Marc Maron ends iconic podcast with emotional farewell featuring Barack Obama

Marc Maron ends his iconic podcast after 16 years and 1,686 episodes with Barack Obama as his final guest

Marc Maron has officially closed the gates on one of the most defining podcasts in history. After 16 years, nearly 1,700 episodes, and countless unforgettable guests, WTF With Marc Maron ended with a full-circle moment: Barack Obama returned as the final guest.

The episode, released on 13 October, was recorded in Washington, where Obama hosted Maron for one last conversation. The former president had famously appeared on WTF a decade earlier while still in office, an appearance that helped elevate both Maron and the medium of podcasting itself.

At the start of their conversation, Obama turned interviewer, asking Maron how he felt about ending a project that had defined much of his career. Maron admitted feeling both ready and fearful, reflecting on how deeply the show had intertwined with his life. Obama responded with humour, comparing the challenge of moving on to his own post-presidency journey.

The final episode was kept secret until release, fuelling speculation among fans who correctly guessed Obama would return. Maron introduced the episode by explaining that only one guest could mark the occasion properly, someone who could speak to both endings and resilience in uncertain times.

Their talk drifted between reflections on change, the state of the world, and finding peace in transition. Obama urged Maron to take satisfaction in his accomplishments, reminding him that there are still chapters left to write.

In closing, Maron thanked listeners for being part of his journey, acknowledging the personal nature of the connection they had built through years of intimate, often emotional conversations. The host ended with a tribute to his beloved cats, a recurring part of the show since its beginnings in his Los Angeles garage known as the Cat Ranch.

Over its long run, WTF became a cultural touchstone, attracting figures like Robin Williams, Paul McCartney and countless others who trusted Maron’s honesty and empathy. The final exchange between Obama and Maron carried both warmth and closure, a fitting end to a show that reshaped the podcast landscape.

As Maron signed off for the last time, his voice wavered slightly before he said the words that had always defined him, “Lock the gates.”