Since 2009, Marc Maron has been luring the entertainment world’s most fascinating figures into his garage studio for conversations that routinely transcend the typical promotional chit-chat of celebrity interviews. With his unique blend of neurotic self-awareness, probing curiosity, and surprising emotional intelligence, Maron has a remarkable talent for getting guests to abandon their media training and engage in genuinely revealing dialogue.
“WTF with Marc Maron” has given us everything from a sitting president discussing racial politics to comedy legends unpacking their darkest demons to rock stars contemplating mortality between cigarette breaks. While the show’s extensive catalog (now well over 1,600 episodes) might seem daunting to newcomers, certain conversations stand out as particularly profound, hilarious, or culturally significant windows into the human experience behind the famous facades.
Whether it’s the raw vulnerability of Robin Williams discussing depression years before his tragic death, the surreal intimacy of Barack Obama visiting the “cat ranch,” or the masterclass in storytelling from filmmakers like Martin Scorsese, these essential episodes represent the podcast at its most compelling, those magical moments when Maron’s signature opener of “Who are you?” leads to answers that surprise even the people giving them.
Episode 67 – Robin Williams
Listen on: WTF with Marc Maron Website
Unfortunately this episode has been stuck behind a paywall and is only available on the WTF official website. Nevertheless, it is easily one of the single best podcast interviews with anyone, ever. And that’s not hyperbole.
Louis C.K. from 2010
Listen on: WTF with Marc Maron Website
Another highly regarded episode, this conversation with now problematic comedian Louis C.K. An incredible episode that is also stuck behind a paywal, but well worth listening to.
Episode 613 – President Barack Obama
Listen on: Episodes.fm | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Overcast
Marc sits down in the garage with the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, for a conversation covering college, identity, race relations, gun violence, challenging the status quo, letting down supporters, comedy, fatherhood, and facing fear. And yes, this actually happened.
Norm Macdonald from 2011
Listen on: Episodes.fm | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Overcast
Marc has a revealing discussion with Norm Macdonald about comedy, life, gambling, mortality, and Rodney.
Episode 190 – Todd Hanson
Listen on: WTF with Marc Maron Website
While in Brooklyn, Marc spoke with Todd Hanson, one of the original writers for *The Onion* and a key figure behind some of the sharpest satire of the past 20 years. However, something remained unsaid during that first conversation, leading to a second discussion months later about a pivotal moment in Todd’s life.
Episode 568 – Mike Judge
Listen on: Episodes.fm | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Overcast
Mike Judge and Marc have plenty to discuss. For starters, they both grew up in Albuquerque. Then there’s Mike’s trailblazing animation career, which started unexpectedly and led to *Beavis and Butt-Head*, *King of the Hill*, and *Office Space*. Add in his cult classic *Idiocracy* and the hit series *Silicon Valley*, which Marc is a big fan of, and it’s clear, this conversation is going to need some extra time.
Episode 669 – David Spade
Listen on: Episodes.fm | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Overcast
David Spade starts off 2016 in the garage with Marc, reflecting on his childhood around guns, the surprise of becoming a father, and his tough early years at *SNL* before finally finding his footing. He also shares memories of his friendship with Chris Farley and his return to stand-up. Plus, David opens up about a harrowing night at his home that nearly made him another Hollywood cautionary tale.
Episode 1030 – Stephen Colbert
Listen on: Episodes.fm | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Overcast
Before Stephen Colbert knew his path, all he wanted was to be Hamlet, not act as him, but be him. As a teenager dealing with family loss and unprocessed grief, comedy became his refuge. Stephen shares with Marc how improv and sketch eased his anxiety, and how a nervous breakdown reshaped his life. They also discuss *The Colbert Report*, the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, and hosting *The Late Show* during the Trump era.
Episode 1453 – Cillian Murphy
Listen on: Episodes.fm | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Overcast
Cillian Murphy realized he wanted to act after seeing an avant-garde stage production of *A Clockwork Orange* in a nightclub, not the Kubrick film. He put aside his musical ambitions and started his acting career. Cillian shares with Marc the valuable lessons he’s learned from directors like Ken Loach and Christopher Nolan, with whom he’s worked on six films. They also discuss *Peaky Blinders*, *28 Days Later*, and the experience of wearing the Batman suit.
Episode 1143 – Seth Rogen
Listen on: Episodes.fm | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Overcast
Seth Rogen returns to *WTF* for the first time in six years, having what is undoubtedly the most “Jewish” conversation Marc has ever had on the show. The topic of Seth’s new film, *An American Pickle*, might have something to do with it, but they dive deep into their shared childhoods, how their views on Judaism have evolved, and even agree on who holds the title of the world’s toughest Jew.
Episode 1239 – Quentin Tarantino
Listen on: Episodes.fm | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Overcast
The pandemic brought many changes to our lives, but for Quentin Tarantino, a major shift began just as it started: he became a first-time father. Now, with the release of his debut novel, the legendary director talks to Marc about the new perspectives and priorities that come with aging. They also discuss the decline of Old Hollywood, the Manson family, and why he’d ditch the Tarantino name if he had to start fresh. Plus, Tom Scharpling finally gives Marc what he’s been asking for in *Get to Know Tom*.
