a lot. But it is undeniably *spiritual* , heavily focused on giving up control to god and trusting your life is part of some higher plan. Which is a shame, in my opinion, because it turns off many of us in the millennial and younger generations. And I definitely agree that it is problematic to make it court ordered, but at the same time it is far better than the alternative sentences that courts could dole out instead.

[@user-vz7nm8cc2v]

@@rdean150 12-step work is spiritual, not religious... that is a difference WITH a distinction. In 12 Step work your higher power doesn't have to be God. Many Atheists make progress in 12-step work because it isn't religious. This is key.

[@rdean150]

@@user-vz7nm8cc2v Fair enough. Fixed.

[@maryparkis6991]

Bamford is a treasure. An actual living jewel.

[@janicebelfiore856]

I love her! She is so open, warm, talented and real! A real person!

[@Dgarig665]

1:15 Ex Jehovah's witness here. Worst cult ever.

[@sissastern]

Same. But I'm glad they did acknowledge it's a cult!!!

[@missellehansen]

Maria Bamford! Fucking love her.

[@roscoemuttley]

I love her. I am so happy she is still around.

[@julicoole]

This was great, maybe add Maria's name to the video title so more fans find it

[@ROLtheWolf]

Right now, Jon's fishing for the larger pool of Tom Cruise fans, because of his superhero showman skilz!

[@wrustle]

I love that you have Maria Bamford on the show.

[@undeniablySomeGuy]

I don’t know How she manages to be incredibly hilarious but with so much heart

[@dyan785]

Well stated !

[@carolyntalbot947]

Oh, Bamford is awesome! ❤

[@AuthorCertifiedGoof]

I love Maria Bamford! Can’t wait to read her memoir!

[@m.a.b.4104]

Anyone also hear after Maria guest hosting the latest What a weekday? She nailed it and I enjoyed it so much that I needed a second serving. Also her mental health advocacy is awesome and inspiring.

[@jonathanramirez6210]

Luenell one day, maria bamford the next? Wow I feel like John Lovett is finally making it in this world.

[@dbunnysport]

So much truth in a perfect hilarious package. I had no idea I had so much love for a lady I just heard of! New fan!!! ❤

[@chericercone2362]

Maria is so wonderful. I've missed her over the last few years. She's still got it!!!

[@NoCreamedCorn]

Maria is a GD National treasure!!

[@gustavoaguado5449]

"If you're loved, you got no more ambition". Maria, you're so precious. That's a quote I'll keep with me :)

[@CariadChavez]

"Today's presenting sponsor is BetterHealth. BetterHealth: Of course you're stressed Christine, you just had a baby!"

[@tanyapobuda]

I love Maria Bamford so much. She's brilliant.

[@jennyoconnor2798]

More Maria. This was fantastic!

[@themorales6]

What a great conversation. She’s effortlessly funny!

[@rossrobbins7707]

"If you're loved, you've got no more ambition!" 😂

[@sweetpeanmolly]

I as well as others believe that she’s up there ranked amongst the best! Perhaps equivalent of Robin Williams. She is a true gift to humanity, and I hope she knows that. I know she’s sensitive because I’m sensitive to and it’s very difficult. But Maria, if you do Readis, please know that you are a comedic genius! There is nobody like you! I couldn’t sleep last night and you had me laughing so hard that I work my husband up! Thank you 🙏

[@jonathanpatch5281]

1. She says, "...end up having a weird conversation..." like it's a bad thing. 2. Of course the conversation is weird. Maria Bamford is in it. 3. ...especially if the other person recognized her. If I sat next to her on a plane I'd really feel the pressure to bring my conversational A game vis-a-vis wit, insight and randomness. 4. I think her tele-therapist has stumbled onto a new therapeutic tool: the "at least I don't have a baby" technique. 5. Context is everything. Even an innocuous phrase like, "There's a tree in the courtyard," can pack quite a wallop if set up properly. Vintage Maria.

[@jamberstone1]

Omg i lovooooove this woman -screaming!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Thunder-Chief]

This interview had me in *stitches*! Maria Bamford has a new fan! Thanks, Jon!

[@cuppiesaur]

"If you're loved..." OMG LEFT ME DEAD ♥

[@titaniumteddybear]

Tom Cruise's most impressive feat as an actor was making that Scientology documentary where he simultaneously did exactly what the "Church" told him to and yet also made them look like complete idiots. I honestly believe that they've got proof he did something awful in the 80s and they've been blackmailing him ever since.

[@morbidmanmusic]

So, you're in the church of stupid conspiracies!

