WTF with Marc Maron Podcast Episode 1636: Liza Treyger Release Date: April 21, 2025

In Episode 1636 of the WTF with Marc Maron podcast, Marc sits down with comedian Liza Treyger for an in-depth and revealing conversation. The episode delves into Liza's personal history, her journey in comedy, challenges with mental health, and experiences navigating the entertainment industry. Here's a detailed summary of their discussion:

1. Early Life and Family Background

Liza Treyger begins by sharing her early life experiences, moving from the former Soviet Union (present-day Ukraine) to the United States at the age of three. Growing up in Skokie, Illinois, she recounts facing anti-Semitism and the presence of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) in the community.

[18:35] Liza Treyger: "They hated. Both of them. Hated us."

Skokie, known for having one of the largest Jewish populations outside of Israel post-World War II, was a place where Liza and her family had to navigate cultural tensions and prejudice.

2. Family Dynamics and Sibling Relationships

Liza discusses her relationships with her parents and her sister. Her father, an immigrant from the Soviet Union, worked as a school bus driver, while her mother served as an accountant. Her sister, ten years older, married young and faced her own life challenges.

[22:03] Liza Treyger: "She had to be mature real fast when we moved here. So she had a lot of responsibility and we were also poorer."

3. Educational Journey and Early Career Struggles

Liza attended North Park University, where she pursued a degree in Sociology. During her college years, she balanced academics with burgeoning interests in comedy and performing arts. Her initial foray into stand-up comedy was rocky; after bombing her first open mic, she persevered and eventually found her comedic voice.

[62:16] Liza Treyger: "I went out bombed. Like, couldn't even finish the time I turned red, I was like shaking. And then I came back the next week. No, I was just sitting there to watch. I didn't even know what stand up was like in my head."

4. Personal Challenges and Mental Health

Liza is candid about her struggles with mental health, particularly obsessional anxiety and patterns of toxic relationships. She reflects on how these challenges have impacted her friendships and professional life, leading her to seek therapy and work on personal growth.

[40:31] Liza Treyger: "I think somebody does. I don't even know anymore time limits of it all."

[42:28] Marc Maron: "You were hanging out with toxic people?"

[42:32] Liza Treyger: "We were toxic together."

5. Navigating the Comedy Scene

Liza details her journey through the competitive world of comedy, from open mics in Chicago to larger stages in New York and Los Angeles. She shares anecdotes about performing at venues like The Cellar and her interactions with established comedians, which have both shaped her career and tested her resilience.

[57:17] Liza Treyger: "I did good at JFL. So it was like, right as I got new faces, I moved to New York."

Her first stand-up special, "Night Owl," is a testament to her growth and determination in the field.

6. Experiences with Online Harassment and Gender Bias

As a female comedian, Liza has faced her share of online negativity and harassment. She discusses the disparities in how male and female comedians are treated in comment sections and the emotional toll it takes.

[29:20] Liza Treyger: "I was like, what could I have done? Like, I was just like, damn. So like, human pit stain. Geez."

Marc echoes these sentiments, highlighting the broader issue of online toxicity, especially towards women.

[29:57] Liza Treyger: "What pisses me off is like, fine, then say it to me. Say it."

7. Relationships and Interactions within the Entertainment Industry

Liza shares her interactions with various personalities in the entertainment world, including moments with John Waters and Jessica Lange. These experiences underscore the humbling and often surreal nature of celebrity encounters.

[86:24] Liza Treyger: "I remember that was a moment. I got a lot of messages from people."

Marc recounts a personal encounter with Greg from White Lotus, illustrating the fleeting and sometimes superficial nature of such meetings.

[49:53] Marc Maron: "And then he walked away. And I... I had to fight the idea. Like, let it go, dude."

8. Family Updates and Personal Reflections

Towards the end of the episode, Liza provides updates on her family, including her aging parents and her sister's current life stage. These reflections offer a deeper understanding of the personal pressures and motivations that drive her comedic endeavors.

[83:00] Liza Treyger: "So. But I was just in Los Angeles for the pandemic. I booked a pilot and after I filmed the pilot, it didn't go."

9. Current Projects and Future Endeavors

Liza discusses her ongoing projects, including her podcast "That's Messed Up," which delves into true crime episodes of Law & Order: SVU, and her aspirations for future comedy specials and collaborations.

[75:47] Liza Treyger: "We do a deep dive in the true crime it's based on, and then we interview an actor from the episode."

10. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with Marc promoting Liza's Netflix special "Night Owl" and her series "Survival of the Thickest." Both projects showcase Liza's unique comedic voice and her ability to blend personal anecdotes with sharp societal observations.

Marc Maron: "You can watch both seasons of Survival of the Thickest and her comedy special Night Owl on Netflix."

Notable Quotes

• Liza Treyger at [21:14]: "I have William's 'Red Wheelbarrow' because it's succinct."
• Liza Treyger at [31:05]: "I have to stop having these intense friendships and fights and fallouts."
• Liza Treyger at [38:48]: "I would blow dry my hair in the morning... play songs that would be like, she's a bitch."

Final Thoughts

Marc Maron and Liza Treyger engage in a heartfelt and honest conversation that traverses the complexities of growing up as an immigrant in America, the challenges of breaking into the comedy industry, and the personal battles one faces while striving for success. Liza's resilience and candidness provide listeners with an intimate glimpse into the life of a comedian navigating fame, mental health, and personal growth.

For those interested in exploring Liza Treyger's work further, her Netflix special "Night Owl" and series "Survival of the Thickest" are highly recommended.