Episode 1271 – Jane Goodall
Listen on: Episodes.fm | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Overcast
Jane Goodall holds onto hope—even in today’s world. But that doesn’t mean she sees things through rose-colored glasses; she believes hope is essential for our survival as a species. Marc sits down with Dr. Goodall to discuss *The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times* and explores what inspires her today. They also talk about her groundbreaking primate research that transformed our understanding of humanity, her efforts to promote environmental justice, and her views on Bigfoot.
Episode 801 – Anne Hathaway / Aimee Mann
Listen on: Episodes.fm | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Overcast
Marc does his best to keep his composure while talking with Anne Hathaway in the garage. As he tries to stay cool, they discuss her journey from wild young adult to motherhood, the lessons learned from difficult relationships, coping with the harsh anonymity of the Internet, and the true monsters featured in her new film *Colossal*. Plus, Aimee Mann drops by to perform one of the tracks from what Marc considers her best album yet.
Gallagher
Listen on: Episodes.fm | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Overcast
Marc revisits his 2011 interview with comedian Gallagher, recorded in Portland, Oregon, on January 27, 2011. Their discussion on comedy, language, and cultural tolerance eventually led to Gallagher walking out. marking the first and only time that has ever happened on *WTF*.
Episode 915 – Josh Brolin
Listen on: Episodes.fm | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Overcast
Josh Brolin acknowledges that time and personal growth ultimately saved his life. Reflecting on his tumultuous youth, Josh recalls numerous moments when he could have been lost, even after achieving success as an actor. He and Marc discuss addictive behavior, self-sabotage, and what led to his lasting commitment to sobriety. They also chat about influential figures like Sam Shepard, Nick Nolte, Sean Penn, the Coen Brothers, and Denzel Washington, as well as the unexpected satisfaction of working on superhero films, especially *Avengers: Infinity War* and *Deadpool 2*.
Episode 1359 – Andrew Garfield
Listen on: Episodes.fm | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Overcast
Andrew Garfield was deeply intimidated by the idea of becoming Spider-Man. At 27, with little public recognition, he understood that his life would drastically change once he took on the iconic role. Andrew shares with Marc how he coped during that time, which included returning to his theater background and heading to Broadway. He also opens up about life after his mother’s passing, why he views Ryan Gosling as a major inspiration, and how recent projects, including his role in *Under the Banner of Heaven*, have been part of his spiritual journey.
Larry King from 2013
Listen on: Episodes.fm | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Overcast
In a 2013 conversation, Marc speaks with legendary talk show host Larry King about his early days in the industry, how he overcame his nerves on air, and the interviewees who made the greatest impact on him. Larry passed away on January 23, 2021, at the age of 87.
Episode 1500 – Paul Giamatti
Listen on: Episodes.fm | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Overcast
Paul Giamatti and Marc share a wealth of common interests, collecting books, appreciating eccentric geniuses, taking on roles out of sheer panic, revisiting classic films, watching old late-night talk show moments, aspiring to be the guy in the coffee shop, and exploring the origins of conspiracies, which makes their conversation a perfect reflection of 1500 episodes of *WTF*. Paul also discusses the strangest film he’s been part of and offers insights into his recent role in *The Holdovers*.
Episode 1510 – John Oliver
Listen on: Episodes.fm | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Overcast
John Oliver is one of those rare individuals who truly understands Marc. It’s no surprise, given that John has emerged as one of the keenest critics of American culture. Returning to the garage after nearly twelve years, John chats with Marc about experiencing what he calls a “functional version” of a nervous breakdown during the pandemic, discovering hope in a painting of rat erotica, and the process behind creating *Last Week Tonight* as it kicks off its eleventh season.
Episode 1026 – Mavis Staples
Listen on: Episodes.fm | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Overcast
As Mavis Staples celebrates her 80th birthday, she remains active in performing and recording alongside young musicians and producers from various genres, just as she has throughout her remarkable career. Mavis sits down with Marc to discuss her beginnings as a gospel singer with her family, the surprise they faced when they began performing R&B, and the dangerous racial prejudice she endured in the Jim Crow South. She also reflects on pivotal moments spent with her father, Pops Staples, Martin Luther King Jr., and Bob Dylan.
Episode 909 – Bradley Whitford
Listen on: Episodes.fm | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Overcast
Bradley Whitford was a big fan of *Key and Peele* and was eager to collaborate with them. However, he was taken aback when Jordan Peele asked him if he was a fan of horror films. It turns out, Bradley went on to star in one of the most talked-about films of the past decade. Bradley shares with Marc the behind-the-scenes of *Get Out*, as well as his experiences on *Transparent*, *The West Wing*, *Studio 60*, and what it was like working on films with Steven Spielberg and Clint Eastwood.
