Looking forward to the Louis CK. I found his tribute to Greg Giraldo very touching.
Louis CK himself is really fantastic. Totally authentic, and a guy that appears to be fully in charge of his craft, top to bottom. He had a moment, and it was a perfect little story, and it choked me up.
What was not fantastic was Maron's insistence on inserting his jealousy, resentment, and pettiness into every f'n interview. He's pulling the "I am copping to this, therefore it's okay to just go with it" card, and it's really revolting. I find it extra stooooopid in light of Louis CK's honesty, even his honesty about his 'failures' in his career.
I saw Louis CK last week. 2nd show at the Chicago Theater (holds, what, 3500 people--both were sold out), and his new stuff is really great. Mining similar territory, but really fluid, honest stuff. I just don't find this honest in Maron's comedy--he also seems to disdain or question comedians who work a lot, or rather have a work ethic. Absolutely delusional dude, though and through.
I'm not trying to change your mind about Maron or argue with you (or even disagree, really), but to say that an interview is great while trying to give absolute zero credit to the interviewer is a bit unfair. Whether or not you like Maron's public character or his work, he deserves a bunch of credit for that interview. I've heard lots of interviews with Louis CK, and he's always candid and honest, but the WTF interview with something else entirely. I don't know if anyone else could've gotten that interview out of him.
No, no argument from me at all, and an admission of unfairness on my part. I really do see this as Maron's m.o.: He's been lucky (or tenacious) to have a built a nearly 30-year career with very little main-stream or even critical success/praise, and this in turn has given him access to a lot of comedians--hence the workshop nature of the show at times. No one but a friend could have pulled that out of Louis CK, just as no one but Maron could have gotten Mencia to have had such a public meltdown (again, Maron's m.o.--he garners trust, gets you to open up, and he's a respected lifer, so he must be alright, right?).
I'm saying he obliterates any semblance of good will, sentimentality, or endearment when he acts like a petulant child. He's seemingly unhappy with what he clearly views as his 'consolation' prize of a very well liked (I never miss an interview of his--never), well-respected, and popular podcast. Jesse Thorne seems quite pleased with himself on this front, and kudos to him.
If Maron had a fraction of Thorne's non-invasive attitude during his interviews, he'd literally be the best in the game. Literally.
Instead we get a turd sandwich. With Louis CK's interview we get a guy pouring his heart out, simply to be asked if people are 'really like this?', and made to defend his success.
I'm not even mentioning the broken drum that is his neuroses, basically creepy view of women, or his "shocking" take on race--those things are too obvious to even dissect.
In spite of this invective, if he charged for this podcast, I would pay for it, as it gets a reaction from me every single time. I actively look forward to each episode.
Same way I look forward to eating a jalapeno pepper every morning, right after my cold shower--that way I know the worst part of the day is over.
But, your point about fairness is exactly right on. This guys sorta brings out the mean in me.
YET I CAN'T QUIT HIM....