Mark Maron Announces End of Podcast
LOS ANGELES (AP) – Mark Maron, the comedian and actor, announced on Monday that he is wrapping up his long-running podcast, WTF with Marc Maron, after nearly 16 years.
In a recent episode, Maron revealed that the final episodes of the almost 2,000 he has hosted will be available later this year.
“We’ve been doing this for 16 years and we really feel it’s time to finish,” Maron stated. “So, ‘WTF’ is coming to a close. We’ve made this decision together. There will be a final episode later in the fall.”
At 61, Maron expressed that both he and his producer, Brendan McDonald, were “tired” and “burned out,” yet they feel satisfied with what they’ve accomplished.
Starting in 2009, Maron, a seasoned stand-up comic, initially dabbled in radio before launching the podcast.
In its early days, Maron often discussed his conflicts with fellow comedians but quickly evolved into a show known for in-depth interviews with cultural figures, carving a significant place in media.
It became a vital stop for various actors, writers, and musicians, peaking when then-President Barack Obama visited Maron’s makeshift studio in Los Angeles for a 2015 episode.
Maron has a knack for a conversational interview style, encouraging guests to share personal stories they might not share elsewhere, often asking them, “Who is your man?” to dive deeper into their influences.
Among the standout episodes is a heartfelt 2010 interview with Robin Williams, which gained renewed attention following Williams’ passing in 2014. That conversation is now included in the Library of Congress National Records Register.
While hosting the podcast, Maron also continued with stand-up specials and acted in three seasons of the Netflix series “Glow,” broadening his career in acting.
The podcast’s guitar rock theme began with a memorable line from Maron’s role in the film “Almost Famous,” shouting, “Rock the Gates!”
His solo episodes often served as a space for personal reflection, where he shared details about his life, relationships, and his ongoing struggle with addiction.
Following the passing of his girlfriend, director Lynn Shelton, in 2020, Maron paid a moving tribute to her during an episode.
“Listeners of the podcast know me pretty well, and it’s all genuine. They have a connection with me, and I strive to be as sincere as I can,” Maron shared with The Associated Press in 2019.
