Podcast Summary: Throwing Fits - The Youngmi Mayer Interview

Episode Information

• Title: The Youngmi Mayer Interview with Throwing Fits
• Host/Author: Throwing Fits
• Release Date: December 11, 2024
• Description: Two grown dirtbags just tryna navigate the male zeitgeist. If you have any money you want to give us or any constructive criticism you'd like us to 360 degree tomahawk slam dunk into the trash can please email us: throwingfitspod@gmail.com.

Introduction and Fit Check (01:00 - 10:05)

Hosts kick off the episode with an unconventional and intense introduction of Youngmi Mayer, a multifaceted personality known as a comedian, podcaster, content creator, and author. Youngmi expresses surprise at the unique introduction format, stating:

Youngmi Mayer [01:31]: "I'm good. I'm great. That was like the. That was a very intense intro. It's the first time that's happened to me."

The conversation transitions into a casual "fit check," where Youngmi details her tour wardrobe, showcasing a blend of personal style and practicality. She humorously discusses her limited wardrobe choices, emphasizing functionality over fashion:

Youngmi Mayer [03:21]: "I'm wearing that coat, so. And then the dress. And I have these shoes also, like, literally, my only pair of shoes."

Youngmi also shares anecdotes about her fashion preferences and the practicality behind her clothing choices, including her experiences with specific brands like Steve for Her.

Discussing Youngmi's Memoir (10:05 - 26:00)

Hosts delve into Youngmi's newly released memoir, Mommy Lord, forgive young me. Youngmi provides an overview of the book's themes, which intertwine her biracial identity with her personal experiences growing up in Korea and the United States. She explains the inspiration behind the memoir, relating it to a stand-up joke about her mother using humor to cope with discipline:

Youngmi Mayer [11:14]: "So the phrase that I based it on is from this very old stand-up joke... my mom would beat my ass and I would cry, she would start telling me jokes..."

The discussion highlights the duality of her experiences as a biracial individual, exploring cultural stereotypes and the complexities of identity. Youngmi emphasizes how her open approach to sharing personal traumas has been a consistent theme in both her podcast and her memoir.

Experiences with the Book Publishing Industry (26:00 - 36:00)

Youngmi shares her surprisingly positive experience with the book publishing process, contrasting it with the typically arduous journey many authors face. She attributes her success to her existing podcast following and a supportive editor who championed her work:

Youngmi Mayer [26:37]: "I lucked out that my editor was a fan of my podcast... she went to bat for me at her company."

She discusses the rapid acceptance of her book, noting that it took only a week to secure a publishing deal, which she realized was atypical after hearing about her friends' prolonged struggles. Youngmi attributes her efficient publishing experience to her engaging writing style and the relevance of her story at the time of submission.

Cultural Insights and Stereotypes (36:00 - 50:00)

The conversation shifts to Youngmi's perspectives on Korean and Asian cultures, particularly focusing on stereotypes and cultural exports like K-pop and skincare. She expresses mixed feelings about the global rise of Korean pop culture, praising its positive impacts while criticizing aspects she finds superficial:

Youngmi Mayer [46:24]: "I'm happy about it because I feel like it's great for Koreans overall... But I have to be really honest. I hate every Korean pop cultural export."

Youngmi elaborates on the distinction between K-pop and other cultural facets like Korean skincare, highlighting her appreciation for the accessibility and effectiveness of Korean skincare products while critiquing the perceived superficiality of K-pop music. She discusses the cultural nuances behind skin health perceptions and the broader implications of these societal standards.

Social Media and Personal Branding (50:00 - 65:00)

Youngmi discusses her approach to social media, emphasizing transparency and the challenges of maintaining personal boundaries. She shares strategies for handling negative comments and sustaining engagement without compromising her authenticity:

Youngmi Mayer [57:31]: "All these negative comments are basically, it's like somebody's projection. Of course, it has nothing to do with me."

She also touches upon the importance of BookTok—a TikTok community focused on books—in promoting her memoir, albeit admitting she is not actively engaging with it. Youngmi offers advice to aspiring authors and content creators about leveraging social media platforms to enhance visibility and engagement.

Dating, Relationships, and Parenting (65:00 - 80:00)

The hosts explore Youngmi's personal life, including her experiences with dating and motherhood. She candidly shares stories about her dating encounters, emphasizing her desire for honesty and authenticity in relationships. Youngmi also reflects on her parenting style, aiming to break generational cycles of trauma by adopting a more open and emotionally supportive approach with her son:

Youngmi Mayer [21:20]: "I think I'm probably too loose as a parent... I don't have a set dinner time. And I think children need structure and that's what parents are there for."

The discussion highlights the balance Youngmi strives for between being lenient and providing necessary structure for her child, acknowledging the complexities of parenting as a biracial single mother.

Comedy Career and Future Projects (80:00 - 90:00)

Youngmi talks about her evolution as a comedian, shifting from traditional stand-up to more interactive and audience-driven performances. She shares her reluctance to record her sets but expresses enthusiasm for her unique approach to comedy, which involves audience participation and improvisation:

Youngmi Mayer [55:23]: "I just sort of took that concept then. I do that on stage now."

Looking ahead, Youngmi mentions her interest in writing a second book, driven by her experiences and the positive reception of her first memoir. She teases potential topics, including restaurant drama and personal anecdotes that resonate with her audience.

Concluding Remarks and Final Thoughts (90:00 - End)

In the concluding segment, Youngmi Mayer offers constructive criticism to the Throwing Fits hosts, humorously advising them to cut down on podcast expenses. The hosts reciprocate with playful banter, wrapping up the interview on a light-hearted note.

Youngmi reiterates key platforms for her audience to follow her work, including her TikTok handle and promoting the availability of her audiobook version for those who prefer listening over reading.

Notable Quotes

• Youngmi Mayer [11:14]: "Do you know what happens when you laugh and cry at the same time? Hair grows out of your butthole."

• Youngmi Mayer [21:20]: "I think I'm probably too loose as a parent... I don't have a set dinner time. And I think children need structure and that's what parents are there for."

• Youngmi Mayer [26:37]: "I lucked out that my editor was a fan of my podcast... she went to bat for me at her company."

• Youngmi Mayer [36:18]: "I hate every Korean pop cultural export. Except all of these. The movies are fine. The movies are fine. The music."

• Youngmi Mayer [57:31]: "All these negative comments are basically, it's like somebody's projection. Of course, it has nothing to do with me."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Throwing Fits offers an insightful and candid conversation with Youngmi Mayer, providing listeners with an in-depth look into her multifaceted career, personal experiences, and cultural perspectives. Youngmi's openness about her challenges and successes serves as an inspiring narrative for those navigating similar paths. The blend of humor, honesty, and cultural critique makes for a rich and engaging listening experience.

Follow Youngmi Mayer:

• TikTok: @ymmayor / @youngmiMayor
• Book: Mommy Lord, forgive young me (Available in audiobook format)

For more episodes and content, visit Throwing Fits on Substack.