WTF with Marc Maron: Episode 1643 - Carol Leifer

Release Date: May 15, 2025
Guest: Carol Leifer, Emmy-Winning Writer, Stand-Up Comedian, Author

Introduction and Early Connections (16:20 - 18:04)

Marc Maron reconnects with Carol Leifer, a seasoned stand-up comedian and writer renowned for her work with iconic shows like Seinfeld and Hacks. They reminisce about their early days in the comedy scene:

• Marc Maron [16:31]: "I used to see her when I was a door guy at the Comedy Store when I was 22."
• Carol Leifer [17:56]: "Mother's Day. We're gonna be at Flappers and Burbank."

Evolution of Jewish Influence in Comedy (17:21 - 23:18)

The conversation delves into the significant impact of Jewish comedians on American comedy and the noticeable shift away from this influence in recent times.

• Marc Maron [17:33]: "There's a lot of nostalgia for the Jewish influence in comedy, but it's fading."
• Carol Leifer [22:08]: "It's crazy, right? It is crazy. Absolutely."

They discuss how antidepressants might have played a role in diminishing the traditional Jewish comedic voice, referencing legendary figures like Richard Lewis and recent talents like Robbie Hoffman from Hacks.

• Marc Maron [22:58]: "I miss the authentic Jewish comedic style that once dominated the scene."

Carol's Writing Journey and SNL Experience (19:38 - 21:56)

Carol shares her journey into writing for Saturday Night Live (SNL), highlighting the challenges and experiences she faced:

• Carol Leifer [20:03]: "My meeting with Lorne Michaels was my 32nd meeting to get a writing job on SNL."
• Marc Maron [21:50]: "It's such a great crew with writers like Smigel and Don Novello."

She recounts how after a tumultuous season, many writers and cast members were let go, marking a significant turning point in her career.

Navigating the Aging Comedy Landscape (22:16 - 31:30)

Both Marc and Carol reflect on aging in the comedy industry, the loss of peers, and the changing dynamics post-COVID.

• Marc Maron [22:07]: "I'm just starting to feel like, holy shit. What happened?"
• Carol Leifer [30:04]: "People are losing peers, and it's a challenging transition."

Carol emphasizes the importance of adapting to new formats and staying relevant, especially as the industry evolves.

Public Speaking and Carol's New Book (30:09 - 37:50)

The discussion shifts to Carol's latest work, How to Write a Funny Speech, co-authored with Rick Mitchell. They explore the nuances of public speaking, especially in sensitive occasions like weddings and memorials.

• Carol Leifer [25:04]: "People are afraid to be funny at celebrations."
• Marc Maron [30:53]: "Having seven drinks before speaking can lead to discomfort."

Carol provides insights into crafting humor for various events, offering templates and joke ideas to assist speakers in delivering memorable and heartfelt speeches.

Stand-Up Comedy Dynamics and Network Writing (37:02 - 54:10)

Marc and Carol delve into the mechanics of stand-up comedy, sharing personal experiences and strategies to handle challenging sets and maintain audience engagement.

• Marc Maron [38:14]: "Sometimes I follow Whitney Cummings or Eliza Schlesinger and just take it down a notch."
• Carol Leifer [42:07]: "Larry David's feedback was straightforward - 'No, I could see that on another show.'"

They discuss the importance of continual material development and the rigorous demands of network writing, especially within multicam sitcoms.

Collaborations and Industry Insights (54:15 - 65:52)

Carol highlights her ongoing projects, including writing a comedy pilot for Valerie Bertinelli with CBS Studios. They discuss the challenges of pitching shows in the current media landscape and the significance of bringing authentic, seasoned talent to new projects.

• Carol Leifer [65:16]: "It's an older romantic comedy about people in their 50s, something unique in today's market."
• Marc Maron [67:36]: "Valerie Bertinelli's involvement adds immense credibility to the pitch."

They also touch upon the enduring appeal of traditional sitcom formats and the strategic steps required to bring such projects to fruition.

Personal Lives and Reflections (62:04 - 72:36)

The episode concludes with personal updates, where Carol shares insights into her family, particularly her son's interests in sports and social media, contrasting it with Marc's approach to digital platforms.

• Carol Leifer [61:58]: "My son is 18. He's a senior in high school."
• Marc Maron [64:10]: "I have someone doing my TikTok, but I never go on it."

They reflect on balancing personal life with professional commitments, emphasizing the fleeting nature of time and the importance of staying connected with one's passions.

Closing Remarks

Marc wraps up the episode by highlighting Carol's new book and her contributions to the comedy and writing world, expressing his appreciation for her insights and experiences.

• Marc Maron [72:38]: "I hope you do well with the book and the comedy and everything."
• Carol Leifer [72:43]: "Thanks."

Notable Quotes:

• Marc Maron [16:31]: "I used to see her when I was a door guy at the Comedy Store when I was 22."
• Carol Leifer [20:03]: "My meeting with Lorne Michaels was my 32nd meeting to get a writing job on SNL."
• Carol Leifer [25:04]: "People are afraid to be funny at celebrations."
• Marc Maron [38:14]: "Sometimes I follow Whitney Cummings or Eliza Schlesinger and just take it down a notch."
• Carol Leifer [65:16]: "It's an older romantic comedy about people in their 50s, something unique in today's market."

Episode Highlights:

• Early Careers: Both Marc and Carol share their beginnings in the comedy scene, highlighting the camaraderie and challenges faced.

• Jewish Influence: A deep dive into the historical impact of Jewish comedians on American humor and the current shift away from this tradition.

• Writing for SNL: Carol provides an insider's perspective on writing for one of the most influential comedy shows, including interactions with Lorne Michaels and fellow writers.

• Public Speaking Tips: Insights from Carol's new book on crafting humorous speeches for various occasions, emphasizing structure and emotional balance.

• Stand-Up Strategies: Techniques to handle tough sets, maintain audience connection, and the importance of constant material evolution.

• Industry Trends: Discussion on the viability of multicam sitcoms in today's digital age and the process of pitching new comedy projects to major studios.

• Personal Reflections: Balancing family life with a demanding career, and the generational shifts in interests and digital engagement.

Conclusion:

Episode 1643 offers a rich tapestry of experiences and insights from Carol Leifer, intertwining her extensive career in comedy and writing with personal anecdotes and professional advice. Marc Maron's engaging interview style brings forth candid conversations about the evolution of comedy, the challenges of public speaking, and the intricacies of the entertainment industry, providing listeners with both inspiration and practical knowledge.