After an incredible 16-year journey and more than 1,600 episodes, Marc Maron is bringing the curtain down on his groundbreaking podcast WTF With Marc Maron. The final episode is set to drop Monday morning, marking the end of an era for one of the most influential long-form interview podcasts in history. While Maron’s fans eagerly await the swan song, the identity of his final guest—or guests—remains a closely guarded secret, sparking intense speculation across social media and the podcasting world
The announcement of the end of WTF came in June, when Maron, 62, revealed he and his longtime producer Brendan McDonald had made the decision to close the show’s chapter. There was no grand reason behind the decision, Maron explained—simply that he felt “satisfied” with the work they had done over the years and, like any artist, knew it was time to step away from the mic. It was a bittersweet farewell to a podcast that became a cultural touchstone, bringing in a mix of guests ranging from stand-up comics and actors to politicians, musicians, and authors.
On the penultimate episode, which aired Thursday, Maron spoke to his listeners directly, reflecting on the show’s monumental run and the personal connection he built with his audience over the years. “We’ve had a relationship for a long time—16 years,” he said, with a touch of emotion in his voice. “That’s the longest relationship I’ve ever had.” His words revealed the deep bond he had formed with his listeners, having shared a rollercoaster of personal and professional milestones, as well as public trials, all of it documented and explored in the hours of conversation that became WTF’s trademark.
The final episode, number 1,686, will be an emotional and significant event for Maron and his legion of dedicated fans. As for what listeners can expect from the last episode, Maron has kept it under wraps. Speculation about the identity of the final guest has been running rampant ever since the end was announced. Could he have locked down an entertainment legend like Bob Dylan or Taylor Swift for the grand finale? Or might it be a more personal moment with someone close to Maron’s heart—his parents, perhaps, or an old friend? Could it be a return of a past guest like Barack Obama, who made waves as one of the first sitting U.S. Presidents to appear on a podcast back in 2015?
Maron’s decision to keep the guest lineup a mystery only heightened the anticipation surrounding the finale. The suspense surrounding this final moment is reminiscent of the way Maron approached his show throughout its history: by not announcing guests in advance, keeping his audience on edge and focused on the raw, real nature of the conversation. After all, WTF was not about the star power of the guests; it was about the authenticity of the dialogue.
The Birth of WTF and Its Impact on Podcasting
The story of WTF With Marc Maron began modestly in 2009, when Maron, fresh off the heels of a career lull and personal struggles, started recording his thoughts and working through his issues in the garage of his Los Angeles home. Dubbed “The Cat Ranch” because of the numerous cats that roamed the space, the show was a way for Maron to wrestle with his own identity and career, and it quickly evolved into a place for other comedians to do the same.
Maron, a stand-up comic who had already been in the industry for years but had yet to truly break through in the mainstream, used the podcast as a space to unpack his own issues with other comics and share the intimate and messy realities of their lives. Initially, it was a therapeutic outlet, but it soon became much more. The WTF format, which involved long, unfiltered conversations with guests, was unique at the time. Unlike the more polished, soundbite-driven interviews that characterized most celebrity-centric media, Maron’s conversations felt like two people sitting down for a genuine heart-to-heart, with no scripts or press releases to guide the way.
The success of WTF was organic, rising from the underground podcast scene to become a media institution in its own right. With its honest, no-holds-barred approach to interviewing, the show resonated with a wide range of listeners, especially those in the comedy community. Maron’s willingness to dive deep into personal topics—mental health, addiction, family dynamics—invited guests to open up in ways that were previously rare in public interviews.
Over the years, Maron hosted an array of high-profile and influential guests. Some of the most memorable episodes included candid conversations with comedian Louis C.K., musician Iggy Pop, actors like Robin Williams (whose episode was famously poignant and emotional), and even President Obama, who used his WTF appearance as an opportunity to connect with the younger, digitally-savvy audience that Maron had cultivated. It wasn’t just about the star power of the guests—it was the way Maron made them feel comfortable enough to be vulnerable.
The End of an Era
As WTF continued to grow in both influence and scope, Maron’s own life and career changed alongside it. He went on to star in his own TV show, Maron, on IFC, and even earned recognition for his acting, with standout performances in films like Joker and Don’t Think Twice. The podcast served as a launching pad for Maron’s other ventures, while also allowing him to maintain a unique space in the entertainment world as both a comedian and a podcaster.
But after more than 16 years of intimate interviews, personal revelations, and social commentary, Maron announced that it was time to walk away. There was no particular reason behind the decision beyond simple exhaustion and satisfaction with what he had accomplished. As he reflected in his penultimate episode, WTF became more than just a podcast for him—it became a form of therapy and a way to connect with the world in a way he never could have anticipated.
He also acknowledged the challenges that came with keeping a podcast running for so many years. “We’ve been through a lot together,” he said in his farewell address, touching on the highs and lows of his personal life and the state of the world. From the turmoil of political events to the quiet struggles of everyday life, Maron’s voice had been a steady presence, giving fans a sense of companionship through uncertain times.
What’s Next for Marc Maron?
With the end of WTF, Maron will undoubtedly turn his attention to new projects, although he has not yet revealed what those might be. Fans can expect to see him continue to perform stand-up comedy, a medium he has always found solace in, and perhaps even explore new ways to connect with his audience outside of the podcasting world.
Regardless of what comes next, WTF With Marc Maron will remain a milestone in the evolution of podcasting. It changed the format of celebrity interviews and offered a window into the lives of some of the most fascinating people in the world, all through the lens of Maron’s candid and self-aware voice.
In his final episode, Maron will undoubtedly leave fans with one last piece of wisdom or humor—something that reflects the journey of the show, and perhaps even the final question he often posed to his guests: “Are we good?”
