WTF with Marc Maron Podcast - Episode 1653: Megan Stalter

Release Date: June 19, 2025

Guests: Megan Stalter

1. Introduction

In Episode 1653 of the WTF with Marc Maron podcast, host Marc Maron sits down with the multifaceted comedian and actress Megan Stalter. Known for her role as Kyla in Hacks and her leading role in the new Netflix series Too Much, Megan brings her sharp wit and unique comedic perspective to the conversation.

2. Megan Stalter's Career Journey

Marc Maron expresses his admiration for Megan's natural comedic talent:

"Megan Stalter is on the show and she's so fucking funny. I mean, she is so fucking funny."
[02:30]

Megan discusses her transition from sketch and improv comedy to acting, highlighting her experiences in Chicago's vibrant comedy scene:

"I did comedy for seven, eight years in Chicago... I felt like I was, like, a bit too weird."
[55:39]

Her recent work in Hacks and the creation of her own Netflix show, Too Much, showcases her ability to blend character-driven humor with sharp social commentary.

3. Personal Anecdotes and Life Stories

Maron and Stalter delve into personal stories, including Maron's experience dealing with unexpected mail:

"I started to freak out, like, this needs to be somewhere..."
[05:15]

Megan shares her struggles with losing her AirPod case, weaving humor into the frustration:

"Maybe someday I'll show up at someone's house and go, 'Hey, I know this is weird, but do you have my AirPod case?'"
[06:00]

Their candid exchange highlights the relatable and often chaotic aspects of everyday life.

4. Mental Health and Coping Mechanisms

A significant portion of the conversation addresses anxiety and mental health. Megan talks about her personal strategies:

"I've developed a shaky hand. I feel very anxious... I've done acupuncture recently. That's helped."
[64:43]

Marc reflects on his lifelong battle with anxiety, discussing how medication and therapy play roles in his coping mechanisms:

"I've had it all my life... I've started taking a little bit of medicine. I think it's helped."
[65:18]

They both emphasize the importance of finding effective coping strategies, whether through alternative therapies like acupuncture or traditional medication.

5. Tattoos and Personal Expression

The duo explores the significance of tattoos as a form of self-expression. Megan shares insights into her family's tattoo culture:

"My dad has a tattoo shop in Cleveland called the Voodoo Monkey Tattoo... I have tattoos from both of them."
[32:06]

Marc humorously discusses his lack of tattoos and his observations of others':

"Everyone I know has gotten to the point with tattoos... I've only seen a few that I really like."
[32:30]

This segment underscores tattoos as both a personal and cultural statement.

6. Relationships and Family Dynamics

Maron and Stalter discuss family relationships and personal experiences with divorce:

"My parents got a divorce when I was eight... It's so normal now."
[43:08]

Megan reflects on her role as the eldest sibling, balancing responsibility with her own personal growth:

"I'm the oldest... I was in the closet so I wouldn't see them smoke."
[40:16]

Their conversation highlights the complexities of family dynamics and personal identity.

7. Creative Processes and Comedy

Megan delves into her creative process, sharing challenges and breakthroughs in her comedic career:

"I did an improv class at an improv theater and then started doing standup... I felt a little too weird."
[55:09]

Marc offers his perspective on teaching comedy, suggesting that authenticity plays a crucial role:

"You can't teach people to be funny, but you can teach them how to write, right?"
[47:02]

Their exchange emphasizes the balance between structured learning and innate creativity in the comedic arts.

8. Pets and Animal Companions

A heartfelt discussion about their pets illustrates the deep bonds between humans and animals. Megan talks about her experience with her dog on Prozac:

"She was so anxious. She's a shelter dog... The Prozac for her has been amazing."
[74:32]

Marc shares stories about his cat Charlie, highlighting the challenges and joys of animal companionship:

"My cat is like me. Charlie reacted to medicine the way I did... He starts fighting with the other cats when I leave."
[77:05]

Their stories reveal the therapeutic and sometimes humorous aspects of pet ownership.

9. Technology and Social Media

The conversation touches on the impact of technology and social media on personal and professional lives. Megan describes how her Instagram Live sessions during COVID-19 helped build her audience:

"I started posting some videos online... During COVID, I was doing Instagram live every night with a new theme."
[61:17]

Marc reflects on the evolution of audience engagement:

"People develop a parasocial relationship... It's a bit intense for me."
[63:31]

They discuss the benefits and pitfalls of social media as tools for personal branding and audience connection.

10. Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Projects

As the episode wraps up, Megan expresses her excitement for her upcoming series, while Marc shares his reflections on the potential end of his podcast:

"I'm really proud of it... Too Much premieres next month."
[81:03]

Marc contemplates the future of his podcast and its role in promoting his and others' creative endeavors:

"I'm worried that without the podcast, I won't have the same ability to promote your stand-up dates, tours, specials."
[84:00]

Notable Quotes

• Marc Maron [02:30]: "Megan Stalter is on the show and she's so fucking funny."

• Megan Stalter [55:39]: "I did comedy for seven, eight years in Chicago... I felt like I was, like, a bit too weird."

• Megan Stalter [64:43]: "I've developed a shaky hand. I feel very anxious... I've done acupuncture recently. That's helped."

• Marc Maron [65:18]: "I've had it all my life... I've started taking a little bit of medicine. I think it's helped."

• Megan Stalter [32:06]: "My dad has a tattoo shop in Cleveland called the Voodoo Monkey Tattoo... I have tattoos from both of them."

• Marc Maron [32:30]: "Everyone I know has gotten to the point with tattoos... I've only seen a few that I really like."

Conclusion

Episode 1653 offers a deep and engaging conversation between Marc Maron and Megan Stalter, weaving together discussions on comedy, personal struggles, mental health, and the nuances of human-animal relationships. Megan's journey from Ohio to Chicago's comedy scene and her evolving career in acting provide insightful perspectives, while her candidness about anxiety and personal growth resonates with listeners. This episode is a testament to the authentic and revealing conversations that WTF with Marc Maron is renowned for.

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