WTF with Marc Maron: Episode 1594 - Anthony Jeselnik Release Date: November 25, 2024

Hosts:

• Marc Maron: Comedian, actor, writer, and host of the "WTF with Marc Maron" podcast.
• Anthony Jeselnik: Comedian, writer, actor, and creator of dark, edgy humor.

1. Reunion and Personal Reflections

[02:07] Marc Maron: Marc opens the episode by reflecting on his roots in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He discusses the cyclical nature of returning home, the nostalgia associated with revisiting one's hometown, and the lasting impact of childhood environments on personal development.

"Home is home in terms of what created your neural pathways. Environmentally, it's with you forever." — Marc Maron [02:17]

Marc expresses a sense of introspection, pondering the passage of time and its effects on his perceptions and relationships.

2. Anthony Jeselnik’s Return to WTF

[02:07] Anthony Jeselnik: Anthony makes a brief but impactful appearance at the beginning, prompting a deeper dive into his extensive career since his last appearance on Episode 206 over thirteen years prior.

Marc highlights Anthony's unique position in comedy, emphasizing his dedication to constructing well-crafted, dark humor.

"There's something about a jokesmith. There's something about a guy whose entire persona is built around delivering these beautiful, well-structured, dark kind of mind-blowing jokes." — Marc Maron [05:15]

3. The Evolution of Stand-Up and Comedy Landscape

[18:47] Anthony Jeselnik: Anthony discusses his commitment to stand-up comedy, expressing a desire to continue honing his craft in LA before possibly relocating to Chicago.

"If I'm done with stand up, I might leave. I might maybe Chicago." — Anthony Jeselnik [18:47]

The conversation shifts to the broader changes in the comedy industry, particularly the rise of podcasting and its impact on traditional stand-up venues.

"Now it's podcasting. It's not so much being a comic as it is being a podcaster who does live appearances." — Anthony Jeselnik [20:18]

Marc and Anthony critique the saturation of amateur podcasters and comedians, lamenting the loss of authenticity and the shift towards quantity over quality.

4. Anthony’s TV Hosting Experience and Show Cancellation

Anthony delves into his past as a TV host on Comedy Central, detailing the stresses and creative constraints that ultimately led to the show's cancellation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I don't like having the bosses. The passive-aggressive notes. It wasn't just, 'Don't do this, do this.' Instead, they'd be like, 'Don't do this story.'" — Anthony Jeselnik [45:33]

Marc and Anthony discuss the pressures of maintaining a television show, with Anthony expressing relief upon its termination, highlighting the freedom it afforded him to focus solely on his stand-up career.

5. Health Issues: Chronic Pain and Teeth Grinding

[36:18] Anthony Jeselnik: Anthony opens up about his struggles with chronic pain and teeth grinding, exacerbated by the demands of touring.

"I've got these things I gave you, the ones. I've got, like, chronic pain in my lower back. Sitting on an airplane seat was hell." — Anthony Jeselnik [36:29]

He recounts his experiences with various chiropractors and the ongoing battle to alleviate his symptoms, emphasizing the physical toll of his career.

6. Performing Internationally: Experiences in Europe

Anthony shares his adventures performing across Europe, detailing the differences in audience reception and cultural nuances.

"If I can have a day off, I like to walk around and pretend I live there." — Anthony Jeselnik [32:22]

He highlights the positive experiences in cities like London, Dublin, and Berlin, while also noting the challenges of performing in venues with historical significance, such as the Amsterdam Theater.

7. Reflections on Roasting and Comedy Specials

Anthony reflects on his participation in various roasting events, including high-profile roasts of Donald Trump and Roseanne, expressing mixed feelings about their impact on his career.

"I've done three roasts, and I was like, I never want to do this again." — Anthony Jeselnik [41:22]

He critiques the evolution of roasting shows, noting a decline in quality and personal satisfaction, and shares his preference for live stand-up over televised roasts.

8. The Role of Podcasting in Modern Comedy

Marc and Anthony explore the proliferation of podcasts within the comedy scene, debating its benefits and drawbacks. Anthony criticizes the commercialization and loss of genuine connection in podcasting.

