WTF with Marc Maron Podcast – Episode 1628: Nick Thune
Host: Marc Maron
Guest: Nick Thune
Release Date: March 24, 2025
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Introduction
In Episode 1628 of the WTF with Marc Maron podcast, host Marc Maron reunites with comedian Nick Thune for a deeply personal and revealing conversation. This marks Nick’s third appearance on the show, following his previous interviews in Episodes 189 and 780. The discussion delves into Nick's journey since his last appearance, exploring themes of sobriety, personal struggles, faith, and the realities of life on the road.
Life Updates Since Last Episode
Marc begins by updating listeners on his current life on the road, sharing anecdotes from his recent tour in Charleston, South Carolina. He mentions staying in a hotel room while awaiting his own, highlighting the nomadic lifestyle of touring comedians.
Notable Quote:
Marc Maron [00:07]: "I'm in it. I'm living it. I'm still on the road."
Nick provides an overview of his recent projects, including his new stand-up special, "Born Young," available on YouTube, produced by Nate Bargatze. He also shares his tour dates, emphasizing his unique approach to touring solo with minimal equipment.
Notable Quote:
Nick Thune [05:30]: "I rent a car where I land and then I drive around the region. I'm performing in just me and who's ever opening for me in a car for hours? No tour bus."
Sobriety Journey
A significant portion of the conversation centers around sobriety and the challenges associated with maintaining it while touring. Both Marc and Nick openly discuss their battles with addiction, the impact on their personal lives, and the steps they've taken towards recovery.
Notable Quote:
Nick Thune [15:00]: "I lost my mind kind of thing. I did actually, though, make a sober call in a real way that I hadn't made in a long time."
Marc reflects on his own sobriety journey, sharing his relapse experiences and the profound realization that propelled him back into recovery.
Notable Quote:
Marc Maron [43:36]: "I've had enough. I've had enough. I'm tired. I've had enough. This is it."
Impact on Personal Relationships
The discussion delves into how addiction and sobriety have affected Nick’s relationships, particularly with his ex-wife and his son. They explore the complexities of rebuilding trust and the role of community support in the recovery process.
Notable Quote:
Marc Maron [78:43]: "No experiences horrible happened. I didn't wake up with blood... but I was in bed once for a week."
Nick shares intimate details about his separation and the emotional toll it took, underscoring the importance of personal accountability in overcoming addiction.
Notable Quote:
Nick Thune [51:14]: "I knew that moment at my doctor that that's me, and I need to go. I need to go to rehab."
Religion and Faith
Faith and spirituality emerge as pivotal themes in the conversation. Both discuss their evolving relationship with Christianity, Marc’s struggle with doubt, and how their faith has been a source of strength during their recovery.
Notable Quote:
Marc Maron [60:50]: "And when I got sober, that's when I realized, oh, God, there is a God."
Nick contemplates the role of personal faith versus organized religion, highlighting the daily struggles individuals face in maintaining their spiritual beliefs.
Notable Quote:
Nick Thune [30:27]: "Do you want to fuck with that? What if it diminishes your ability to sort of generate or process or understand in the way you do?"
Touring and Performance
Nick shares insights into his life on tour, discussing the practicalities of his solo travels, the dynamics of performing without a traditional tour setup, and the personal growth that comes from facing the uncertainties of the road.
Notable Quote:
Nick Thune [24:00]: "It's been okay. I don't know what's going to happen tonight... but I'm looking forward to this."
Marc reflects on the adjustments required for his upcoming HBO special, balancing his extensive set with the need to condense material without losing essence.
Notable Quote:
Marc Maron [40:00]: "I'm so happy now. I mean, it's not, you know, not all the time or very little, actually, to be honest, but I am so happy that I got through that."
Addiction and Recovery Insights
Both Marc and Nick delve deeper into the psychological aspects of addiction, discussing coping mechanisms, the importance of community and sponsorship, and the continuous effort required to maintain sobriety.
Notable Quote:
Marc Maron [59:31]: "I had this in my hairline that somebody saw eventually. And...something really bad. "
Nick recounts a harrowing experience of being sexually abused while in a blackout state, illustrating the severe consequences of addiction and the critical need for support systems.
Notable Quote:
Nick Thune [56:00]: "I was drugged by these two people. And I was a grown man, and I was married, and I was living in New York, and it was a full blackout."
Personal Growth and Reflection
Throughout the episode, both comedians reflect on their personal growth, the lessons learned from their struggles, and the importance of vulnerability and honesty in their craft. They discuss the balance between maintaining their comedy careers and addressing their personal demons.
Notable Quote:
Nick Thune [76:05]: "I do a show at Permanent Records and I had like a band out back... it's the most nerve-wracking."
Marc shares his endeavors outside stand-up, including a short film involving John C. Reilly, highlighting his creative expansion and continuous pursuit of new artistic expressions.
Notable Quote:
Marc Maron [81:09]: "It was fun as hell... they made it their mission to keep me sober."
Conclusion
Episode 1628 offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the lives of two comedians navigating the tumultuous waters of addiction and recovery. Marc and Nick’s candid dialogue not only sheds light on their personal battles but also provides listeners with profound insights into the resilience required to overcome life's greatest challenges. The episode underscores the importance of community, faith, and self-awareness in the journey towards healing and personal fulfillment.
Final Thoughts: Nick Thune’s new special "Born Young" is highly recommended for those interested in his latest comedic perspectives and personal narratives. Listeners are encouraged to tune in to his YouTube release and follow his ongoing tour for more of his unique brand of comedy.
Notable Quotes Summary
- Marc Maron [00:07]: "I'm in it. I'm living it. I'm still on the road."
- Nick Thune [05:30]: "I rent a car where I land and then I drive around the region... No tour bus."
- Nick Thune [15:00]: "I lost my mind kind of thing. I did actually, though, make a sober call in a real way..."
- Marc Maron [43:36]: "I've had enough. I'm tired. I've had enough."
- Nick Thune [51:14]: "I knew that moment at my doctor that that's me, and I need to go to rehab."
- Marc Maron [60:50]: "And when I got sober, that's when I realized, oh, God, there is a God."
- Marc Maron [59:31]: "I had this in my hairline that somebody saw eventually. And...something really bad."
- Nick Thune [56:00]: "I was drugged by these two people. And I was a grown man, and I was married..."
- Nick Thune [76:05]: "I do a show at Permanent Records and I had like a band out back... it's the most nerve-wracking."
- Marc Maron [81:09]: "It was fun as hell... they made it their mission to keep me sober."
This episode serves as a powerful testament to the enduring human spirit and the transformative power of self-awareness and community support. Whether you're familiar with Marc and Nick’s work or tuning in for the first time, Episode 1628 is a compelling addition to the WTF with Marc Maron series.