[@patreekotime4578]

Is being the poster-child for an insane cult that destroys families and sucks people dry not terrible enough?

[@hallohallo1332]

Absolutely loved this one,

[@MrBogus213]

She's just effortlessly funny

[@geir-arneroos845]

I am still unclear why she wrote that book! Thank you, that was amazing!

[@bobbyk1023]

I didn’t know I needed this show, but I’m glad I found it, and I definitely need it.

[@geekdivaherself]

Me, too! I found it recently myself. Enjoy the back catalogue here and on the Crooked Media Channel, which they were on before they set up an independent Channel!

[@WM-gr4qi]

4:30 Tom Cruise at half-smile. 4:34 Tom Cruise smile is gone. 4:42 Tom Cruise just staring now.

[@debrakron9049]

Everybody is good for something, even if only as a example!

[@jooliagoolia9959]

Maria Bamford is a treasure amongst all treasures 🤩

[@whoroborous]

Ooooh forgot I had her book pre-ordered! YESSS I adore Maria Bamford. She always cheers me up! ADDITIONALLY Has anyone noticed that Ron DeSantis looks just like the dude from The Animals? (specifically in 'The House of the Rising Sun' music video) Is it just me? 🙃

[@aprilhoffman3090]

"Maria Bamford, f*ckin' best!" Precisely. So thankful for Maria's truths and humor.

[@blueandgreenslacks]

Don’t know who the heck you are but thanks for platforming the greatest female comedian ever. 😂❤

[@something64]

I love all of her work! I am so happy to see her

[@gregjarnigan3515]

I hope Maria lives forever.

[@cedarandsound]

Maria is my spirit animal on some days.

[@beatnickblanket]

WTF isnt the name Maria Bamford in bold in the video title??!?!!

[@morbidmanmusic]

Could you not read it? 🤡🖖

[@beatnickblanket]

@@morbidmanmusic yeah they added that after my comment.

[@viletacozy7331]

She is the best. The very best.

[@kmanyrivers]

Thank you for the shout out to us in person, out of network therapists that are here for ya! I found your series from your parent's house after your breakdown and have loved your work but more than that..your message of honest transparency of living with mental illness. Thank you for talking about all of this.

[@plunderpunk2]

Duluth in the house

[@amygraves8102]

This was the most entertaining Lovett or Leave it in a long time. I'm laughing out lout at work making it very obvious I'm not working.

[@itsjeninMass]

Maria is so underrated! 🤣🤣

[@Rugelacharugula]

I wanna watch DVD commentaries w/ these people. Just random movies. Like RiffTrax-style. I also love the Burbank airport.

[@luvspaiste]

You can’t beat The Bammer

[@Morningdovecamp]

Awesome interview! Totally love Maria!!!!

[@Tortilla.Reform]

Anyone who thinks Tom Cruise is a chill guy should watch the times he berated News interviewers hahah (also he’s in a human trafficking cult, and best friends with the leader)

[@geekdivaherself]

His cult Scientology calls people suppressive people if they think they are getting in the way of their grand cause by looking at a Scientologist funny. Now more and more people are coming on KZbin and forming a multi-channel rebellion called #SPtv! I'm a never-in, but what these people have been through is _fascinatingly horrific._ #SAVEBOBFERRIS #WHEREISKENDREW

[@dudestep]

He’s my favorite action star but yeah, he’s basically American Psycho.

[@thisisit333]

We used to joke our dad (sober for 30 yrs before his death) was addicted to 12 Step programs. That was an addiction we were okay with. ❤

[@catherinereynolds9644]

Adorable☮️💜✨

[@amytripp5476]

I just finished her memoir and I LOVED IT. Maria's voice is such a gift

[@ccsullivan9164]

I am so glad that Maria talked about Overheaters Anonymous. It is a problem too long ignored.

[@eacomedy]

Proud of Lovett for making Ms. Bamford laugh with the Jon Voigt line 🎉

[@pollyfoofoo8703]

Gosh i just adore her. Have done for years.

[@meeceevee]

The tree in the courtyard. 😂😂😂 The best!

[@KarlaKoebernick]

Seriously wtf is better than Maria B?

[@ClaLu]

"There's a hole in his bucket" 😂 ...We laugh so we don't cry😢 he's captured by a very dangerous #CoerciveOrganization

[@lisbethbird8268]

The anonymous support groups membership remind s me of Fight Club.

[@DoctorRevers]

She’s the best.

