‘WTF with Marc Maron’ ends with life advice from Obama: NPR

Actor and comedian Marc Maron’s biweekly podcast ended on a presidential note — capping a 15-plus-year series that has touched millions of listeners.

Episode 1,686 of WTF with Marc Maron dropped Monday, with former President Barack Obama as the final guest.

At the start of the episode, Maron explained that he wanted to speak with someone who could help him not only think about the legacy of the podcast, but also how he and his listeners should navigate the world. He also wanted the former president to get an overview of the current state of politics.

“And how do we do that with a little grace and maybe a little hope and some focus,” Maron said, wondering how to engage in civil debate.

Obama first appeared on WTF in 2015, recording from inside Maron’s garage. During the second conversation, Maron said it was only right that this time he hosted the show from Obama’s home in Washington, DC.

During their hour-long conversation, the two spoke about President Trump’s second administration, the impact of social media, and the need to treat others with decency and respect.

Maron launched WTF with producer Brendan McDonald in September 2009, when podcasting began to gain traction. Over the years, it has become the essential place for in-depth discussions with actors, directors, screenwriters and especially other actors. Some artists who have appeared on the podcast include Robin Williams, Louis CK and Lorne Michaels.

WTF has won several awards over the years, including Best Comedy Podcast in 2016 by the Academy of Podcasters.

In July, Maron said NPR’s Fresh Air that ending the podcast was a difficult decision, but that he and McDonald had reached a point where they were proud of what they had created and felt burned out.

“I just don’t think there’s any shame in stopping if moving forward would compromise my or Brendan’s vision of the thing or our ability to do it,” he said. Fresh air. “We’ve maintained our audience all these years, and many of them are very close to me. And oddly enough, this decision makes sense to many of them.”

Part of Maron’s charm WTF was his vulnerability. He has openly spoken about his struggles with anxiety, loss, and his past addiction to drugs and alcohol. During the last episode of WTFMaron told Obama he was ready for the break, but also felt some nervousness about what would happen next.

“There is some kind of fear there, what should I do now?” he said.

“There’s a feeling of like, how am I going to feel less alone? How am I going to deal with my mentality of this or that? And how am I going to find, you know, a way to exist in the world that we live in?” Maron added.

The former president responded by explaining how he adjusted to life after leaving the White House.

“Don’t rush into what’s next. Take your time and feel some satisfaction,” Obama said. “Pat yourself on the back for a second.”