LOS ANGELES — Comic and actor Marc Maron announced on Monday that he has decided to conclude his widely acclaimed podcast, “WTF with Marc Maron,” after a successful span of nearly 16 years.
On a newly launched episode, Maron disclosed that the final installment of the almost 2,000 episodes he has hosted will be rolled out later in the year.
Reflecting on the podcast’s journey, Maron expressed, “For sixteen years, we’ve embarked on this journey, and now it’s time to wrap it up. We’ve enjoyed a fantastic run and have made the choice to bid farewell. The last episode is set to air this fall.”
The 61-year-old entertainer, alongside his producing partner Brendan McDonald, admitted feeling “tired” and “burnt out” but remains “immensely proud” of their accomplishments.
Beginning his podcast back in 2009, Maron was a seasoned stand-up comedian who had previously dabbled in radio. Launching into podcasting during a period when many comedians were exploring the medium, Maron’s early listener base often downloaded episodes onto their iPods.
Initially, the show revolved around Maron navigating his conflicts with fellow comedians. However, it soon distinguished itself and garnered a massive following, characterized by its insightful and comprehensive interviews with prominent cultural figures.
Over time, the podcast became a pivotal stop for authors, actors, and musicians during their press tours, with a major highlight being when former President Barack Obama made an appearance at Maron’s makeshift Los Angeles garage studio in 2015.
Maron’s straightforward interviewing technique encouraged guests to share stories that were otherwise untold. He often inquired about significant influences in his guests’ lives and careers by asking, “Who are your guys?”
Among the most memorable episodes is a deeply personal and emotional conversation with Robin Williams in 2010, which gained renewed attention and a spot in the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress following Williams’ passing in 2014.
While hosting the show, Maron continued performing stand-up comedy and expanded his acting repertoire, notably with a three-season appearance on the Netflix series “GLOW.”
Listeners became familiar with the show’s distinct guitar-rock theme song, which included a clip of Maron exclaiming, “Lock the gates!” from his role in the film “Almost Famous.”
The podcast’s introductory solo segments became a candid space for Maron to share musings about his life, relationships, his extensive career in stand-up comedy, and his struggles with drug addiction.
Following the passing of his girlfriend, director Lynn Shelton, Maron offered a heartfelt tribute in a subsequent episode in 2020.
“Those who tune into the podcast have come to know me quite well. It’s a one-sided relationship, but it holds genuine value, and I strive to acknowledge that graciously,” Maron remarked in 2019. “The introspective nature of my slice in the show business world is intensely personal. Admittedly, striking a balance between how much of my life I unveil and what remains private has been a challenging yet essential task.”
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