"Podcasting has turned into this evil. It's just these guys trying to get clicks and attention." — Anthony Jeselnik [21:45]

Marc defends the traditional podcasting model, emphasizing its role in fostering authentic conversations, while Anthony remains skeptical about its long-term value.

9. Future Aspirations and Creative Output

Anthony discusses his aspirations beyond stand-up, including writing a novel and potentially exploring longer-form storytelling. He underscores his passion for creating meaningful, impactful humor.

"I want to write, do as many hours as I can before I die, give as many great jokes as I can." — Anthony Jeselnik [54:40]

Marc contemplates his own creative directions, reflecting on the necessity to evolve while maintaining authenticity.

10. Maintaining Authenticity and Personal Boundaries

Both Marc and Anthony emphasize the importance of staying true to oneself amidst industry pressures. Anthony shares anecdotes about managing relationships with managers and maintaining control over his creative process.

"I have to find a way to be myself and not get sucked into the commercial aspects." — Anthony Jeselnik [62:44]

Marc echoes similar sentiments, advocating for personal integrity over chasing fleeting success metrics.

11. Concluding Thoughts and Upcoming Projects

As the conversation wraps up, Anthony hints at upcoming performances and specials, maintaining his commitment to delivering quality comedy on his own terms.

"Bones and all premieres on Netflix tomorrow." — Marc Maron [78:47]

Both hosts express mutual respect and anticipation for future collaborations, underscoring the enduring bond between Marc Maron and Anthony Jeselnik.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "Home is home in terms of what created your neural pathways. Environmentally, it's with you forever." — Marc Maron [02:17]

• "There's something about a jokesmith. There's something about a guy whose entire persona is built around delivering these beautiful, well-structured, dark kind of mind-blowing jokes." — Marc Maron [05:15]

• "If I'm done with stand up, I might leave. I might maybe Chicago." — Anthony Jeselnik [18:47]

• "Now it's podcasting. It's not so much being a comic as it is being a podcaster who does live appearances." — Anthony Jeselnik [20:18]

• "I've got these things I gave you, the ones. I've got, like, chronic pain in my lower back. Sitting on an airplane seat was hell." — Anthony Jeselnik [36:29]

• "I want to write, do as many hours as I can before I die, give as many great jokes as I can." — Anthony Jeselnik [54:40]

• "Podcasting has turned into this evil. It's just these guys trying to get clicks and attention." — Anthony Jeselnik [21:45]

• "Bones and all premieres on Netflix tomorrow." — Marc Maron [78:47]

Key Topics Discussed

1. Personal Background and Reflections: Marc's return to Albuquerque and the emotional impact of revisiting one's hometown.

2. Anthony Jeselnik’s Stand-Up Career: Evolution, challenges, and future aspirations in comedy.

3. Comedy Industry Changes: The shift towards podcasting, the influx of amateur podcasters/comedians, and the commercialization of stand-up.

4. Health and Well-being: Anthony's struggle with chronic pain and teeth grinding, and his efforts to manage these issues.

5. International Performances: Experiences performing in various European cities and the cultural differences encountered.

6. Television Hosting: Anthony's tenure on Comedy Central, the pressures of hosting a show, and its eventual cancellation.

7. Roasting Experiences: Participation in high-profile roasts, their impact on his career, and reflections on their quality.

8. Future Creative Endeavors: Anthony's interest in writing novels and exploring longer-form comedy.

9. Authenticity in Comedy: Maintaining personal integrity amidst industry pressures and the importance of staying true to one's comedic voice.

10. Upcoming Projects: Anthony's new Netflix special "Bones and all" and future stand-up plans.

Conclusion

This episode of "WTF with Marc Maron" provides an in-depth and candid conversation between Marc Maron and Anthony Jeselnik, exploring the nuances of a comedian's journey through evolving landscapes, personal struggles, and creative aspirations. Through their engaging dialogue, listeners gain valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of maintaining authenticity and passion in the ever-changing world of comedy.