WTF with Marc Maron: Episode 1665 - Awkwafina

Release Date: July 31, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 1665 of the "WTF with Marc Maron" podcast, host Marc Maron sits down with the multifaceted artist Awkwafina. The episode delves deep into their collaborative work on "The Bad Guys 2," Awkwafina's personal and professional journey, and Marc's own reflections on his evolving career and self-perception.

Marc Maron's Personal Reflections

Marc opens the episode by discussing the recent whirlwind of promotional activities surrounding his latest projects:

• Projects Highlighted:
  • The Bad Guys 2 – An animated film by DreamWorks Animation, where Marc voices Mr. Snake alongside talents like Craig Robinson, Sam Rockwell, and Natasha Leone.
  • Panicked – Marc's HBO special set to premiere soon.

Notable Quote:

"People have had fun with it. And I don't even know where half of them are seen."
— Marc Maron [05:30]

Marc shares his exhaustion from the relentless press cycle but acknowledges the joy and satisfaction he finds in his work. He reflects on his growth, moving from anxiety-driven performances to a more grounded and confident self.

Key Points:

• Press Overload: Marc feels limited in making press about animated films interesting.
• Self-Evolution: Transitioning from a state of panic to embracing his abilities and feeling comfortable in his craft.
• Acknowledging Growth: Marc mentions watching old performances and appreciating his own improvement over time.

Notable Quote:

"I am pretty comfortable, very comfortable in my abilities, and I think I'm just sort of realizing that and living in it, and it's kind of good."
— Marc Maron [10:15]

Conversation with Awkwafina

Awkwafina's Background and Upbringing

Awkwafina shares her personal history, providing listeners with an intimate look into her life:

• Early Life: Lost her mother at age four and was raised by her grandmother in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood in Queens.
• Cultural Heritage: Discusses her Korean heritage and the impact of her family's immigrant background on her identity.

Notable Quote:

"She was Korean. She was like an immigrant from Korea. She came for, like, art school."
— Awkwafina [24:31]

Her Mother's Artistic Influence

Awkwafina delves into her mother's legacy as a modern painter:

• Artistic Legacy: Her mother created abstract, emotionally charged paintings that broke traditional boundaries.
• Preservation Efforts: Discusses attempts to exhibit her mother's work and the challenges faced in preserving and showcasing her art.
• Emotional Connection: Shares a poignant moment visiting her mother's hometown in Korea and connecting with her extended family.

Notable Quote:

"My mom really trusted him with, like, keeping the art preserved."
— Awkwafina [28:36]

Career in Comedy and Acting

Awkwafina recounts her journey from aspiring musician to acclaimed comedian and actress:

• Early Career: Started with music videos like "My Vag" and "NYC Bitches," leading to roles in shows like "Girl Code."
• Breakthrough: Thanks to industry connections and mentorship from figures like Annie Letterman, she secured her spot in the entertainment world.
• Acting Journey: Highlights her role in "The Farewell," which garnered her critical acclaim and a Golden Globe win.

Notable Quote:

"It felt really natural to play, like, an Asian American girl that's negotiating between, you know, her family in China and her family in America."
— Awkwafina [59:36]

Collaborative Work on "The Bad Guys 2"

The duo discusses their experience working together on the animated film:

• On Set Dynamics: Awkwafina praises the collaborative environment, the professionalism of the Marvel Universe, and the seamless integration of voice actors.
• Character Insights: Delves into the development of her character, Webs the spider, and the chemistry between the cast members.
• Future Projects: Awkwafina hints at her upcoming work, including a docu-series about her great-grandpa's restaurant.

Notable Quote:

"It feels like it's going to be big. Yeah, dude. I mean, it's already a huge franchise."
— Awkwafina [18:01]

Reflections on Acting and Self-Perception

Both Marc and Awkwafina explore the challenges of acting, self-criticism, and personal growth:

• Self-Critique: Marc shares his tendency to harshly judge his past performances, while Awkwafina discusses learning to objectively assess her work without falling into self-hatred.
• Growth and Confidence: Marc talks about finding joy in moments of creative success and embracing his vulnerabilities.
• Emotional Depth: They discuss maintaining emotional authenticity in performances without letting personal anxieties overshadow their craft.

Notable Quotes:

"I think what's at the front of my mind... you've seen the evolution of me kind of landing in myself in a new way."
— Marc Maron [14:20]

"I can watch it, have an objective opinion. It always leads to more self hatred, but..."
— Awkwafina [71:42]

Conclusion

Episode 1665 of "WTF with Marc Maron" offers a profound exploration of personal and professional growth, the complexities of family legacy, and the intricacies of navigating the entertainment industry. Through candid conversations and shared experiences, Marc and Awkwafina provide listeners with a rich, engaging narrative that highlights their resilience, creativity, and evolving self-awareness.

Notable Quotes Recap

• Marc Maron [05:30]:
  "People have had fun with it. And I don't even know where half of them are seen."

• Marc Maron [10:15]:
  "I am pretty comfortable, very comfortable in my abilities, and I think I'm just sort of realizing that and living in it, and it's kind of good."

• Awkwafina [24:31]:
  "She was Korean. She was like an immigrant from Korea. She came for, like, art school."

• Awkwafina [28:36]:
  "My mom really trusted him with, like, keeping the art preserved."

• Awkwafina [59:36]:
  "It felt really natural to play, like, an Asian American girl that's negotiating between, you know, her family in China and her family in America."

• Awkwafina [18:01]:
  "It feels like it's going to be big. Yeah, dude. I mean, it's already a huge franchise."

• Marc Maron [14:20]:
  "I think what's at the front of my mind... you've seen the evolution of me kind of landing in myself in a new way."

• Awkwafina [71:42]:
  "I can watch it, have an objective opinion. It always leads to more self hatred, but..."

This summary encapsulates the essence of Episode 1665, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened while highlighting the profound insights and engaging discussions between Marc Maron and Awkwafina.