Margaret Cho Gets Real on Addiction, Sobriety & the Dark Side of Comedy

On this episode of We’re Out Of Time, Richard Taite sits down with legendary comedian, actor, and activist Margaret Cho for a raw and unfiltered conversation about addiction, relapse, and survival.

Margaret opens up about her decades-long journey with substance abuse, including relapsing after seven years of sobriety and the dangerous mindset that can come with addiction. She speaks candidly about the realities of drug use, the dark humor that often surrounds it, and why so many comedians struggle with substance abuse behind the scenes.

The two also explore the connection between comedy and neurodivergence, the loneliness of life on the road, and how the industry can unintentionally fuel addictive behaviors. Margaret shares her perspective on modern culture, navigating outrage in comedy, and how she continues to push boundaries while staying authentic to herself.

They also dive into emerging conversations around GLP-1 medications and their potential role in impulse control, as well as Margaret’s personal experience using them to manage binge eating disorder.

In the end, Margaret reflects on what she’s most proud of today—and it’s not the fame or success. It’s the fact that she’s still here. Margaret Cho’s story is a powerful reminder that survival itself can be the greatest accomplishment.