Podcast
WTF with Marc Maron Podcast
Marc Maron welcomes comedians, actors, directors, writers, authors, musicians and folks from all walks of life to his home for amazingly revealing conversations. Marc's probing, comprehensive interview style allows guests to express themselves in ways listeners have never heard. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Listen on host site
Opens the podcast's host site in a new tab.
Catalog
Episodes
- Episode 1607 - Mike LeighJan 9, 2025 · 1 hr 18 minMike Leigh’s films are known for their observant depictions of the working class, their tragicomic tones, and their improvisational construction. But there are some misconceptions about his work that Mike would like to clear up. He does so while talking with Marc about his life-changing introduction to foreign films, his method of collaboration with his actors, the difference between realism and naturalism, and some details about the making of Secrets and Lies, Vera Drake, Topsy-Turvy, Naked and his new film Hard Truths. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 725 - James L. BrooksJul 18, 2016 · 2 hr 8 minJames L. Brooks is responsible for something you love. Probably many things. Marc talks with the prolific writer-director-producer about all of it - The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Rhoda, Taxi, Terms of Endearment, Broadcast News, As Good As It Gets, The Simpsons, and more. They also talk about how Jim dealt with writer's block, what he considers his worst professional experience, and why he and Jack Nicholson had to send the crew home one day to make things right. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 724 - Amber TozerJul 14, 2016 · 1 hr 20 minAmber Tozer is a comedian who wants out. She tells Marc about her move away from standup after years of sobriety, a semi-successful bootleg mattress hustle, attempted lesbianism, and a quest for the guidance of Tony Robbins. And upon the release of her memoir, Amber reminds Marc of an incident he was involved in that is buried deep within his subconscious. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 723 - Paul Dano / Adam GoldbergJul 11, 2016 · 1 hr 34 minActor Paul Dano has chosen interesting, off-beat roles since he was a teenager. He tells Marc the reasoning behind those choices, as they talk about his indelible work in Little Miss Sunshine, There Will Be Blood, Prisoners, Love and Mercy, Youth, and his latest, Swiss Army Man. Also, Marc's buddy Adam Goldberg stops by and, as usual, talks about everything. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 722 - John Caponera / Adam DevineJul 7, 2016 · 1 hr 24 minComedian John Caponera was one of the Comedy Store comics who left a real impression on young Marc Maron. John and Marc catch up in the garage and talk about the grind of the road, corporate gigs, comedy on cruise ships, and raising a family while doing this crazy job. Plus, Adam Devine from Workaholics stops by to talk about the new movie he and Marc are in, Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 721 - Jeff GoldblumJul 4, 2016 · 1 hr 22 minIt's not really Independence Day without Jeff Goldblum. Instead of spending the holiday fighting aliens, Jeff sits down with Marc in the garage to discuss Robert Altman, Wes Anderson, Pittsburgh, the Meisner technique, The Fly, Jurassic Park, Carl Sagan, becoming a new father, and saving the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 720 - Joe Dante / John CarpenterJun 30, 2016 · 1 hr 47 minMarc dives deep into genre waters when he welcomes madcap director Joe Dante into the garage. They talk about art school, Roger Corman, Piranha, minimal budgets, Gremlins, Innerspace, and more. But first, a master of modern horror also stops by the garage. John Carpenter tells Marc why he wanted to make scary movies and why he now wants to make music with his son. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 719 - John C. Reilly / Brett GelmanJun 27, 2016 · 1 hr 32 minPeople think they know John C. Reilly. There's something about his performances that seem so familiar, even though he doesn't like to reveal much about himself personally. Marc tries to pull the curtain back a bit, talking with John about Chicago, clowns, Laurel and Hardy, Boogie Nights, Sean Penn, improv, Will Ferrell, and more. Also, Brett Gelman stops by to talk about his insane new Adult Swim special. