Wild Card with Rachel Martin: Episode Summary - "Ramy Youssef Wants to Make It Weird"

Released: May 29, 2025 | Host: Rachel Martin | Guest: Ramy Youssef

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Wild Card with Rachel Martin, Ramy Youssef, the multifaceted actor, writer, comedian, producer, and director, joins Rachel to delve deep into personal and philosophical discussions. Recognized as a Top 10 Podcast of 2024 by The New York Times, Wild Card distinguishes itself by moving beyond conventional interview formats, utilizing a unique deck of conversational cards that challenge guests with thought-provoking questions about life's biggest issues.

Sleep and Health

Ramy opens up about his evolving relationship with sleep, especially after marrying. He reflects on how adulthood responsibilities made him more conscious of mortality and the importance of health.

• Ramy Youssef ([00:20]): "More than ever. After I got married, I started thinking about death a lot because I was like, I just did this really adult thing."

The conversation humorously explores unconventional sleep remedies, highlighting Ramy's dedication to improving his sleep quality.

• Ramy Youssef ([02:50]): "Mainline it into the bottom of the foot. So now I am. That's how seriously I'm taking this."

Friendship and Relationships

Ramy shares heartfelt anecdotes about his longtime friend Steve Way, who has muscular dystrophy. Their unique bond is portrayed authentically in his show Ramy.

• Ramy Youssef ([05:10]): "He literally would say, tell them we gotta do disabled stuff. And then I'd just be like, hey, we gotta do disabled stuff."

He emphasizes the depth and realness of their friendship, showcasing how personal relationships influence his creative work.

Creative Projects

Ramy discusses his diverse portfolio, including his acclaimed show Ramy, the Oscar-winning film Poor Things (2023), his latest comedy special, and the new TV creation Number One Happy Family USA. He also anticipates his upcoming role alongside Steve Carell in the movie Mountainhead.

• Rachel Martin ([01:09]): "He also co-starred in the Oscar winning film Poor Things in 2023... and soon he will share the screen with Steve Carell in the new movie Mountainhead."

In Mountainhead, Ramy portrays Jeff, a tech billionaire navigating moral and existential dilemmas, reflecting his concerns about technology's trajectory.

• Ramy Youssef ([12:15]): "I was just really excited to talk about something that personally haunts me... what is that gonna do?"

Grief and Mortality

A profound segment delves into Ramy's experiences with grief following his grandfather's passing. This loss reshaped his perception of his parents, fostering deeper empathy and understanding.

• Ramy Youssef ([07:22]): "I started to see everything that they were dealing with, with us, with a whole different kind of compassion."

He also shares a poignant memory about how the family dog reacted on the night of his grandfather’s death, symbolizing the interconnectedness of life and loss.

• Ramy Youssef ([09:08]): "My dad fell in love with that dog afterwards because he was like, the dog picked up on what happened."

Representation and Cultural Identity

Ramy emphasizes the significance of his work in portraying Arab American and Muslim American stories, striving for authentic and multifaceted representations.

• Rachel Martin ([15:30]): "What does animation let you do with that story that you couldn't do in a live action situation?"

He explains the creative decision to use animation in his show to illustrate the concept of "code-switching" and the dual lives many Muslim Americans lead.

• Ramy Youssef ([15:56]): "I got very fascinated by this code switch... everyone does that."

Philosophical Views

The conversation transitions into Ramy's contemplations on consciousness and the afterlife. He expresses a belief in the continuity of consciousness beyond physical existence, intertwining his spiritual beliefs with personal experiences.

• Ramy Youssef ([32:09]): "Right now is just the beginning. I think a lot happens."

He critiques modern metaphysical frameworks, advocating for a more profound connection to unseen realities.

• Ramy Youssef ([35:13]): "I just realize that there is something going on that you will not grasp in its entirety."

Personal Insights and Self-Reflection

Through the Wild Card game, Ramy reflects on his personal growth, ambition, and the balancing act between professional commitments and personal life. He acknowledges the challenges of stepping into his responsibilities while maintaining authentic relationships.

• Ramy Youssef ([20:56]): "I definitely step in... This is something I'm learning in my marriage."

He candidly discusses the pitfalls of ambition, such as neglecting personal health and relationships in pursuit of creative endeavors.

• Ramy Youssef ([23:35]): "It's like, I'm sensing this stuff, so... Who'S got a problem?"

Conclusion: The Power of Love

Wrapping up the episode, Ramy underscores love as the fundamental truth guiding his life. He believes that love is the cornerstone of human experience, capable of healing and connecting people amidst life's chaos.

• Ramy Youssef ([37:35]): "Love is at the core of everything. It's the most important thing."

He shares a nostalgic memory, highlighting the importance of familial bonds and cherished moments.

• Ramy Youssef ([39:22]): "It's a photo of me and my sister... It would be cool to just do that day as a kid consciously and just sit in all of that wisdom with all those people."

Final Thoughts

Ramy Youssef's appearance on Wild Card offers a rich tapestry of personal anecdotes, philosophical musings, and insightful discussions about creativity, identity, and the human condition. His ability to intertwine humor with profound reflections makes for an engaging and thought-provoking listen.

For those who found this conversation inspiring, consider tuning into Rachel Martin's episode with Sterlin Harjo, creator of Reservation Dogs, who similarly navigates the pressures of representation with a unique and authentic voice.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Ramy Youssef ([00:20]): "More than ever. After I got married, I started thinking about death a lot because I was like, I just did this really adult thing."
• Ramy Youssef ([05:10]): "He literally would say, tell them we gotta do disabled stuff."
• Ramy Youssef ([07:22]): "I started to see everything that they were dealing with, with us, with a whole different kind of compassion."
• Ramy Youssef ([15:56]): "I got very fascinated by this code switch... everyone does that."
• Ramy Youssef ([32:09]): "Right now is just the beginning. I think a lot happens."
• Ramy Youssef ([37:35]): "Love is at the core of everything. It's the most important thing."

Production Credits:

• Produced by: Summer Thomas
• Edited by: Dave Blanchard
• Mastered by: Gilly Moon
• Executive Producer: Yolanda Sangweni
• Theme Music by: Ramtin Arablouei

For more episodes and updates, visit wildcardpr.org.