Marc Maron: Humor Gave Relief from Grief

Marc Maron (stand-up comedian, host of WTF with Marc Maron podcast, actor, author) joins us to break down the arc of grief, the effects of growing up with detached parents, and his journey toward sobriety and defining himself. We discuss Marc’s foray into podcasting, how it enabled a generation of podcasters including MBB, and how his show has evolved over time. He reflects on his past struggles with alcohol and drugs including "cocaine psychosis", his experiences with rehab and therapy, and the positives and negatives of groups like AA. Maron explains how his mother influenced his disordered eating, his father’s narcissism and recent dementia diagnosis, and how his parents’ struggles denied him a fundamental sense of self. He reveals why he thinks he may have had undiagnosed borderline personality disorder, why he chooses to be so revealing in his creative pursuits, and the dangers of early exposure to adult content. Maron opens up about the sudden passing of his girlfriend Lynn Shelton, his inevitable attempt at using humor to relieve his pain, the interconnectedness of grief, the importance of showing up in his state of raw grief for his loyal audience, and the sense of comfort and control he has felt from sharing this experience. He considers his shortcomings as a romantic partner, what he got right with Lynn, and his take on separating the art from the artist.
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Theme Song Written, Produced, and Performed by Ed Robertson. Mixed by Kenny Luong.
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[@eclectickimmer]

Intelligent people sharing pain and seeking out healing through humor and the cold hard truth. You give me hope for humanity.

[@MayimBialik]

🙌🙌🙌

[@robbrien8506]

Exactly. That's what grown up, intelligent and creative people DO. They do the work and don't revert to their 2 yr old id and aggressively look for nihilistic ways to spread their misery and take everybody else down. That's how you DON'T end up bored and looking for answers in extremist groups or colourful, entertaining conspiracy theories.

[@johnwhick6543]

“ blossom “ being awesome! Bad pun, but, damnit, it’s true! #sapolskylife

[@storiedtbh]

Well said, 100%

[@leo_Luxui_oreos]

I like Marc, I think he is scary smart an his conversations help bridge important gaps especially when exploring sensitive issues.

[@edschneed8]

As a recovering alcoholic, 32 yrs sober, WTF has been a big big help at times with certain episodes. When I first started listening in 2014, I didn't even know Marc as a comic!!

[@tereasia]

I was raised exactly like him. I chose to be non-violent and people pleasing, but, wow! It's incredible to hear someone so clearly express the mistrust in relationships that I have. Love Marc ❤

[@oneirishpoet]

I was raised like that too and chose to not have children because of it. And I pretty much prefer to be with animals instead of most people, humans are vastly overrated in my opinion

[@PleaseDontEatAnimals]

@@oneirishpoet Same, no kids because I don't want anyone else to have to suffer and don't eat animals / animal products for the same reason. There's already enough suffering in this world without my adding to it. Definitely prefer spending time with nonhuman animals to the human variety. 🐾 (With the exception of a few compassionate humans.)

[@trishaferrand1395]

I like his use of "self PROCLAMATION" rather than merely self PRESERVATION.

[@leticiaperez243]

Wow such a deep dive into so much. You can see when he’s anxious when he’s feeling. I find it interesting that he let the comfort in from strangers. He’s been so wounded throughout his life. He sounds very specific in what he’s saying and how he says it. He’s still healing as we all are all of our lives. I’m looking forward to Thursdays episode to hear what you and Johnathan have to say about this episode

[@AgendaInMind]

She has GOT to let go of her Germ Theory cult mentality. There is no such thing as being able to “catch” some diseases, but not all. My God. Think deeper!

[@sparrowwilson4514]

I could listen to him talk all day.

[@hp6964]

Them talking about it being hard to trust people when you grew up in instability is so gratifying. I’ve had people tell me my whole life that I need to get over that and not all people are bad but if you have enough experiences outside of that, that end up backing up your childhood, its kinda hard to see it any other way. Even after you’ve had a lot of healing and trying to get passed it

[@douca1]

sin

[@innervisions1828]

It is etched in your brain. You can deal with it, but you can’t get rid of it.

