Digest

Mark Maron shares a humorous anecdote about a recent comedy show in Denver where a large bachelorette party disrupted the performance. He describes how he addressed the situation directly, telling the party to settle down, and how the security staff eventually had to remove one of the party members. The story leads to a discussion about the strange phenomenon of bachelorette parties attending comedy shows, with Maron expressing confusion about why they choose to do so. He also shares a story about comedian Nick DePolo making a bachelorette cry at a show, highlighting the potential for awkward interactions between comedians and bachelorette parties. Maron suggests that there should be a certification system on comedy show websites to indicate whether or not a show is appropriate for bachelorette parties. He also reflects on the challenges of dealing with audience members who try to engage in conversations with him during his sets, particularly those who feel a sense of parasocial connection. Maron emphasizes the importance of maintaining a professional distance from the audience and setting boundaries to ensure a smooth and enjoyable performance. The conversation concludes with a reminder about Mark Maron's podcast, WTF with Marc Maron, and a brief advertisement for the full-Marron subscription service.

Outlines

00:00:00

Travels and Fear of Flying

This Chapter begins with Mark Maron discussing his recent travels, which included a flight to Seattle for a show and then a subsequent flight to Penticton, a resort town in Canada. He expresses his ongoing fear of flying, particularly on prop planes, and describes the anxiety he experiences during these flights.

00:04:21

Making Amends and Closure

This Chapter focuses on Mark Maron's recent experience making amends for a childhood incident involving a red windbreaker and a dog's diarrhea. He shares the story of the incident and explains that he felt a sense of closure after apologizing for his actions on stage in Seattle.

00:15:31

Shitting Outdoors and the Downside of Nicotine

This Chapter delves into a humorous conversation about Mark Maron's recent experience defecating outdoors while hiking. He discusses the challenges of preparing for such an event and the awkwardness of revealing it to a friend. The conversation then transitions to a discussion about nicotine and the downsides of various forms, including gum and vaping.

00:25:07

Milwaukee, Drugs, and Comedy

This Chapter focuses on Mark Maron's upbringing in Milwaukee and his early experiences with drugs and comedy. He talks about his early days with marijuana, drinking, and eventually experimenting with psychedelics. He shares a humorous anecdote about a bad acid trip he had at a Tibetan Freedom concert.

00:35:29

Comedy Sports and Early Influences

This Chapter focuses on Mark Maron's early experiences with comedy, specifically his involvement with Comedy Sports in Milwaukee. He discusses how he found his passion for comedy through improv and the influence of Robin Williams and Dan Harmon, both of whom he saw perform in Milwaukee.

00:41:50

From High School to Emerson

This Chapter follows Mark Maron's journey from high school to Emerson College. He discusses how he got involved in theater and the role of a theater director who encouraged him to pursue acting. He shares a humorous anecdote about his audition for Emerson and his experience with a theater program at a school in North Carolina.

00:47:03

Weather Class and Standup

This Chapter concludes Mark Maron's discussion about his time at Emerson College. He talks about his experience taking a class called "Weather" and how it helped him get a math waiver. He also discusses taking a standup class and his early experiences with standup comedy.

00:47:15

Stand-Up Classes and Open Mics

This Chapter focuses on Mark Maron's experiences with stand-up comedy classes and open mics. He discusses the benefits of taking a stand-up class, particularly the opportunity to get on stage and perform in front of an audience. He also shares a humorous anecdote about a gatekeeper in Boston who would constantly change the order of the open mic list, creating a sense of chaos and uncertainty for the performers.

00:50:22

Emerson College and Sketch Groups

This Chapter delves into Mark Maron's time at Emerson College, where he focused on acting and sketch writing. He discusses the various sketch groups he was part of, including "Swollen Monkeys," and shares a humorous story about the origins of the group's name. He also talks about his brief attempt to start his own sketch group, but ultimately realized he wasn't cut out for leadership.

00:57:26

Moving to Los Angeles and Early Success

This Chapter follows Mark Maron's move to Los Angeles and his early experiences with stand-up and acting in the city. He shares his struggles with booking gigs and the challenges of navigating the world of agents and managers. Maron also discusses his experiences with writing for television shows, including "Arrested Development," "You're the Worst," and "I'm Sorry." He reflects on the importance of finding a niche in the comedy world and the value of cultivating a loyal audience.

01:24:34

Bachelorette Parties and Comedy Shows

This Chapter focuses on Mark Maron's experiences with bachelorette parties at comedy shows. He shares a humorous anecdote about a recent show in Denver where a large bachelorette party disrupted the performance, leading to the ejection of one of the party members. The conversation explores the strange phenomenon of bachelorette parties attending comedy shows and the potential for awkward interactions between comedians and these groups. Maron suggests that a certification system on comedy show websites could help address this issue.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are some of the challenges Mark Maron faces when flying on prop planes?

  Mark Maron experiences a heightened level of anxiety when flying on prop planes, particularly due to the feeling of being closer to the ground and the potential for mechanical issues. He describes the anxiety as a combination of fear and paralysis, often accompanied by sweating.

• What childhood incident did Mark Maron apologize for on stage in Seattle?

  Mark Maron apologized for an incident where he and his family used a red windbreaker belonging to a friend, Josh, to clean up dog diarrhea in their car. He explained that they threw the jacket away and later lied to Josh's mother about its whereabouts.

• How did Mark Maron's experiences with drugs and comedy in Milwaukee shape his career?

  Mark Maron's early experiences with drugs, particularly psychedelics, influenced his perspective on life and his comedic style. His involvement with improv at Comedy Sports in Milwaukee provided him with a foundation in comedic performance and exposed him to the world of professional comedy.

• What are some of the key influences on Mark Maron's comedic career?

  Mark Maron cites Robin Williams and Dan Harmon as significant influences on his comedic career. He was particularly impressed by their improvisational skills and their ability to connect with audiences.

• What was Mark Maron's experience like at Emerson College?

  Mark Maron's time at Emerson College was marked by a mix of academic challenges and a strong focus on performing arts. He describes taking a class called "Weather" as a way to free up time for other activities and shares a humorous anecdote about his audition for the school.

• What is Mark Maron's perspective on the role of drugs in his life?

  Mark Maron acknowledges that he has experimented with drugs throughout his life, but he also recognizes the potential downsides and the importance of moderation. He reflects on his experiences with marijuana, drinking, and psychedelics, and how they have shaped his perspective on life and comedy.

• How did Mark Maron's upbringing in Milwaukee influence his comedic style?

  Mark Maron's upbringing in Milwaukee, a city with a strong working-class heritage, influenced his comedic style. He often draws on his experiences growing up in the suburbs and his observations of the city's unique culture.

• What is Mark Maron's perspective on the importance of improv in comedy?

  Mark Maron believes that improv is a valuable tool for comedians, as it helps them develop their comedic timing, spontaneity, and ability to connect with audiences. He credits his early experiences with improv at Comedy Sports in Milwaukee for shaping his comedic style.

• What is Mark Maron's perspective on the role of drugs in his life?

  Mark Maron acknowledges that he has experimented with drugs throughout his life, but he also recognizes the potential downsides and the importance of moderation. He reflects on his experiences with marijuana, drinking, and psychedelics, and how they have shaped his perspective on life and comedy.

• Why does Mark Maron think bachelorette parties attend comedy shows?

  Mark Maron expresses confusion about why bachelorette parties attend comedy shows, suggesting that they may not be aware of the nature of the event or the comedian's style. He also notes that some bachelorette parties may be disruptive and disrespectful to the comedian and other audience members.

Show Notes