Podcast Summary: Wrong Turns with Jameela Jamil

Episode: Atsuko Okatsuka and Matt Walsh
Release Date: July 24, 2025

Wrong Turns with Jameela Jamil is a candid and humorous podcast where Jameela Jamil invites her funniest friends to share their most embarrassing and disastrous life stories, with no attempt to find morals or silver linings. In this episode, Jameela sits down with actress, writer, and comedian Atsuko Okatsuka and comedian and Emmy-nominated actor Matt Walsh to delve into their personal "wrong turns."

Introduction to the Guests

Jameela Jamil warmly welcomes her guests, highlighting their impressive backgrounds:

• Atsuko Okatsuka: An actress with a new special titled Father streaming on Hulu and Disney Plus.
• Matt Walsh: A comedian and co-founder of the Upright Citizens Brigade, known for his roles in The Hangover, Veep, and The Daily Show, as well as hosting the podcasts Second in Command and Because You Watch.

Notable Quote:

Jameela Jamil (02:04): "We are also thrilled to have a comedian, Emmy nominated actor and legendary improviser who is one of the co founders of the Upright Citizens Brigade... it's Matt Walsh. Hello."

Handling Disasters and Emergencies

The conversation kicks off with a discussion about how each guest handles disasters and emergencies in their lives.

Atsuko Okatsuka shares her experience working on a psych ward for three years, emphasizing her ability to stay level-headed in high-pressure situations.

Notable Quote:

Atsuko Okatsuka (03:32): "I worked on a psych ward. I was like a mental health worker. And the nursing staff. Slash camp counselor."

Matt Walsh relates by recounting a harrowing experience performing stand-up during a 7.1 magnitude earthquake. His ability to improvise under such chaotic circumstances stems from his personal challenges, including his mother's schizophrenia and his own undocumented status.

Notable Quote:

Matt Walsh (04:08): "I did a standup set once during a 7.1 magnitude earthquake. I went onto stage as the earthquake was hitting."

Micro Humiliations: Atsuko and Matt's Embarrassing Moments

Both guests delve into specific instances of micro humiliations they've faced.

Atsuko Okatsuka narrates a chilly Christmas season in Chicago where she worked as an elf distributing candy. Due to inadequate attire, her boxer shorts were visible, and in a photo-op, one of her testicles was exposed while reading to children.

Notable Quote:

Atsuko Okatsuka (06:49): "When I sat down to read, my tunic pulled up and you could see my underwear. But also one of my testicles was hanging out."

Matt Walsh recounts his own embarrassing moment at Disneyland's water park ride, where the malfunction left him soaked and the crowd capturing his plight on camera.

Notable Quote:

Matt Walsh (09:14): "We finished… the ride has malfunctioned... and now they're filming me. They're taking pictures. And now it's like, oh my goodness. I'm wet as a napkin."

Matt Walsh's Wrong Turn: Reconnecting with His Dad in Bali

Matt shares a deeply personal story about reconnecting with his estranged father in Bali. What was intended to be a bonding trip turned into a series of misadventures, including a dangerous paraglider ride where Matt nearly drowned and injured himself.

Notable Quotes:

Matt Walsh (15:39): "I went to Bali to see my dad after seven years apart. I thought we'd bond over simple activities, but instead, we ended up on a makeshift water park ride."

Matt Walsh (21:50): "I was in the air, and they were telling me which string to pull, but I didn't understand them. I started pulling at them really fast and came crashing down into rocks."

This experience not only strained his relationship with his father but also highlighted his tendency to be a people pleaser, often putting others' expectations above his own safety and well-being.

Atsuko Okatsuka's Wrong Turn: Alone in Amsterdam

Atsuko shares her adventurous yet perilous solo trip to Amsterdam, where she intended to experience the local culture and perhaps try weed for the first time. The trip took a dark turn when she encountered a local drug dealer who, under the influence of heroin, mishandled their transaction, leading to a tense and frightening confrontation with a police officer.

Notable Quotes:

Atsuko Okatsuka (27:08): "I wanted to challenge myself to travel alone and meet the locals. But things went south when the dealer exposed his addiction in front of us."

Atsuko Okatsuka (33:12): "I felt disrespected and confronted the cop, which nearly led to a violent encounter before a passerby intervened."

This story underscores the unpredictability of solo travel and the importance of being cautious in unfamiliar environments.

Listener Story: Catherine's Graduation Incident

Before closing, Jameela shares a listener-submitted story from Catherine, who describes a traumatic yet humorous moment at her graduation where her father placed a cardboard cutout of her deceased mother on stage, leading to an unexpected emotional breakdown.

Notable Quote:

Jameela Jamil (39:11): "My dad had made a cardboard cutout of my mum and thought it would be lovely to have her at my graduation. I screamed and had to be carried off the stage."

This anecdote perfectly encapsulates the podcast's theme of sharing mortifying moments without seeking redemption.

Conclusion and Guest Promotions

As the episode wraps up, Jameela thanks Atsuko and Matt for their vulnerability and outrageous stories. Both guests promote their respective projects:

• Matt Walsh introduces his new special, Father, available on Hulu and Disney Plus, which explores his relationship with his dad.

• Atsuko Okatsuka promotes her podcast Second in Command and Because You Watch.

Notable Quote:

Jameela Jamil (43:18): "Thank you so much for coming today and telling these mad, mad stories and bearing your soul to the public. No real redeeming moments, which is exactly what we love here at Wrong Turns."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Wrong Turns offers a blend of humor, vulnerability, and real-life mishaps that resonate with listeners who appreciate candid conversations about life's less glamorous moments. Atsuko and Matt's stories not only entertain but also provide a glimpse into their resilience and ability to find humor amidst chaos.

Connect with the Guests:

• Matt Walsh:

  • Father Special on Hulu and Disney Plus
  • Podcasts: Second in Command and Because You Watch

• Atsuko Okatsuka:

  • Podcast: Second in Command and Because You Watch

Join Jameela Jamil on Wrong Turns for more unfiltered stories where dignity takes a backseat and laughter takes the wheel.