There are a number of interview podcasts available for different niches, and those podcasts generally rely on a host that is knowledgeable about most subjects within that niche and a guest that can provide more insight into a specific topic. But the best interview podcasts elevate the content beyond their niches. WTF With Marc Maron is one of those podcasts.
Boiled down to its basics, the WTF podcast started as a way for one stand up comedian to talk to other stand up comedians about breaking into the business, success in the business, and the general business of being a comedian. Over time, it became clear that podcast host Marc Maron had the ability to interview just about any person inside or out of the stand up comedy niche, and he expanded the format to include very notable guests with all sorts of backgrounds.
WTF With Marc Maron ranks among the most downloaded and listened to podcasts available, and for good reason. Read on for a full review of the WTF podcast and what makes it one of the best interview podcasts around.
What Is The WTF With Marc Maron Podcast?
The WTF With Marc Maron podcast is a weekly podcast that features an in-depth conversation between Marc Maron and a featured, prominent guest. The guests come from all walks of life, but they all have something interesting to say.
The format of the show is pretty simple. Marc Maron begins each episode by talking about something that’s going on in his life (and what his cats are up to), and then he brings on his guest. The conversation usually starts with how the guest got to where they are, but it quickly expands to a much more wide-ranging discussion.
Marc Maron has a knack for getting his guests to open up, and he’s not afraid to ask the tough questions. He’s also very good at keeping the conversation flowing naturally, which makes for a very enjoyable listen.
Why Is The WTF With Marc Maron Podcast So Popular?
The WTF podcast is popular for a number of reasons. First, it’s one of the most well-produced podcasts available. The audio quality is excellent, and the editing is tight. Marc Maron is also a naturally gifted interviewer. He does his homework on his guests, and he has a talent for getting them to open up and share details of their lives that they wouldn’t necessarily open up about in a television interview format.
But the biggest reason for the popularity of the WTF podcast is the quality of the guests. Marc Maron has interviewed some of the most interesting people from all walks of life, and his ability to get them to open up and share their stories is truly remarkable.
The Best Interviews On The WTF With Marc Maron Podcast
It’s hard to narrow down the best interviews on the WTF podcast because there are so many good ones. But here are a few that stand out:
Conan O’Brien – In this episode, Maron and Conan O’Brien discuss a wide range of topics, including comedy, talk shows, and the entertainment industry. As one of the most successful late-night hosts in history, the conversation is filled with insight and humor about everything from the early days of writing comedy to interviewing some of the biggest names in entertainment.
Sandra Oh – Maron invites actress Sandra Oh to his garage for an intimate conversation about her childhood, acting career, and what it was like to grow up in a Korean family in Canada. Oh is best known for her role on the hit TV show Grey’s Anatomy, and she opens up about her experience as a woman of color in Hollywood and the challenges she’s faced throughout her career.
Judd Apatow – In this episode, Maron and Judd Apatow discuss a wide range of topics, including comedy, Hollywood, and the creative process. Apatow paints a great picture of what goes into writing, producing, and directing comedy films.
Halle Berry – Actress Halle Berry comes on the podcast to discuss her long and critically acclaimed film career and the continuation of her work in a new Netflix feature film.
Jen Statsky – Maron interviews the writer and creator of HBO’s hit television show, “Hacks,” and Statsky opens up about her path to becoming a comedy writer from a very early age.
Barack Obama – One of the biggest “gets” Marc Maron has had as an interview host is hands-down the former President Barack Obama. In this episode, the two discuss politics, race relations, and the state of the country. President Obama opens up with some personal stories and some of the reasons his family is so important to him. It’s a fascinating conversation between two very intelligent men.
Bonnie Raitt – In this episode, Maron interviews the legendary musician Bonnie Raitt. The two discuss a wide range of topics, including music, songwriting, and the music industry. Raitt is an incredible storyteller and her insights into the music business are both fascinating and informative.
How To Listen To WTF With Marc Maron?
Needless to say, the podcast is available anywhere you get your podcasts. It’s one of the most popular among the interview format podcast (and among all podcasts in general). From comedy and performance to politics and culture, there is something for everyone. With hundreds of interviews available for download, there is a wealth of other content to keep you occupied in the car, on the plane, or on a walk or a run.
Final Thoughts
You’ve likely heard of Marc Maron’s long-running podcast, and if you haven’t, I’d be surprised. If you have never listened to an episode, it is worth giving it a shot. The one downside to the podcast is the ads. The interview generally doesn’t start until around the ten minute mark, which isn’t only advertisements (but that’s part of it). Maron takes a number of breaks during each episode to cut away to the sponsors. It’s not ideal, but you can’t blame the guy for monetizing such a universally popular podcast. The good news is, depending on your device you can skip through the ads.
The bottom line is that WTF With Marc Maron is a great listen. If you’ve got a few hours or so to fill on a long drive or flight, it’s worth downloading a few episodes and giving it a shot.
