Comic Marc Maron is done. Well, almost done with his famous podcast. “WTF With Marc Maron” will come to a close this fall, he announced Monday.
“We’re tired, people. Burnt out,” he wrote on his website, explaining that he and producer Brendan McDonald had an agreement that they would end the pod’s run when either or both of them were “ready to stop.” Both are now ready, he said.
“As of September we will have been doing the show for 16 years. Wow. That’s a long time to do anything,” Maron wrote. “We have put a new show out twice a week for 16 years and we’ve put everything we have into those shows. That’s just the way we work. We have since the beginning and it’s always been just us. Obviously, we had help along the way, but in terms of creating the show Brendan does his job, I do mine. No networks, no boss. Just us and hundreds of guests and you.”
“WTF” was named best comedy podcast by the Academy of Podcasters in 2016 and was nominated for the iHeart Radio Podcast Awards in 2019. The operation began in September 2009, and while it wasn’t the first podcast ever, Maron said that “in terms of making it a viable medium, we were certainly one of the OGs.” There was no way to make money from it at first, he said on Monday’s pod. He and McDonald just knew they were going to do two shows a week.
“We changed the world, literally. … We helped unleash an exciting type of delivery system for pure self-expression,” Maron wrote on his website.
Maron told The Times in 2017 that he prepares for interviews by, for example, watching a director’s film or listening to a musician’s records but without much outside research.
“How do you get around someone’s public narrative?” Maron asked The Times. “People who live public lives have a public narrative. And they’ll go to it, because it’s easy. Sometimes you can get a little more within those narratives, but to get around it is really the trick.”
That year, he and McDonald published “Waiting for the Punch: Words to Live By From the WTF Podcast,” a collection of excerpts from interviews with guestsincluding former President Obama, Bruce Springsteen, Lena Dunham, Amy Schumer, Louis CK and Will Ferrell, to name a few. Maron credited the selections in the book to McDonald’s “steel trap memory” of who had said what and when.
“What winds up in the book are many of the unexpected or revealing conversational nuggets that could be discovered only after the familiar territory had been crossed,” then-Times staff writer Carolyn Kellogg wrote.
Moving forward from this fall — Maron didn’t give a specific end date for “WTF” on either the podcast or his website — the 61-year-old said that post-podcast he will be doing stand-up, more acting and “hopefully enjoying life a bit.”
“There’s probably going to be some ups and downs with me, emotionally, around the reality of this,” he said on the podcast. “But … this is a full-hearted decision, it’s the right decision for Brendan, it’s the right decision for me. It’s OK for things to end. It’s just time, folks.”
Then he launched into an interview with comic John Mulaney.
WTF Farewell: A look at Marc Maron’s Legacy and the Future of Podcasting
Keywords: Marc Maron, WTF Podcast, Podcast Industry, Podcast Legacy, Podcast End, Brendan McDonald, Comedy Podcasts, Interview Techniques, John Mulaney
Time.news: The end of an era is upon us. Marc Maron’s “WTF With Marc Maron” podcast, a staple in the comedy and interview world, is coming to a halt this fall after a remarkable 16-year run. To delve into the significance of this event and its impact on the podcasting industry,we’ve spoken with podcasting expert,Dr. Anya Sharma, professor of Digital Media at the University of New Horizons. Dr.Sharma, welcome.
Dr. Anya Sharma: thank you for having me.
Time.news: Dr. Sharma, “WTF” is calling it quits after 16 years. Maron cites burnout as a key factor. What does this say about the demands and longevity of podcasting, notably for independent creators?
Dr.Anya Sharma: It underscores a critical point: podcasting, while seemingly accessible, requires immense dedication and can lead to burnout. “WTF” was a pioneer, releasing twice-weekly episodes for a staggering 16 years with Maron and producer Brendan mcdonald largely managing it themselves. This is a testament to their work ethic, but also a cautionary tale. Sustaining that level of output without meaningful institutional support is exceptionally challenging. It highlights the need for podcasters, especially independents, to prioritize self-care and explore sustainable production models. Think about batch recording or outsourcing editing.
Time.news: Maron stated, “We changed the world, literally… We helped unleash an exciting type of delivery system for pure self-expression.” Do you agree with this assessment of “WTF”‘s influence?
Dr. Anya sharma: Absolutely. “WTF” was instrumental in legitimizing podcasting as a serious platform for in-depth conversations, particularly in comedy. Maron’s raw, confessional style resonated with listeners and paved the way for countless othre interview-based podcasts. His success demonstrated that a podcast could be more than just a hobby; it could be a viable medium for storytelling, building community, and exploring complex topics. He helped normalize long-form interviews and fostered a sense of intimacy that traditional media often lacks. His impact on the podcast industry is undeniable.
Time.news: The article mentions Maron’s unique interview style, focusing on genuine conversation rather than relying heavily on pre-prepared questions.How could aspiring podcasters learn from his approach?
Dr. Anya Sharma: Maron’s success hinges on his ability to connect with his guests on a human level. He listened actively, he was vulnerable, and he wasn’t afraid to veer off-script. Aspiring podcasters should cultivate genuine curiosity and empathy. Do your homework, but don’t be afraid to let the conversation flow naturally. Focus on building rapport and creating a safe space for guests to share their stories authentically. Practice active listening; that’s crucial. Understand their work but focus on the things around their work.
Time.news: “WTF” published a book of interview excerpts, “Waiting for the Punch,” highlighting unexpected and revealing moments. What lessons can podcasters take from this regarding content repurposing and monetization?
Dr. Anya Sharma: “Waiting for the Punch” demonstrates the potential for extending a podcast’s reach beyond the audio format. Content repurposing like this allows you to connect with a new audience of readers. Think about transcribing episodes for blog posts, creating short video clips for social media, or even developing online courses based on recurring themes and insights. In terms of monetization, crowdfunding, merchandise, and live events offer additional avenues for generating revenue beyond advertising. Don’t be afraid to expand to new mediums.
Time.news: Maron is moving towards stand-up,acting,and “hopefully enjoying life.” What does this signal about the evolving career paths of successful podcasters?
Dr. Anya Sharma: This highlights the fluidity of career paths in the digital age.Podcasting can serve as a launching pad for other creative endeavors, providing creators with a platform to build a following, hone their skills, and explore new opportunities. For Maron, “WTF” amplified his voice and opened doors to acting and other forms of entertainment. Its also important to know when to step away!
Time.news: What is the key takeaway you’d want our readers to understand from this turn of events in the podcast world?
Dr. Anya Sharma: “WTF’s” legacy serves as an inspiration for aspiring podcasters, proving the power of authentic storytelling and community building. However,it also underscores the importance of sustainability,both creatively and personally. It’s a reminder that longevity in the podcasting industry requires careful planning, a strong support system, and a willingness to adapt to the ever-changing landscape. Most importantly, it’s okay to evolve and prioritize your well-being.
Time.news: Dr. Sharma, thank you for your insights.
Dr. Anya Sharma: My pleasure.