[@savannahweymouth7370]

I loved her book! Her performance in the audiobook had me laughing every other sentence

[@EatBugsSeeGod]

MARIA BAMBFORD

[@filtrotp40]

I love this woman. Weakness is the brand.

[@elainsmith2032]

A hole in my bucket dear liza

[@1ACL]

Hysterical!!!

[@dragonladyfink4685]

PUGS ARE AWESOME! I'm cuddling 2 rn.

[@dyan785]

7 Cups of Tea is a good resource

[@erock9374]

Maria is a fucking legend, she has accomplished so much… wherever she is, peace and love funny lady 😊

[@simonjenkin]

hahahaha i rewatched the original mission impossible a couple of months ago and had the *exact* same reaction, to the point my letterboxd review was simply: "there's a moment where jon voight hits tom cruise in the back and it renders him almost unconscious and somehow that is the least believable part of the entire film"

[@bobbyesamdahl]

Wow so funny, cuz it's so true. Maria will be great at making people feel better...just listen to her! LOL The best thing is I don't know if she is for real...or just like me

[@jaredleemease]

Oh my goodness, thank you! 🤣

[@catpursel4644]

Damn, she's so brilliant. Loved her the 1st time I saw her!

[@roisincure]

OMG I love Maria so much but I work like a maniac, can’t stop (although I’m the boss and I only do cool stuff) - but I’m paranoid I’m not loved now!!! What about my little dog? He’s obsessed with me! Never mind…love you Maria!! ❤❤❤

[@artoo45]

Cruise will blast into orbit or hang on the outside of an airplane, but is terrified to speak to his Suppressive Person™, biological teenage daughter. Scientology: Always worse than you think.

[@bill8985]

I have to say, this is the funniest woman on Earth.

[@pluribus_unum]

2:24 - Jon: "...his skin is as dewy as..." Maria: "shortcake" She said shortcake, not short king.

[@daltonlunn1653]

Idk if that was a mishearing or a "yes, and"

[@tinatieden3598]

"Okay, okay. No jokes, no jokes."

[@RM-yw6xe]

I would most definitely *pretend* to. I would troll the ever living frak outa them for as long as they're hopeful.

[@unnim]

Man she is really smart. She can make jokes on the fly. Damn cute too.

[@surferjon18]

Why did I get an ad for Charlie Kirk TP USA? I am a bi man watching Jon Lovett. How did they think THIS is the setting for them

[@chriswest6988]

Misheard "overeaters anonymous, that's kind of the Grimace one," could totally picture Grimace at a sad 12 step meeting.

[@tonisodano5472]

Love Lovett leave

[@erinmohrcomedy]

Umm…I’m on Kaiser and they cover my weekly therapy visits and have been for years. Does that mean that kaiser believes I’m more mentally screwed up than Maria Bamford?!?😂

[@erm204]

Fantastic shirt she’s wearing

[@MRICCI8]

❤

[@JDMimeTHEFIRST]

It’s no longer, but I’d hang out with Sheila from Wild Wild Country. She stuck it to the gun nuts and she got things done. But yeah, she worked for a guy who took these people’s money to buy Rolls Royces and drugs. I do believe that Sheila actually wanted a community but she was messed up from her parents “giving her” to the cult leader. Yet, she still got shit done. I don’t agree with everything she did, but she was badass

[@JDMimeTHEFIRST]

Love Maria Bamford “it’s like an open mic” But not as sad and depressing 😅

[@Vulcanerd]

Toward's the end of Maria's segment, I felt like it was more an indictment of American healthcare (physical or mental) more than anything else.

[@jooliagoolia9959]

Our mental health insurance is soooo bad at paying, no counselor or therapist will keep seeing us... And we have good insurance supposedly.... I could write a book about the kooky counselors I've met! Th u each said I was in the top 3 of their clients with stuff (not knowing the others had said that) and yet they all pretty much said... Just forget it all and what's going on today... And that was in the first session.... 🤔

[@KINDaf]

I Hertz, Del Taco.... I would totally recommend Traitor Joes. They are very extroverted and caring. They will give you flowers if your mom passed. That's just their brand. Screw 988. They'll just call the cops on you. TJ for the win! Besides, their tamales are the BOMB! Maybe you're not depressed, you're just hungry and your blood sugar is low.

[@kviz1111]

No if it's more than 2 or three people Run

[@NoSacredCowFla]

Not bothering to read through previous but... There's a hole in the bucket dear Liza dear Liza...scarred by 4th grade.

[@curious615]

😂 I remember that one! Do you recall Mary Jane? She stepped in the bathtub, pulled out the plug, GLUB, Glub, glub...