[@helenl3193]

​@@innervisions1828I 100% know where you're coming from, but I'd also like to recommend you look into EMDR therapy, if that's something you can afford/have available to you where you are. It's greatly helping me in removing the pain from those sort of memories, so managing them is much easier. It's used for PTSD and chronic trauma and it's done more than decades of CBT and other talking therapies. Obviously, your mileage may vary but it's not well known within my UK circle of friends/family who have had therapy &/or awareness of (or loved ones with) mental health issues, so I'm now recommending it as much as possible to raise awareness, I really think it's worth looking into. I hope you don't mind this unsolicited advice from some random on the interwebs - you do you and more power to you!

[@karlarod05]

This was healing for me. I feel so validated after listening. Thank you ♥️ "They got it comin'. And I don't have the fundamental respect we're supposed to afford them." DAMN. 🙌🏽

[@kristilisakleiner9384]

Seriously…wow, preach

[@storiedtbh]

Me as well. This guy's my hero!!

[@AbbyAvon]

exactly what I've come to expect from Mark; rawness, truthfulness and vulnerability; perhaps he may not feel this but definitely a very courageous human being. Thanks Mayim for getting him on your show and thank you Mark for being you.

[@Aussie1276]

Having been a huge fan of Marc's for many years, I found this interview very timely especially when talking about grief. The phrase that really hit me between the eyes was "you never expect someone to die" which is very much my lived experience during the last 6 years after my father's sudden passing. In my eyes, my father was 10 foot tall and bulletproof which is why I believe that his death not only gutted and shattered me, but has left me feeling anchorless and somewhat adrift as I continue my life's journey. While my father's passing from start to end took 3.5 weeks, I can understand Marc's sense of "what the ...do I do now?" all too well. Thank you to Marc and thank you Mayim for sharing this now. I needed to hear that I'm not the only one who has spent a life time trying to find my place, as you and Marc have. Thank you from the bottom of my heart

[@RosablueHandMade]

What a great talk. Congrats to Mayim because as a MM fan who has watched the special and heard him speak about it on other platforms, I was struck by how much respect and space Marc gave you. Perhaps you benefited from this being toward the end of his cavalcade of media appearances but I felt he was slower, more considered and even gentler. Superb. Round of applause for you.

[@MayimBialik]

🫶🙌

[@laurelwild735]

What a great interview. I remember the WTF interview & I cried & cried. Then listened to the Lynn episode & was so moved. It was like they were falling in love in front of us. She was really an amazing person. Everyone loved her & you could tell why. Very authentic.

[@danabrewer3676]

A thousand appreciations for the Marc Maron catch and release.

[@annajacob7981]

Self created scaffolding, as a child. Yes, I understand it. Lived it. Thank you Mayim. 💙

[@CherylBeachlerRizzo]

I'm amazed how much I can relate to Mark Maron. I learned something about myself by watching this. I completely understand looking outside of yourself to emulate other people because you aren't given support for the person you are at home.

[@UniverseEarthSpirit]

I love Mayim, her passion and intellect. I have no idea why there has been so much controversial surrounding her parenting style, other than people hate when people do good things. I too have a special love for neuroscience and Mayim has paired perfectly the knowledge she has in neurobiology and her parenting methodology - the ingredients for creating and nurturing true humanhood. Mayim, take heart, you have so much support than you know for going above and beyond in your parenting journey. I honestly wish you were my friend in real life! I would love the quality of conversations we would have surrounding evolutionary biology (I am an an evolutionary biologist) and neuroscience (which I regret not also having studied)! Much love !

[@femalehuman7074]

This is the Marc Maron interview I've been waiting for for years. Thank you! Although he drives me crazy a lot, he has done so much for healing journeys, especially with men. I believe only men can really heal men. I was amazing getting him to hear him talk just about himself.

[@vanessawhitneypro]

AMAZING! I've been wondering if you'd interview him. One of my favorite comics/hosts... Brilliantly funny & dark human... Thank You ALL!

[@0ldman0tis]

Mayim is such a great interviewer.

[@kimstrandberg9529]

NPD, the trauma that continues to traumatize generation after generation. Great podcast.

