Marc Maron's "WTF" podcast is ending after almost 16 years

Marc Maron's "WTF" podcast, which has been a significant presence in the podcasting landscape for nearly 16 years, is set to conclude, marking the end of an era in digital audio storytelling. Launched in 2009, "WTF" gained prominence for its intimate and candid interviews with a diverse array of guests, ranging from comedians to actors and musicians. This unique format not only captivated audiences but also contributed to the evolution of podcasting as a medium distinct from traditional radio . Maron's ability to engage deeply with his guests helped foster a sense of authenticity and vulnerability that resonated with listeners.

Marc Maron is ending his influential podcast, WTF With Marc Maron, after nearly 16 years. The comedian and actor announced on a recent episode with John Mulaney that he and his producing partner, Brendan McDonald, are "tired" and "burnt out" but "utterly satisfied" with their work. The final episode will air this fall. Since its debut in September 2009, WTF distinguished itself with its relaxed, in-depth conversations. Maron's nonplussed yet friendly approach regularly elicited candid stories from cultural figures.

If you have a bit of time to kill, there are more than 1,600 WTF episodes out there waiting for you (though the older ones are behind a paywall). The best ones are usually with (male) comedians (Conan O’Brien, Mel Brooks and Norm Macdonald all almost made the list); the worst ones include Courtney Love and Ben Kingsley. But here are five of the best:

When “WTF With Marc Maron” began in September 2009, podcasting had not yet taken off as a popular platform for comedians, celebrities and thinkers. Over the years, Maron’s show evolved into a long-format style that welcomed hundreds of notable names including Carol Burnett, Ariana Grande, David Letterman, Ian McKellen and Demi Moore.

He recorded an episode with Barack Obama in 2015 that was probably the first time a sitting president had recorded an interview in a comedian’s garage. His 2010 episode during which the comedian Robin Williams discussed his insecurities and thoughts of suicide was later inducted into the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress.

The impact of "WTF" extends beyond entertainment; it has played a pivotal role in shaping public discourse around mental health and personal struggles. By openly discussing his own challenges alongside those of his guests, Maron normalized conversations about difficult topics, thereby influencing societal attitudes. As such, the conclusion of "WTF" signifies not only the end of a popular podcast but also represents a shift in how audiences consume narrative content within an ever-evolving media landscape.

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Sara H

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