WTF with Marc Maron Podcast – Episode 1591: Josh Brolin

Release Date: November 14, 2024
Guest: Josh Brolin
Host: Marc Maron
Podcast Description: Marc Maron invites comedians, actors, directors, writers, authors, musicians, and individuals from diverse backgrounds to engage in deeply revealing conversations. Marc's probing interview style uncovers new facets of his guests, offering listeners fresh insights and personal stories.

Introduction

In Episode 1591 of WTF with Marc Maron, Marc welcomes actor Josh Brolin back to the show. Josh returns to discuss his latest memoir, "From Under the Truck," and delves into personal stories about his struggles with addiction, his journey in writing, and his approach to acting. The conversation offers an intimate look into Josh's life, creative process, and the lessons he's learned over the years.

Josh Brolin's Memoir: "From Under the Truck"

Marc begins by expressing his admiration for Josh's new memoir, highlighting its poetic sensibility and truthful expression. He remarks on the book's structure, which features short, standalone chapters that function almost like prose poems, making it highly readable.

Marc Maron [Timestamp: 09:45]: "The new memoir, it's called From Under the Truck, he wrote the fuck out of it. He wrote a thing, and it's all him, and you can feel it."

Josh elaborates on his writing process, explaining that much of the memoir is derived from his personal journals. He emphasizes that while the book contains rewritten stories, it remains deeply rooted in his authentic experiences.

Josh Brolin [Timestamp: 73:07]: "Everything's rewritten, but I would say at least half the stories are just kind of stories that came to me and I said... It's all about the memories that actually mattered."

Personal Struggles with Addiction

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Josh's past struggles with addiction. He shares a harrowing experience from his time in the Middle East, where he battled with substance abuse, particularly fentanyl and heroin. Josh recounts a moment of intense panic and the subsequent realization of his need to change.

Josh Brolin [Timestamp: 16:17]: "I start running out and there's a Hungarian guy who comes up to me and we're in Jordan. And he comes up to me and he says, I have some... It has a skull and crossbones on the top."

Marc draws parallels between his own experiences and Josh's, discussing the pervasive nature of addiction and its impact on personal lives.

Marc Maron [Timestamp: 10:21]: "It's addiction. It's pure addiction."

Writing Process and Journaling

Josh discusses his meticulous approach to writing his memoir, which involved extensive journaling over the years. He explains how his journals serve as a foundation for his stories, sparking memories that he then expands upon in his writing.

Josh Brolin [Timestamp: 73:07]: "I take any... Everything from a journal. So I would look at a journal. It would spark a memory, and then I would riff on the memory."

Marc emphasizes the difference between journal entries and the polished narratives presented in memoirs, highlighting Josh's ability to transform personal reflections into engaging stories.

Marc Maron [Timestamp: 28:26]: "You're doing it in chapters, and each chapter kind of functions on its own as almost a prose poem."

Acting Approaches and Vulnerability

The conversation naturally shifts to Josh's acting career, where both Marc and Josh explore the nuances of their craft. Josh shares his experiences on set, particularly his role in the movie Sharon Stone, describing the challenges and emotional depth required.

Josh Brolin [Timestamp: 37:11]: "I got a scene with Sharon Stone that just changed my fucking life."

Marc relates by discussing his own role in a movie where he portrayed an actor grappling with cancer, expressing concerns about delivering a credible performance.

Marc Maron [Timestamp: 36:33]: "I'm playing this guy Langston, who's known for this sitcom, but he's a great actor... If I don't make those fucking things credible, the whole thing goes to Shawn."

Both hosts delve into the importance of authenticity in acting, the struggle to access genuine emotions, and the impact of influential mentors like Al Pacino and Sam Shepard.

Marc Maron [Timestamp: 40:40]: "He had these five things... Why are you there? Where'd you come from? What is this?"

Josh Brolin [Timestamp: 32:00]: "I was trying to impress Sam Shepard."

Reflections on Relationships and Family

Josh opens up about his familial relationships, particularly his relationship with his ex-wife and the impact of his mother's experiences on his life. He shares a poignant story about his mother's time in Camarillo State Hospital, highlighting her resilience and the influence it had on him.

Josh Brolin [Timestamp: 51:31]: "She was put in Camarillo State Hospital and spent three and a half weeks... She got her to speak after a girl had been mute for 12 years."

Marc and Josh discuss the complexities of family dynamics and the long-term effects of parental actions on one's personal development and coping mechanisms.

Coping Mechanisms and Therapy

The discussion touches on coping strategies for dealing with trauma and addiction. Josh talks about incorporating ice baths into his routine, which has had a significant positive impact on his well-being.

Josh Brolin [Timestamp: 76:24]: "I've been doing ice baths for 20 years... It has lifted me because I've been doing it every single morning."

Marc connects this practice to his own methods of handling stress and personal challenges, reinforcing the importance of physical and mental resilience.

Marc Maron [Timestamp: 76:26]: "You gotta do it."

Conclusion

As the episode draws to a close, Marc and Josh reflect on their journeys toward self-acceptance and personal growth. They emphasize the value of vulnerability, authenticity, and the continual effort to understand oneself amidst life's chaos.

Josh Brolin [Timestamp: 75:22]: "This book is a thousand percent me. We're left with just being who we are."

Marc Maron [Timestamp: 80:35]: "It's the nature of us. And the thing you were saying earlier... I'm thinking about today because I got to do standup."

The episode ends on a note of mutual respect and encouragement, with Josh expressing his admiration for Marc's ability to balance comedy with deep, meaningful conversations.

Notable Quotes

• Josh Brolin [15:43]: "I start running out and there's a Hungarian guy who comes up to me and we're in Jordan. And he comes up to me and he says, I have some... It has a skull and crossbones on the top."

• Marc Maron [16:08]: "It's addiction. It's pure addiction."

• Josh Brolin [26:16]: "I feel like I got to keep up."

• Marc Maron [28:26]: "You're doing it in chapters, and each chapter kind of functions on its own as almost a prose poem."

• Josh Brolin [37:11]: "I got a scene with Sharon Stone that just changed my fucking life."

• Josh Brolin [73:07]: "I take any... Everything from a journal. So I would look at a journal. It would spark a memory, and then I would riff on the memory."

• Marc Maron [40:40]: "He had these five things... Why are you there? Where'd you come from? What is this?"

• Josh Brolin [51:31]: "She was put in Camarillo State Hospital and spent three and a half weeks... She got her to speak after a girl had been mute for 12 years."

• Josh Brolin [76:24]: "I've been doing ice baths for 20 years... It has lifted me because I've been doing it every single morning."

• Josh Brolin [75:22]: "This book is a thousand percent me. We're left with just being who we are."

Final Thoughts

Episode 1591 serves as a candid exploration of Josh Brolin's personal and professional life. Through honest dialogue, Marc Maron and Josh navigate topics ranging from addiction and family dynamics to the intricate process of writing a memoir and the depth of acting. Listeners gain a profound understanding of Josh's resilience, creative spirit, and the ongoing journey toward self-discovery and authenticity.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, introductory remarks, and non-content segments to focus solely on the substantive conversation between Marc Maron and Josh Brolin.