WTF with Marc Maron Podcast: Episode 1662 - Sarah Sherman
Release Date: July 21, 2025
Host: Marc Maron
Guest: Sarah Sherman (Sarah Squirm)
Introduction
In Episode 1662 of WTF with Marc Maron, host Marc Maron engages in a candid and revealing conversation with comedian Sarah Sherman, best known for her work on Saturday Night Live under the moniker Sarah Squirm. The episode delves deep into Sarah's personal struggles, her unique comedic style, and her journey through the challenging terrains of stand-up and performance art.
Personal Challenges and Anxiety
The episode begins with Marc addressing his recent struggles, including anxiety exacerbated by a stressful trip to New Mexico and a distressing incident involving his cats. This personal backdrop sets the stage for a heartfelt discussion on mental health, a topic that Sarah Sherman is intimately familiar with.
Notable Quote:
Marc Maron [10:30]: "My brain just sees them all the way through and settles on an entire arc. And whether it's bad or good, that's the illusion of control."
Sarah empathizes with Marc's experiences, sharing her own battles with anxiety and the coping mechanisms she's developed over the years.
Journey into Comedy and Performance Art
Sarah Sherman recounts her early aspirations to become a comedian, starting with open mic nights at the tender age of 16. Her initial forays into stand-up comedy were marked by self-deprecation and a desire to entertain, even if it meant bombing on stage.
Notable Quote:
Sarah Sherman [49:04]: "My entire life was like diarrhea blowout. Like, emergency level. Like, never. Like, oh, I have to shit."
Her unique blend of comedy and performance art led her to explore more avant-garde and experimental forms, pushing the boundaries of traditional stand-up by incorporating multimedia elements and grotesque humor.
Chicago DIY Scene and Influences
Moving to Chicago for college proved to be a pivotal moment in Sarah's career. Immersed in the city's vibrant DIY and noise scene, she interacted with influential figures like Eric Andre, whose unconventional approach to comedy had a profound impact on her.
Notable Quote:
Sarah Sherman [73:39]: "Eric Andre was like, why are you saying you're about. You're not bombing. You rock."
Through collaborations and open-minded exploration, Sarah began to merge her comedic instincts with performance art, leading to the creation of her distinctive persona, Sarah Squirm.
Transition to Saturday Night Live
Sarah's relentless pursuit of comedic excellence eventually landed her a spot on Saturday Night Live. Transitioning from the raw and unfiltered Chicago scene to the polished environment of SNL presented its own set of challenges and learning experiences.
Notable Quote:
Sarah Sherman [89:52]: "I did that at SNL as the final thing. And then I walked out, and Lauren was right there and he said, oh, thank you for coming. And I said, I'm sorry about all the cocks. I didn't know what else to say."
Her tenure at SNL was described as a "real comedy boot camp," where the necessity for timely jokes and adaptability was paramount. Sarah credits SNL with refining her craft and providing her with invaluable opportunities to experiment within a structured format.
Character Development: Sarah Squirm
The culmination of Sarah's experiences and influences led to the birth of Sarah Squirm—a persona that embodies her love for the grotesque, the absurd, and the humorous. Sarah discusses the evolution of this character, highlighting the balance between being outrageous and maintaining comedic integrity.
Notable Quote:
Sarah Sherman [67:58]: "I just try to be less pathetic. I'm trying to make people laugh."
Sarah emphasizes that while her character pushes boundaries, it remains rooted in a genuine desire to entertain and connect with her audience.
Collaborations and Mentorship
Throughout the conversation, Sarah acknowledges the importance of collaborations and mentorship in her career. From Eric Andre's mentorship to interactions with other comedians like Dan DeCenzo and Jeff Arcuri, these relationships have been instrumental in her growth and success.
Notable Quote:
Sarah Sherman [84:29]: "You have to learn just so you don't humiliate yourself."
These alliances provided Sarah with the confidence to experiment and the feedback necessary to hone her unique comedic voice.
Reflections and Insights
As the episode draws to a close, both Marc and Sarah reflect on the transformative power of comedy and the importance of embracing one's unique style. Sarah shares anecdotes that underscore the unpredictability of live performances and the resilience required to thrive in the entertainment industry.
Notable Quote:
Sarah Sherman [86:15]: "You can't overthink it until later."
Her journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring comedians and performers, highlighting the significance of authenticity, perseverance, and the willingness to evolve.
Conclusion
Episode 1662 of WTF with Marc Maron offers an intimate glimpse into Sarah Sherman's life and career. From battling anxiety and navigating the complexities of performance art to achieving success on one of television's biggest stages, Sarah's story is a testament to the enduring spirit of creativity and the relentless pursuit of one's passion. Her insights provide valuable lessons on embracing individuality, the importance of community, and the transformative nature of humor.
For listeners seeking deeper insights and additional content, consider subscribing to WTF+ for full show archives and exclusive bonus material.
Notable Quotes Recap:
-
Marc Maron [10:30]: "My brain just sees them all the way through and settles on an entire arc. And whether it's bad or good, that's the illusion of control."
-
Sarah Sherman [49:04]: "My entire life was like diarrhea blowout. Like, emergency level. Like, never. Like, oh, I have to shit."
-
Sarah Sherman [73:39]: "Eric Andre was like, why are you saying you're about. You're not bombing. You rock."
-
Sarah Sherman [89:52]: "I did that at SNL as the final thing. And then I walked out, and Lauren was right there and he said, oh, thank you for coming. And I said, I'm sorry about all the cocks. I didn't know what else to say."
-
Sarah Sherman [67:58]: "I just try to be less pathetic. I'm trying to make people laugh."
-
Sarah Sherman [84:29]: "You have to learn just so you don't humiliate yourself."
-
Sarah Sherman [86:15]: "You can't overthink it until later."