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 718 - Deon Cole / Dweezil ZappaJun 23, 2016 · 1 hr 40 minDeon Cole didn't think he would become a comedian when he was growing up on the South Side of Chicago. But now with a new comedy special, acting roles on two hit TV shows and continued success on Conan, Deon tells Marc how it all went down. Also, Dweezil Zappa returns to discuss the struggle he's up against as he heads out on a new tour. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 717 - Neil YoungJun 20, 2016 · 1 hr 26 minNeil Young. There's not a lot you need to say in introducing a legendary musician with three dozen studio albums spanning five decades. Neil joins Marc in the garage to talk about his music, his family, his friends, his guitars, his innovations, and his new album, Earth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 716 - Chelsea Handler / Jen KirkmanJun 16, 2016 · 1 hr 15 minChelsea Handler is embarking on a brave new world with a weekly talk show on Netflix. But Marc wants to find out if this Chelsea is really any different than the last Chelsea. Awkwardness ensues. Plus, Jen Kirkman stops by to talk about her new book and figure out how she's grown since her last WTF appearance, nearly seven years ago. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 715 - Louie AndersonJun 13, 2016 · 1 hr 17 minLouie Anderson's standup career is unquestionably legendary. But his astounding performance as Christine Baskets has put Louie in an entirely new dimension. Marc and Louie go through it all, from the Midwestern upbringing in a household of 11 kids to getting called over by Johnny Carson to his current TV success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 714 - Daniel Clowes / Ezra EdelmanJun 9, 2016 · 1 hr 46 minCartoonist and writer Daniel Clowes brings the world of underground comics into Marc's garage. They talk about the great comic artists who paved the way, the difficulty in translating some graphic novels to film, and the similarities between creating comics and performing standup. Plus, filmmaker Ezra Edelman stops by to talk with Marc about his documentary OJ: Made in America. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 713 - George C. Wolfe / Daniel NazerJun 6, 2016 · 1 hr 28 minGeorge C. Wolfe is a giant of American theater - directing, producing, and writing some of the most important works of the last 25 years. Fresh of seeing George's latest musical, Shuffle Along, Marc finds out what George wants audiences to take from the experience of live theater. Plus, Daniel Nazer from the EFF stops by to update Marc on the fight against the podcast patent troll and what needs to happen next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 712 - Joe Wong / Doug StanhopeJun 2, 2016 · 1 hr 30 minComedian Joe Wong grew up in China. Then he came to America and learned how to be a standup comic. Now he's back in China, helping to shape the Chinese comedy scene, and starring in his own TV show. Joe talks with Marc about overcoming language barriers and cultural differences with laughs. Also, Doug Stanhope returns for a breezy, humorous chat about what it was like for Doug to help his mom kill herself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 711 - Chris Gethard / Quincy JonesMay 30, 2016 · 1 hr 40 minComedian Chris Gethard and Marc bond over their New Jersey upbringings, but Chris has Marc beat when it comes to unbelievable stories from growing up in the Garden State. They also talk about Viagra, public access TV, and dashed dreams of sitcom glory. Also, Marc chats with comedian Quincy Jones, who didn't let a cancer diagnosis stop his push to do his own comedy special, which he has now done for HBO. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 710 - Stephen Karam / Josh BrenerMay 26, 2016 · 1 hr 34 minPlaywright Stephen Karam received his first Tony nomination about an hour before sitting down with Marc to talk about his experiences in the New York theater community, the way he writes himself into all of his characters, and the shock of having his play The Humans on Broadway next to Phantom of the Opera. Plus, Marc's old "assistant" Josh Brener stops by to talk about his new movie Welcome to Happiness and the new season of Silicon Valley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 709 - Joanna NewsomMay 23, 2016 · 1 hr 21 minMarc welcomes singer-songwriter Joanna Newsom to the garage, sadly without her harp, although it probably wouldn't fit. Joanna tells Marc how her musical style evolved from composing pieces influenced by American classical music to collaborating with some of the industry's most unique producers. She also talks about the benefits of being married to someone who makes comedy for a living. