How Cringe Becomes Art (Lauren Weedman)

About this episode

Lauren Weedman joins Amanda Knox to discuss the art of solo storytelling and the complexities of humor in relation to trauma.

Lauren Weedman is an Emmy-nominated writer, comedian, and actor known her roles in HBO’s Looking, Hung and Hacks. She is also a renowned solo performer whose work is built on fearless honesty and dark humor. In this episode, Lauren gives Amanda a candid masterclass in solo storytelling, from why audiences hesitate to laugh at trauma, to how musical numbers, silence, and even a well timed cartwheel can unlock tension onstage. Along the way, they trade unforgettable moments about prison mugshots, shame, loneliness, and how a mother can balance the intense energy of a theatrical run with the demands of family life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Amanda Knox

Guest: Lauren Weedman

Topics covered

• storytelling
• humor
• trauma
• performance
• family life

Keywords

• Emmy-nominated
• comedian
• solo performance
• dark humor
• theatrical run

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: HBO

More episodes of Hard Knox with Amanda Knox

• Old School: The Canceling of the American Mind (Greg Lukianoff) · June 2, 2026 · 53 min
• Married to the Work · May 26, 2026 · 1h 9m
• How To Be A Woman in Public (Sophie Gilbert) · May 19, 2026 · 1h 1m
• Walkie Talkies · May 12, 2026 · 15 min
• Old School: Monsters (Claire Dederer) · May 5, 2026 · 60 min
• The Myth of Confrontation · April 28, 2026 · 44 min