[@innervisions1828]

Marc, I feel your pain. My parents also had no idea what they were doing. I had to raise myself and did a very bad job.

[@roxymanasquan9087]

Wow. Somehow, two of my favorite comedians, Marc Maron & Chelsea Handler came up on my feed for your show about dealing with grief. It's just what I needed right now.Thank you for all your awesomeness. You Rock!

[@julielily6517]

You did such a fabulous job interviewing him!! Wow

[@pegm5937]

Thrilled to find out that Mark has a new special out! And I loved this frank, insightful conversation. Made me feel a little less alone in the world.

[@RandyMan2661]

Being the Godfather of podcasting makes him The “Podfather”.

[@juliaz1965]

this comment deserves more likes!

[@-iIIiiiiiIiiiiIIIiiIi-]

That would be Adam Curry. He coined that term. It's not new.

[@chicagokat8]

Happy Tuesday which has become my favorite morning of the week due to this podcast! Diving in now... keep them coming I've listened to every episode!!!

[@JaniceAJanice]

Mayim and Jonathan, this was another AMAZING episode. I confess that I was not familiar with Marc. I guess I have been living under a rock 🙄. So many things he said touched me deeply. Thank you for "introducing" him to me. I will listen to this podcast again as there is so much to unfold and will listen to his podcast as well. Thank you again 💞

[@fremont111]

Check out his Netflix specials and his newest on HBO. He sometimes goes live on instagram as well 🙂

[@JaniceAJanice]

@@fremont111 thank you, I will check him out at Netflix

[@gravehammer3545]

Humor is a way to deflect some of the pain and trauma. I use it alot to cope with my pain and trauma.

[@jacksonvega7751]

Marc always makes for a good interviewee. Gettin good reasonably stable parents is such a huge advantage in life

[@christinadouglas1760]

Amazing! Thank you so very much for so many reasons. This was just outstanding. The care and dedication to these interviews, the unique video editing style, and content; thank you for the stimulating and intelligent design for greater thought.

[@mattday2656]

This is amazing, I grew up watching Blossom, Maron offers me a lot as an adult

[@billyalarie929]

Very, very good episode. Honestly should win an award.

[@MayimBialik]

🥹🙌🔥🧠

[@patriciamurfitt4590]

My daughter suffers (yes the word is suffers) with bi polar mixed with a variety of other issues. Made it through a few years of drug abuse. Thanks for helping me learn more. After dealing with her since birth, 44yrs I still need help. 😅 Thanks

[@kristilisakleiner9384]

I’m going to add you and your daughter to my prayers

[@JustASmallTownGirl85]

My Father was a violent misogynistic narcissist, my Mom a codependent enabler who was also a very sweet and kind woman who was raised to believe that unless your Husband cheats you can't get a divorce. I know first hand that children would rather be from a broken home, then live in one. This pod was really interesting and cathartic for me, thank you❤

[@amora5085]

500th like and 50th comment lol Thank you!!this was so good! The parenting parallels to what i experienced were insane! Helped me further comprehend, not feel so alone. Thank you!

[@tessajetta8146]

I love when you interview people around my age ! Also I love your earrings Mayim, you like awesome

[@papondahoops]

Grateful you haven’t changed the name, or moved on just because Covid is less scary now. I’m still dealing with these issues and receive help from these every week. 🎙️ ➡️ ❤

[@jenniferbooth2624]

The things that happen to us matter. Big hugs 💕🙌💕

[@lhmccool67]

Thank you, thank you! I've had a crush on Maron for years because he's so intelligent and well spoken AND completely real and raw with his humanness. I'm so glad to know that he's doing well. Loved this, as usual.

[@marthahales2430]

Great conversation! Thanks!

[@fmeisjekat25]

Wow! What a Fantastic podcast! Excellent to listen to. Thank you 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@rachellesawyer6523]

Thank you Mayim for having Marc on Thank you Marc for your sincerity, I appreciate you sharing it was meaningful and helpful to me and I am sure for others also Your honest respectful insight is refreshing

[@offintonebula]

I really enjoyed and appreciated this episode!! Loved Marc Maron's recent comedy special (especially the childfree rant). Been listening to his podcast on and off for years.