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 708 - Terry Reid / Jim NortonMay 19, 2016 · 1 hr 32 minTerry Reid is one of the most talented singers and rock musicians who never had a massive break, but he doesn't seem to sweat it. Terry tells Marc great stories from throughout his expansive career in the music business, and he sets the record straight about the rumor that he turned down a spot in Led Zeppelin. Plus, Marc reaches out to his friend Jim Norton, who is having a problem connecting with people. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 707 - Natasha LeggeroMay 16, 2016 · 1 hr 18 minNatasha Leggero is ready to embark on a standup tour with her husband just in time for the premiere of her TV show's second season. Things may be going well now but, as Natasha tells Marc, it wasn't always like that. In fact, a fateful trip to Australia with a mysterious stranger altered her course, and it really could have gone either way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 706 - Sturgill Simpson / John C. ReillyMay 12, 2016 · 1 hr 33 minSturgill Simpson has all the makings of a classic country star, complete with an upbringing in coal country, a job on the railroad, and the stamp of approval by country music legends. But as Sturgill tells Marc, he's not interested in being country's savior. He just likes making music, especially for his son. Also, Marc plays a little teaser clip of his upcoming interview with John C. Reilly, in which they talk about John's crazy new futuristic movie The Lobster. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 705 - Clark Gregg / Dan PashmanMay 9, 2016 · 1 hr 32 minClark Gregg is well known in the Marvel Universe as Agent Coulson from The Avengers and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. But as Marc finds out, Clark long ago established himself as a serious actor with The Atlantic Theater Company under David Mamet's guidance. Clark talks with Marc about his thoughtful evolution as an actor, writer, and director. Also, Marc's old buddy Dan Pashman stops by for a little friendly sparring over food-related issues. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 704 - Ali WongMay 5, 2016 · 1 hr 28 minAli Wong wants you to know what "leaning in" is like for a working stand-up comic who also happens to be a new mother. Marc talks with Ali about her new life as a mom and her continuing life as a road comic who is bucking conventions on the stage and in the writers' room on the show Fresh off the Boat. Their conversation features something that has never happened on WTF. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 703 - Garry Marshall / Open Mike EagleMay 2, 2016 · 1 hr 29 minGarry Marshall went from writing jokes for comedians in a deli to creating culture-changing television shows and directing blockbuster movies. Garry takes Marc through his entire show business career, from The Tonight Show to Happy Days to Pretty Woman, right up to his latest film, Mother's Day. Also, Marc's friend Mike Eagle stops by to talk about his new album, Hella Personal Film Festival. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 702 - Rob ReinerApr 28, 2016 · 1 hr 24 minRob Reiner has been around show business his entire life, which might explain why he's excelled in so many different areas. Rob shares stories with Marc about Groucho Marx, the Smothers Brothers, All in the Family, Albert Brooks, This Is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, his dad, his mom, Jack Nicholson, Larry David, and the creation of Seinfeld, all the way up to his new film, Being Charlie, which he made with his son. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 701 - Steve-OApr 25, 2016 · 1 hr 42 minSteve-O probably could have died several times while making Jackass. But that's nothing compared to the amount of life-threatening danger he faced in real life. Now sober and full of clarity, Steve-O tells Marc talk about his lifelong quest for attention, how it led to his downfall, and how he pulled himself up by embracing his past. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 700 Part 2 - Louis CKApr 21, 2016 · 1 hr 50 minIt's a two-part 700th Episode extravaganza. First, Marc and Julia Louis-Dreyfus talk Seinfeld, SNL, Second City, Larry David, Woody Allen, Veep, being a mom, and getting older. Then for Part 2, Marc's friend Louis CK stops by to spill the beans on everything that went into making and releasing his series Horace and Pete. