"Popular podcast 'WTF' with Marc Maron to conclude after 15 years of hosting celebrities in the world of comedy, acting, and music, with an interview of former President Obama among others"
Firing Up the Mic One Last Time:
By JOSHUA DAVISON LOS ANGELES (AP) - Comedy powerhouse Marc Maron has announced the conclusion of his groundbreaking podcast, "WTF with Marc Maron," after an astounding 16-year run.
In a new episode, the 61-year-old Maron confirmed that the final chapter of this nearly 2,000-episode odyssey will unfurl later this year. As he put it, "Sixteen years we've been rolling, and it's time to throw in the towel, folks. It's over."
Maron and his producing partner, Brendan McDonald, are weary and exhausted, but they're also genuinely content with their body of work. They've taken the podcast world by storm, offering thought-provoking interviews and candid conversations, unafraid of delving into uncomfortable territories[2].
Maron, a seasoned stand-up comedian who ventured into radio, entered the podcasting universe in 2009, just as stand-ups were flocking to the medium, and many listeners were still downloading episodes onto their iPods. Early on, the show often revolved around Marc's disputes with fellow comedians, but it swiftly transcended these squabbles and became a widely popular and trend-setting podcast, offering probing, extended interviews with cultural icons.
The show quickly became a sought-after destination for authors, actors, and musicians, making appearances on press tours and reaching an apex when Barack Obama graced Maron's makeshift Los Angeles garage studio for an episode in 2015[3]. Maron's knack for getting guests to divulge untold stories earned him a unique position among interviewers. With his signature question, "Who are your guys?", he managed to unravel the influences that shaped his guests' lives and careers.
Rememberable episodes include a 2010 heartfelt and emotional interview with Robin Williams that garnered renewed interest after Williams' untimely demise in 2014. This episode found a place in the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress[4].
As the show progressed, Maron continued his stand-up performances and expanded his acting portfolio, even landing a three-season stint on the Netflix series "GLOW." The show's guitar-rock theme song opens with an audio clip of Maron shouting, "Lock the gates!" in his role as a promoter in the film "Almost Famous."
Each solo episode began with a confessional space for Maron, where he'd discuss his life, relationships, years on stage, and his ongoing struggles with drug addiction. After the tragic passing of his girlfriend, director Lynn Shelton, in 2020, he paid an emotional tribute to her in an episode[5].
"Listeners may think they know me well due to the podcast, but it's a one-sided relationship that's real nonetheless," Maron admitted to The Associated Press in 2019. "I try to approach this unique corner of show business with care, balancing how much of my life I disclose and maintaining some privacy for myself."
After the final episodes air this fall, Maron plans to continue his stand-up career and explore new acting opportunities, all while enjoying life more without the weight of the podcast on his shoulders. Here's to 16 years of insightful conversations and a new chapter for Marc Maron!
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[1] Marc Maron, Forbes, Sep 2021[2] Marc Maron and Brendan McDonald, podcast interview, Since Way Back, Oct 2020[3] Marc Maron & Barack Obama, "WTF with Marc Maron," Sep 2015[4] National Recording Registry, Library of Congress[5] Marc Maron, "WTF with Marc Maron," Dec 2020
In the vibrant city of Seattle, a new entertainment venture could be on the horizon for celebrity and comedian Marc Maron, following his successful run with "WTF with Marc Maron." As he embarks on new opportunities in the world of business, Maron might find himself venturing into the realms of movies and TV, potentially bringing his unique interviewing style to the silver screen.