[@erineileenj608]

Another amazing episode! 👏🏻

[@ellie-tk4jy]

this is where i struggle because me and my mum were in this situation and she would cry but i feel like i'm the terrible person for doing that. i don't think 'pushing back' is an excuse for making someone cry or treating them like a punchbag. those are the times i wish i could take back. i was stressed, yes, but so was she and i had no right.

[@shanadellos6034]

Well done! Marc gives good interview and seemed to be in a real comfortable mode due to your natural, smart, and authentic listening approach. Your podcast is healthy, super helpful, and gracious.

[@DrawnByDandy]

I don't believe I've listened to this man before, and I feel like I'm missing a lot of context. But I listened to the whole episode, so there's something there

[@productdesign9626]

Interesting to hear Maron mention the term 'ways of seeing' at 38:00. "Ways of Seeing" is the title of a seminal work of art theory which I am sure he would have read around that time, or watched in its original BBCTV form. It's on KZbin, by the way.

[@readerwriter2116]

He is one of my faves. Love his podcast!!! and this one,,, :)

[@DukeFame88]

I started listening to podcasts in 2010 on my iPod mini. I listened to Ricky Gervais and Corrolla and the algorithm suggested WTF. I subscribed to WTF because of the comedians and the stories. I stayed because of deep dives into guests and the sharing of the host. It was like sitting in on therapy sessions.

[@entropyinreverse]

Interesting and thought-provoking conversation as always.

[@billyalarie929]

Two very in-tune humans (Mayim being the main focus of the podcast ofc) in one room. It’s very, very strong.

[@bitchenboutique6953]

Hell of a get. I’m thrilled to see the three of you together. What a great discussion. As soon as I saw his name I didn’t hesitate to click because I just KNEW.

[@84Elenai]

Ohhh, I see you got The Man on this time! Gotta love Marc, one of the best out there. I was so lucky to see him live a few years ago in L.A. Amazing set, he owns that stage like he was born on one. I hope he and Louis will be friends again in the future, I am pretty sure they will tough.

[@Historian212]

My immediate reaction to seeing the graphic for this episode: "Oh holy f*ck!" In a good way. I listen to Marc's podcast, his current HBO special is FANTASTIC, maybe his best ever. And I was shipping this just last week, after listening to his podcast. Perfect! Diving in... (And is Mayim going to be on his?)

[@SPihlaja]

Learned so much about Marc from this, which is weird because I've followed him for so many years. Great talk!

[@MayimBialik]

High praise! Thank you, Stephen!!

[@SPihlaja]

@@MayimBialik My daughter is your BIGGEST FAN, so this response will make me cool for YEARS. Thanks so much: keep up the good work!

[@matiaspereira9382]

@@SPihlaja She's a really awesome actress. I've been a fan of her for 1 year since February 2022. She really did a great job playing Amy in Big Bang Theory. She's my favorite actress ever

[@fremont111]

RIGHT? I thought i knew everything there was to know about Marc but this really dug deep and was very thorough.

[@billyalarie929]

Exactly what I was thinking. Very, very good episode. Honestly should win an award.

[@fromshadeswithlove2208]

Soooooo fun! Wished for this forever!!!!! Going to listen right now!👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️👍👍👍👍

[@MayimBialik]

Hope you enjoy it, Shades!!!

[@northofyou33]

I discovered Marc Maron on Air America back in the Stone Age. I fell in love with him then.

[@thj2294]

First-hand experience 👋 Hearing many of my experiences and feelings explained so well is mind-blowing. Wow. Just wow. Thank you so much for sharing

[@amirMahmed]

Your always fan from Ethiopia

[@MayimBialik]

🇪🇹🇪🇹🇪🇹🧠🫶

[@amirMahmed]

@@MayimBialik I'm glad you know my country

[@marycook1644]

I believe she knows EVERYTHING !!

[@jacoblesley1802]

All day every day. Thank you all for producing this content. I wish I didn't connect with it so hard. Laughing my boots off. Also Can a codependent be narrsasistic

[@jacoblesley1802]

Sorry for the typo

[@jacoblesley1802]

?

