Barack Obama Returns for Final Episode of Marc Maron’s ‘WTF’ Podcast/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ After 16 years and nearly 1,700 episodes, Marc Maron has officially ended his acclaimed podcast WTF With Marc Maron. For the final episode, released October 13, 2025, former President Barack Obama returned as a surprise guest. The two discussed transitions, legacy, and moving on from career-defining chapters. Maron reflected on the show’s impact while Obama offered words of wisdom and praise for Maron’s authentic voice. The podcast, which began in Maron’s garage in 2009, became a cultural landmark, helping to define modern podcasting.
Quick Look:
- Final guest: Former President Barack Obama returns for last episode
- Podcast legacy: 1,686 episodes over 16 years, helping define the podcast medium
- Emotional farewell: Maron reflects on endings, legacy, and what comes next
- Obama’s advice: “Take a beat. Take some satisfaction looking backward.”
- Final words: “Cat angels everywhere” – a nod to Maron’s beloved pets
End of an Era: ‘WTF With Marc Maron’ Signs Off: Deep Look
After more than a decade of raw, personal, and often cathartic conversations, comedian and podcaster Marc Maron released the final episode of his groundbreaking podcast, “WTF With Marc Maron,” on Monday. His final guest? None other than former President Barack Obama, who helped launch the podcast into mainstream consciousness when he first appeared on the show a decade ago.
This last episode, No. 1,686, closes the door on a podcast that began in a garage and grew into one of the most influential voices in long-form audio storytelling.
Obama Returns for the Final Conversation
The episode featured a role reversal: Obama asked the first question.
“How are you feeling about this whole thing — moving on from this thing that’s been one of the defining parts of your life?” Obama asked.
Maron responded with a mix of honesty and humor:
“I feel OK… I’m sort of ready for the break. But, not unlike your job… I’ve got a lot of people who, over the last 16 years, have grown to rely on me.”
He laughed at the comparison between podcasting and the presidency, but Obama played along:
“I think it’s pretty similar,” he said with a smile.
Why Obama Was the Final Guest
Fans speculated for weeks about who Maron’s final guest might be. In a July interview with Variety, Maron named Obama as his “ideal” final conversation. And when the final episode dropped Monday, it confirmed that dream.
In his brief introduction, Maron said the choice was clear:
“The guest we needed to have was singular — someone who could speak to the end of this show, but also to the moment we’re in.”
Advice From One Retiree to Another
Maron asked Obama what it’s like to move on after completing the most defining work of your life.
“You’ve still got a couple of chapters left,” Obama advised.
“Don’t rush into what’s next. Take a beat. Take satisfaction looking back.”
The conversation also veered into discussions about the state of the world, but Obama circled back to reflect on Maron’s impact:
“There was a core decency in you and the conversations you had. That’s why people listened. That speaks to who we are.”
Final Farewell (Without Too Much Sentimentality)
Maron skipped most of the emotional goodbyes in this episode — he already delivered that during his penultimate show last Thursday, where he thanked fans and reflected on the shared journey:
“We’ve been through a lot of stuff together. A lot of breakups. Death. Cats. The world. I’m grateful to have been part of your lives.”
His final words on Monday? A nod to his furry co-stars over the years:
“Cat angels everywhere.”
How It All Started: From Garage to Global
The podcast began in 2009, in the garage of Maron’s Los Angeles home — lovingly dubbed “The Cat Ranch.” Initially created as a way for Maron to process his career struggles and reconnect with fellow comedians, the show quickly evolved into a cultural force.
Over the years, “WTF” featured a broad range of guests:
- Comedians like Robin Williams
- Musicians like Paul McCartney
- Writers, actors, and yes — presidents
Legacy of ‘WTF’ and Podcasting’s Growth
“WTF” is credited with reshaping podcasting as a medium. Its long-form format, emotional openness, and wide-ranging guest list set a standard for authenticity and depth that many others have tried to emulate.
The show’s distinctive theme song, opening with Maron’s voice shouting “Lock the gates!” (from his role in Almost Famous), became iconic among fans.
Other recurring phrases like “Are We Doing This?” and “Are We Good?” became staples — the latter also serving as the title of an upcoming documentary about Maron.
Why End It Now?
Back in June, Maron announced the podcast was ending — not for any dramatic reason, but because the work felt complete.
“There’s no particular reason,” he said.
“I’m just tired. And I feel utterly satisfied with what we’ve done.”
Maron’s longtime producing partner Brendan McDonald was also released — humorously — from “the professional responsibility of listening to me talk,” via a pseudo-legal document read aloud during the Obama interview.
The End of the Show, But Not the End of Maron
Though the podcast is over, Maron’s voice isn’t likely to disappear. He remains active in stand-up comedy, film, and now documentary. And as Obama said — there are still “chapters left.”
Whether or not Maron returns to podcasting someday, “WTF” leaves a legacy that helped define an era of digital media, reshaping how we listen, laugh, and reflect on life — one conversation at a time.
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