After nearly two decades of reshaping the podcasting landscape, Marc Maron’s WTF podcast is officially coming to an end. Since its debut on September 1, 2009, WTF with Marc Maron has become a cornerstone in the podcasting world, amassing over 1.1 billion downloads, listens, and impressions, and producing over 1,645 episodes, with 300+ bonus episodes available for premium subscribers.
In a heartfelt announcement released on the latest episode, Maron said:
“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. WTF is coming to an end.”
Known for its intimate interviews and raw conversations, WTF has featured a remarkable list of guests, from legendary comedians and A-list celebrities to U.S. Presidents. One of the podcast’s most memorable episodes came in 2015, when then-President Barack Obama visited Maron’s garage in Highland Park, California. The episode broke Libsyn’s record for most downloads in 24 hours and tackled topics such as race, gun violence, and media bias.
Other standout moments include:
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Todd Glass’s emotional coming out in 2012.
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A 2010 conversation with Robin Williams, later selected for preservation in the U.S. National Recording Registry.
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Interviews with Sir Paul McCartney, Jerry Seinfeld, Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Chris Rock, and SNL creator Lorne Michaels.
The podcast, produced alongside longtime collaborator Brendan McDonald, earned the inaugural Governors Award from the Podcast Academy at the Ambies in 2021, recognizing excellence in audio storytelling.
Maron explained the decision further in the episode:
“We’ve put up a new show every Monday and Thursday for almost sixteen years. We’re tired. We’re burnt out. We’re satisfied. We’ve done great work. This doesn’t mean I’m done podcasting forever, but for now, we’re wrapping it up. It’s okay to end things. It’s time to start a new chapter.”
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He emphasized that the show will end on their terms, as it began, and praised his partners — especially Acast, which supported the show over the last three years.
As the podcast enters its final months, Maron is planning to bring on new guests who have never appeared before — some motivated by the show’s imminent conclusion.
Beyond podcasting, Maron remains busy with several major projects:
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A new HBO stand-up special premiering this summer.
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A role in Rob Burnett’s film In Memoriam alongside Judy Greer and Sharon Stone.
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Portraying producer Chuck Plotkin in Scott Cooper’s Bruce Springsteen biopic, Deliver Me From Nowhere.
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Starring in Apple TV+’s golf comedy series Stick with Owen Wilson.
In closing, Maron expressed deep gratitude to listeners and guests who have been part of this journey:
“My life changed dramatically because of this podcast. Setting up a mic in my garage gave me an audience, a voice, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences — even talking to a President. It’s been an incredible time, and though it’s bittersweet, this is the right decision.”
