Marc Maron’s podcast, WTF With Marc Maron, considered to be a trailblazer and one of the early shows to popularize the format, is set to end this fall after more than 15 years and nearly 2,000 episodes since its 2009 debut.
The podcast, which has been a major influence in the audio series boom, announced its conclusion in a recent episode. Since launching on September 1, 2009, WTF has amassed around 1.1 billion downloads, listens, and impressions. The show has produced 1,645 main episodes alongside over 300 bonus episodes for premium subscribers. Maron reflected on the decision during the latest episode, stating, “Sixteen years we’ve been doing this, and we’ve decided that we had a great run. Now, basically, it’s time, folks. It’s time.”
The podcast is renowned for its candid conversations with comedy legends, A-list actors, and political figures, including an iconic 2015 interview with President Barack Obama. That particular episode, recorded in Maron’s garage in Highland Park, California, shattered Libsyn’s 24-hour download record by more than double, featuring discussions on race relations, gun violence, and political humor.
Other memorable episodes include comedian Todd Glass’s 2012 coming out and a 2010 interview with Robin Williams, which was preserved by the Library of Congress in 2022. Maron’s guest list reads like a who’s who of entertainment, featuring names such as Sir Paul McCartney, Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and SNL creator Lorne Michaels.
Maron and his producer Brendan McDonald received the inaugural Governors Award for Excellence in Audio from the Podcast Academy at The Ambies in 2021.
Maron cited exhaustion after nearly two decades of biweekly episodes as a key reason for ending the podcast. “We’re tired. We’re burnt out. And we are utterly satisfied with the work we’ve done,” he said. He emphasized that ending WTF on their own terms is important, acknowledging the support of partners like Acast over the past three years.
Looking ahead, Maron plans to feature new guests before the final episodes air in the fall. He also has several projects underway, including a new HBO stand-up special this summer, roles in upcoming films such as In Memoriam and Deliver Me From Nowhere, and a starring part in Apple’s golf comedy series Stick.
Maron thanked his listeners and guests, reflecting on the podcast’s profound impact on his life and career. “It’s been an incredible time… There’s probably going to be some ups and downs over the next few months… but this is a full-hearted decision. It’s the right decision,” he concluded.
Maron is represented by Independent Artists Group, Avalon, and Brecheen Feldman Breimer. The final episodes of WTF are expected this fall. Full details and the latest episode are available at wtfpod.com.