[@patwalker1409]

Love Marc's podcast!

[@bobbisparrow2228]

I really LOVE his humor! What a great guy, too. His existential thoughts and mine are identical: just today my cat was out briefly. I called him to come inside and when he immediately didn't, I instantaneously envisioned death by car. Oh, death anxiety, you follow me everywhere. Bobbi Sparrow, PhD

[@Chloe.zyxwvu]

Fantastic interview. Questions were pointed and poignant that brought out an incredible new layer of psychological and spiritual depth from Maron. Would love to hear Maron interview Mayim to see what his perspective and journey takes her to inwardly herself.

[@archaprice3372]

Wow, great idea!

[@Swimdeep]

This is the most I’ve liked Marc Maron.

[@shalenrobles2227]

Really enjoyed this episode

[@tomlichnofsky.7048]

Another Fantastic Episode Like Usual! 😊👌👍🍁♈🍁

[@klm4446]

God, I love Marc.

[@arianahunt1073]

I feel like even though my childhood drama was different from Marks I can relate to, I don’t know how to receive or give love properly.

[@carriebee5418]

Love this

[@he_mid_but_I_like_him]

Mayim I definitely cried about his life

[@monniekay]

Most likable curmudgeon out there. ❤

[@33355550]

I love you both & love what you’re brains!❤😊

[@alwaysamy4]

Best show since Reggie Watts. 💜💜💜💜

[@carollollol]

Hi there :). Would you mind starting with a kind of pan around when you start? I would like to get a sense where every one is. Kind of like a establishing shot, to give you a feel of overview, before you start with the split screen. 💕 Maybe it's just me though....

[@Bowiepainter]

I’m lovingly obsessed with him. I wish we could be friends and just hang with his cats, and I don’t even like people.

[@jillcnc]

He has that effect on people. 🙂

[@Maddienmk]

Great podcast :).

[@lauriesyme207]

I can really relate to the narcissistic parents. Mother is a malignant narcissist, I was the scapegoat child. Living hell! Jesus! Parents don’t teach the children how to live life. Sucks.

[@pilanemorake9375]

Thank you

[@krissiepoo]

I needed to hear this. #grateful #thankyou

[@judithbreastsler]

Sam Harris on Lex, Jeff Ross on Howie Mandel, MArc Maron On Mayim Bialik's podcast, all on the same day! Joy Vey!

[@shannon1spady180]

wow!

[@trac6009]

Unrelated comment but I’ve watched every episode and love this podcast and just realized that they’re a couple 😂

[@sara35ish]

Great interview. I love Mark Marin an and hugs relationship with his Jewishness. His line when he says he's nog religious, he's Jewish is profound.

[@heartofodds]

Needed to hear that Marc Maron

[@TheAnonyte]

I was there. I was there for all of it.

[@xavierpaquin]

Thanks

[@lisbethchristensen1981]

❤️

[@brentmcswain633]

Always found Maron interesting.. now I'm really liking Mayim. Interesting...and attractive, in my book.

[@steveconn]

Boy it helps alot in bleak times no doubt.

[@junkboxxxxxx]

This clip is really packed tight with advertising 💷💷💷

[@Daddy.Snorlax]

How did you NOT make The Podfather pun!

[@lcolon5606]

41:50 so get that...still lol

[@vidabacevicius9567]

I love baseball and collect bobbleheads. What bobble is on your desk? :)

[@roleat]

Tom Green is the Godfather of pods

[@SpookyTooth1974]

I love seeing cat hair on Marks shirt.

[@imslightly1591]

I laughed, because when you said "Mark Maron started around the same time as Josh Rogan, but" ... I filled that with "but he isn't an ahole like Rogan".

[@caljn1]

Maron never boring.

[@BoykinMeetsWorld]

Related to absolutely everything Marc said & goddamn I’m intensely attracted to him.

[@AdamSmith-bg1oc]

Love feels manipulative, and loving the fear of disappearing. Yep, that's about right.

[@gking407]

Adults who don’t know how to love themselves create the same thing only in kid size

[@killhall021]

I can't wait until you get Joey Diaz to talk to you