Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky: An In-Depth Conversation with Margaret Cho

Episode Title: Margaret Cho
Release Date: April 22, 2025
Host: Monica Lewinsky
Produced by: Wondery

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky, Monica sits down with the fearless and pioneering comedian, Margaret Cho. Known for her sharp wit and groundbreaking work in comedy, Margaret opens up about her journey navigating the challenges of being a woman of color in the public eye, the impact of body shaming, and her path to reclaiming her identity and voice.

Margaret Cho’s Career and Impact

Monica begins by acknowledging Margaret's extensive career, highlighting her numerous comedy specials, TV appearances, movies, and books. Despite expecting laughs, Monica was moved by the depth of their conversation about Margaret's personal struggles.

Monica Lewinsky [00:00]:
"I expected to laugh, but I wasn't expecting to feel as much as I did when we went deep on what it's like to be a woman in the public eye and to have your body dissected on the world stage."

Margaret responds with gratitude, emphasizing the importance of compassion in her work.

Margaret Cho [05:11]:
"I always hope to have compassion in anything that I do, including my comedy... But for people who are just everyday people, they don't deserve that. They don't deserve what comes at them."

Body Image and Racism in Her Career

A significant portion of the conversation delves into Margaret's experiences with body shaming and racial discrimination, especially during her time on television.

Margaret Cho [08:16]:
"I always felt insecure about my body because I was so much larger than the other Korean girls... I naturally gravitated to comedy because those things actually made me a better comedian."

She recounts the harrowing experience of being pressured to lose weight for her TV show, leading to severe health issues.

Margaret Cho [10:32]:
"I lost, like, 30 pounds in two weeks. It was insane. It was not right. And I started urinating blood. It was such a harrowing experience."

Monica echoes the struggle of being defined by societal standards, particularly for women.

Monica Lewinsky [06:20]:
"Women are collateral damage to what happens when we're degrading other women, making jokes about other women."

Coping Mechanisms and Therapy

Both Monica and Margaret discuss their healing processes, emphasizing the role of therapy and self-acceptance in overcoming trauma and societal pressures.

Margaret Cho [15:11]:
"I think it was like, maybe when I was in my 30s, then I realized I wasn't gonna get to a place of agreement with... It was a very conscious decision."

Margaret highlights the ongoing nature of her healing journey, mentioning her participation in various recovery movements.

Margaret Cho [16:22]:
"It's a lifelong struggle to hold them at bay. I've been to therapy for such a long time."

The Role of Humor and Comedy in Healing and Advocacy

Humor serves as a vital tool for both coping and advocating for change. Margaret shares how she uses comedy to address serious issues with compassion and intellect.

Margaret Cho [25:11]:
"Laughing is like a life-affirming, very granular, basic way."

Monica resonates with this, sharing her own reliance on humor and gallows humor to navigate tough times.

Monica Lewinsky [24:54]:
"If you can't laugh in your worst moments, you're so fucked."

Cultural Identity and Reclamation

The conversation transitions to Margaret’s journey in reclaiming her Korean heritage, balancing her American upbringing with her cultural roots.

Margaret Cho [46:46]:
"I've backtracked even more because now I speak Korean fluently and I'm a big K Drama fan, and I'm very into going to Korea, and I love it."

She reflects on her parents' Americanized yet Korean identity and how it shaped her own cultural reclamation.

Reclaiming Personal Elements and Future Projects

Towards the end of the episode, Margaret discusses her ongoing projects and personal goals, highlighting her commitment to reclaiming joy and childlike wonder.

Margaret Cho [49:47]:
"I think I'm really trying to reclaim like a childlike wonder all the time. I want to be so, like, not jaded about things."

Monica and Margaret also touch on future endeavors, including Margaret’s upcoming music album and her continued work in comedy and performance art.

Margaret Cho [49:00]:
"I have an album of music that comes out called Lucky Gift. It's another form of healing for me."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Monica Lewinsky [05:11]:
  "It was an expensive laugh, charged to those who could not possibly afford it."

• Margaret Cho [10:32]:
  "I lost, like, 30 pounds in two weeks. It was insane. It was not right."

• Margaret Cho [25:11]:
  "Laughing is like a life-affirming, very granular, basic way."

• Monica Lewinsky [24:54]:
  "If you can't laugh in your worst moments, you're so fucked."

• Margaret Cho [49:47]:
  "I think I'm really trying to reclaim like a childlike wonder all the time."

Conclusion

Monica Lewinsky and Margaret Cho conclude their heartfelt conversation by reflecting on the power of humor, the importance of self-reclamation, and the ongoing struggle against societal and internalized pressures. Margaret’s journey serves as an inspiring testament to resilience and the transformative power of comedy.

Key Takeaways:

• Body Image and Racism: The double burden of body shaming and racial discrimination profoundly impacted Margaret’s career and personal life.

• Coping and Healing: Therapy, humor, and self-acceptance are crucial tools for overcoming trauma and societal pressures.

• Cultural Reclamation: Embracing and reclaiming one’s cultural identity is a powerful step towards self-empowerment and healing.

• Role of Humor: Comedy is not just entertainment but a vital medium for addressing serious issues with compassion and intellect.

Margaret Cho’s candid discussion offers invaluable insights into the complexities of navigating identity, fame, and personal healing, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersections of comedy, feminism, and cultural reclamation.