WTF with Marc Maron Podcast – Episode 1646: Nick Kroll
In Episode 1646 of "WTF with Marc Maron," Marc Maron welcomes comedian and actor Nick Kroll for a deeply engaging and heartfelt conversation. This marks Kroll's sixth solo appearance on the show, where he delves into his career, personal life, and his perspectives on comedy and mental health.
Introduction and Career Highlights
Marc Maron opens the episode by reminiscing about Nick Kroll's numerous appearances on the podcast, highlighting his versatility and enduring presence in the comedy scene. He praises Kroll's innate humor, stating:
“Nick Kroll, naturally, just innately, is really one of the funniest people around.”
[02:15]
Kroll discusses his recent projects, including the final season of the animated series "Big Mouth", now available on Netflix, and his new film "I Don't Understand You", set to premiere on June 6th, 2025. He also teases upcoming animated projects like "Mating Season" and "Adults", which explores the lives of twenty-somethings in New York City.
Personal Life and Reflections
A significant portion of the conversation shifts to personal matters, with Marc sharing the somber news about his father's passing and the arrangements he made for his funeral:
“These are the kind of texts you get after a certain point from my dad's wife... I signed the paperwork and payment today.”
[15:27]
Kroll opens up about the recent loss of his grandmother at nearly 101 years old, recounting their last conversation and the poignant moments surrounding her passing:
“She was incredibly sharp, so fucking smart her whole life... She just died.”
[21:09]
They discuss the emotional impact of losing loved ones and the rituals surrounding death, such as green burials and the symbolism of hawks appearing during times of loss.
Mental Health and Therapeutic Practices
Both Marc and Nick delve into their struggles with mental health, discussing therapy, anxiety, and the use of medications. Kroll shares his experiences with various therapeutic methods, including controlled ketamine trips and ayahuasca ceremonies:
“I now see a multitude of therapists. Really? Yeah, like for... I have a therapist who looks like Franny McDormand.”
[36:48]
Marc talks about his anxiety and his cautious approach to SSRIs, explaining his reluctance to let medication cloud his emotions:
“I went to a psychiatrist to get evaluated, and I said, I'm not comfortable with the SSRIs...”
[39:20]
Comedy Philosophy and Style
The duo explores the nuances of comedy, particularly the balance between personal vulnerability and comedic delivery. Kroll emphasizes the importance of originality and the challenge of pushing comedic boundaries:
“There's something comedically genius in a way that... completely unique and inspired.”
[10:30]
They also reminisce about past comedic collaborations and the evolution of their styles over the years.
Relationships and Friendships
Nick reflects on his long-standing friendship with Marc and their shared history in the comedy world. They touch upon their interactions with mutual acquaintances like John Mulaney and discuss the complexities of maintaining close relationships amidst busy careers:
“We're just like, this is what you know... friends who eventually kind of become family in some weird way.”
[85:14]
Stand-Up and Future Aspirations
Kroll shares his aspirations to return to stand-up more frequently, discussing recent performances in New York and his plans for future tours and specials. Marc encourages him to continue honing his craft, highlighting the importance of live performance in their careers.
Notable Quotes
-
On Comedy Genius:
“There is something comedically genius in a way that no one's ever seen before.”
[05:30] -
On Personal Loss:
“We're about to have a baby, so get the fuck off the planet.”
[18:00] -
On Therapy:
“I now see a multitude of therapists. Really? Yeah, like for... I have a therapist who looks like Franny McDormand.”
[36:48] -
On Friendship:
“We're just like, this is what you know... friends who eventually kind of become family in some weird way.”
[85:14]
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Marc and Nick reflecting on their enduring friendship and the myriad challenges they've faced both personally and professionally. They encourage listeners to engage with Nick's latest projects and to continue supporting each other's creative endeavors.
Nick Kroll's candidness about his personal struggles, combined with his sharp comedic insights, offers listeners a comprehensive look into the life of one of comedy's most relatable and talented figures. Marc Maron's empathetic hosting ensures that the conversation remains both profound and entertaining, making this episode a standout in the series.
Listen to Episode 1646 with Nick Kroll on WTF with Marc Maron