Episode 413 – Bill Hader
Listen on: WTF with Marc Maron Website
Recently relocated to LA, Bill Hader sits down in the garage to look back on his eight years with *Saturday Night Live*. Bill talks to Marc about how he landed on the show, the challenges of finding his footing during those early years, and the moment he had to tell Lorne Michaels he was leaving.
Episode 759 – Lin-Manuel Miranda
Listen on: Episodes.fm | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Overcast
Lin-Manuel Miranda, the genius behind *Hamilton* and *In The Heights*, is also a longtime *WTF* listener, making him more than ready to dive deep with Marc during a visit to the garage. They cover his multicultural background, his early immersion in both hip-hop and musical theater, the motivations behind creating *Hamilton*, and the surprising connection between *Weird Al* Yankovic and his work.
Episode 921 – David Harbour
Listen on: Episodes.fm | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Overcast
David Harbour had grown quite disillusioned with the acting world before landing the breakthrough role of Jim Hopper on *Stranger Things*. However, he and Marc agree that it may have been for the best that David found success after four decades of grappling with anxiety, self-doubt, mania, fear, sobriety, and the challenging journey of self-discovery. David and Marc also discuss *Hellboy*, the mystical elements on the fringes of reality, and the one aspect of Hopper’s character that David values most.
Episode 1440 – William Shatner
Listen on: Episodes.fm | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Overcast
At 92 years old, William Shatner continues to thrive and stay busy with a multitude of projects, including the Fox reality show *Stars on Mars*, a new watch he designed, two documentaries, and his annual charity horse show. However, he’s also able to reflect with gratitude on an acting career that began when he was just six years old, along with the incredible journey his life has been. Bill and Marc discuss Canada, Broadway, the Golden Age of Television, *Star Trek*, and the life-changing experience Bill had when he traveled to space.
Episode 1086 – Brad Pitt & Leonardo DiCaprio
Listen on: Episodes.fm | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Overcast
Taking a break from their success with *Once Upon a Time in Hollywood*, Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio set aside their movie star status for an hour to chat with Marc. They discuss their beginnings as outsiders in the entertainment industry, the pivotal moments when they realized their lives would change forever, the times they knew a film they were in would flop, their reluctance to direct, and their passion for producing.
Episode 1208 – Hugh Grant
Listen on: Episodes.fm | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Overcast
Hugh Grant believes he’s becoming a better actor with time. The roles he’s taken on in recent years feel more authentic to him, especially compared to his earlier work in romantic comedies, which he felt was more about pretending. Hugh and Marc delve into that realization and explore the events in his life that led him to feel more confident in his craft. They also talk about his early days in a comedy troupe, his recent shift towards playing villains and scoundrels, and his ongoing efforts to challenge the intrusive behavior of the British tabloids.
Episode 1580 – Sebastian Stan
Listen on: Episodes.fm | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Overcast
Sebastian Stan sees creativity as the ultimate form of therapy. Even when he’s portraying difficult characters, like Jeff Gillooly in *I, Tonya* or Donald Trump in *The Apprentice*, he believes there’s always something valuable to understand about human nature through his roles. In his conversation with Marc, Sebastian opens up about fleeing Romania at a young age, gaining insights from legendary directors like Jonathan Demme, seeking out distinctive projects such as *A Different Man*, and discovering that his role as Bucky Barnes in the Marvel films has provided comfort to fans during challenging moments.
Episode 358 – Mel Brooks
Listen on: WTF with Marc Maron Website
Mel Brooks, no words could truly capture his legacy. So, simply tune in as Mel and Marc share the incredible journey of a legend, from his early years in Brooklyn and his service during World War II to his monumental achievements in film, television, and Broadway. This is Mel Brooks.
Episode 163 – Conan O’Brien
Listen on: WTF with Marc Maron Website
Conan. That’s all you need to hear. The late-night icon fulfills his promise to join Marc in the garage for a conversation. They talk about Conan’s personal doubts, the celebrities who still impress him, his ongoing reflection on his time at NBC, and how recent changes in his career have helped him find more peace.
Episode 573 – Jim Gaffigan
Listen on: Episodes.fm | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Overcast
Although this is Jim Gaffigan’s fifth visit to WTF, it’s the first time he and Marc have a proper, in-depth conversation that fits the garage. Jim opens up to Marc about growing up in a big family, absent fathers, doing clean comedy, Greg Giraldo, collaborating with his wife, discovering his unique voice, and, of course, food.
Episode 1299 – Peter Dinklage
Listen on: Episodes.fm | Apple Podcast | Spotify | Overcast
Peter Dinklage spent much of his life wrestling with ambition. He’s had a complicated relationship with it, especially back when he started a theater company that never put on any shows. But Peter explains to Marc how he eventually found peace with having an acting career and began accepting mainstream success, from his breakout role in *The Station Agent* to his work on *Game of Thrones* and his latest film, the new adaptation of *Cyrano*.
Read our review of WTF with Marc Maron