After 16 years and nearly 1,700 episodes, Marc Maron’s iconic podcast WTF has come to an end—and who better to close this chapter than former President Barack Obama himself? This final episode wasn’t just a farewell; it was a full-circle moment for a show that redefined the podcasting landscape. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a podcast host’s journey really be compared to the presidency? Maron and Obama seem to think so—and their conversation dives into the unexpected parallels between leading a nation and hosting a long-running show.
Back in 2013, Obama made waves by appearing on WTF while still in office, recording in Maron’s humble Los Angeles garage studio. That moment elevated not just Maron’s show but podcasts as a medium. Fast forward to 2023, and Obama returned the favor, inviting Maron to his Washington office for the final episode. The roles reversed this time—Obama kicked things off by asking Maron how he felt about closing this defining chapter of his life. Maron’s response? A mix of relief, fear, and gratitude, echoing the complexities of stepping away from something that’s shaped your identity.
And this is the part most people miss: Maron didn’t just end his show with a guest; he chose someone who could reflect on both the personal and the universal. As Maron put it, Obama was the ‘singular’ guest who could address the weight of saying goodbye while also speaking to the chaotic world we navigate today. Their conversation wasn’t just about Maron’s journey—it was about transitions, legacy, and finding purpose after the spotlight fades. Obama’s advice? ‘Take a beat. Take some satisfaction looking backwards.’
But let’s pause here—is it fair to compare the end of a podcast to leaving the presidency? Maron laughed at the comparison, but Obama didn’t dismiss it. ‘I think it’s pretty similar,’ he said. Bold statement, right? It’s a thought-provoking parallel that blurs the lines between public service and creative expression. What do you think? Is the pressure of ending a beloved show comparable to stepping down from one of the most powerful roles in the world?
Maron’s final episode was a masterclass in balancing emotion and introspection. While he saved his sentimental goodbye for the penultimate episode—where he openly thanked listeners for sharing their lives, breakups, losses, and even their love for cats—the Obama episode was more about reflection than tears. Maron’s cats, by the way, were always the unsung heroes of the show, and his final words were a tribute to the ‘cat angels everywhere.’
From its 2009 origins in a garage dubbed ‘The Cat Ranch’ to becoming a media institution, WTF evolved from a space for Maron to work through personal issues with fellow comedians into a platform for deep conversations with everyone from Robin Williams to Paul McCartney. The show’s fan-composed theme song, featuring Maron’s ‘Lock the gates!’ from Almost Famous, became a cultural touchstone. Phrases like ‘Are We Doing This?’ and ‘Are we good?’—the latter now the title of a documentary about Maron—became part of the show’s DNA.
So, why end it now? Maron announced in June that he and producer Brendan McDonald were simply tired and satisfied with their work. No drama, no scandal—just a quiet acknowledgment that it was time. On the final episode, Maron even drafted a humorous ‘legal document’ for Obama to sign, releasing McDonald from ‘the professional responsibility of listening to me talk.’
As WTF fades into podcast history, it leaves behind a legacy of raw, honest conversations that resonated with millions. Obama summed it up perfectly: ‘I think part of the reason you had such a big fan base is there was a core decency to you and the conversations that you had.’ But here’s the question we’re left with: Can any podcast ever fill the void WTF leaves behind? Let us know what you think in the comments—and whether you agree that Maron’s journey was, in its own way, as monumental as the presidency.