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 700 Part 1 - Julia Louis-DreyfusApr 21, 2016 · 1 hr 25 minIt's a two-part 700th Episode extravaganza. First, Marc and Julia Louis-Dreyfus talk Seinfeld, SNL, Second City, Larry David, Woody Allen, Veep, being a mom, and getting older. Then for Part 2, Marc's friend Louis CK stops by to spill the beans on everything that went into making and releasing his series Horace and Pete. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 699 - Susan SarandonApr 18, 2016 · 1 hr 12 minSusan Sarandon achieved tremendous success as an actor, but one career accomplishment remains elusive. She tells Marc about this major goal and why she is willing to split it with Bruce Springsteen. They also talk about her impressive filmography, her thoughts on evolving as an actor, and why Bernie Sanders restored her faith in humanity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 698 - David SimonApr 14, 2016 · 1 hr 18 minDavid Simon is the creator of arguably the greatest television show in history. He cemented his reputation as a hard-nosed, truth-seeking journalist. But when David walks into the garage, he's a lot like Marc: A guitar-loving Jewish kid who still thinks he's going to screw things up. David and Marc spend over an hour talking about The Wire, Homicide, Treme, Baltimore, newspapers, politicians, the Talmud, and the truth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 697 - Nikki GlaserApr 11, 2016 · 1 hr 24 minComedian Nikki Glaser and Marc share a bond that might be deeper than love: They share an eating disorder. Nikki and Marc talk about how they've both struggled, where they've found support, and what they needed to fix elsewhere in their lives in order to make progress. Also, Marc tries to help Nikki extricate herself from what might be an abusive relationship... with her therapist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 696 - John LurieApr 7, 2016 · 1 hr 19 minJohn Lurie has a creative fire that rages without end. But sometimes he can't avoid burning himself. John talks with Marc about his many artistic pursuits, including jazz, acting, scoring films, and painting. John also goes into detail about making his show Fishing with John, as well as smelling like fish throughout the shooting of The Last Temptation of Christ. And, oh yeah, whatever you do, don't call him ‘dude’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 695 - Sam Rockwell / Richard LinklaterApr 4, 2016 · 1 hr 27 minSam Rockwell has become such a memorable actor in films and on stage because he really likes to prepare. On the release of his latest film, Mr. Right, Sam and Marc talk about doing good work and why that sometimes means saying no to a paycheck. Also, Richard Linklater returns to talk about his new movie Everybody Wants Some!! which he was just finishing up the last time he was in the garage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 694 - Quinn CummingsMar 31, 2016 · 1 hr 16 minWriter Quinn Cummings does not let her Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress define her. After all, she was only 10 when it happened. Quinn tells Marc why she rejected acting after her early success and why she prefers to write. They also talk about homeschooling, avoiding marriage, and how Quinn became a patent-holding inventor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 693 - Ethan HawkeMar 28, 2016 · 1 hr 13 minAudiences have watched Ethan Hawke grow up on screen. But he’s also grown as a writer, a director, a stage actor, and more. Ethan talks to Marc about the challenge of playing drug-addled trumpet player Chet Baker and also tells some great stories about Boyhood, Training Day, Dead Poets Society, and that time he got put through a wall by Peter Berg. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 692 - Al LubelMar 24, 2016 · 1 hr 19 minComedian Al Lubel stopped being a lawyer in order to start doing stand-up. But he never stopped putting himself on trial. Al tells Marc how his desperate search for an identity was coupled with a never-ending barrage of crippling self-judgment, even after he won Star Search and became a favorite of late night talk show hosts and fellow comedians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Remembering Garry ShandlingMar 24, 2016 · 1 hr 12 minMarc’s conversation with Garry Shandling from May 2011. Garry passed away on March 24, 2016. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 691 - Todd RundgrenMar 21, 2016 · 1 hr 36 minIf you look at Todd Rundgren’s body of work, you might think it’s the product of a dozen different people in various fields of the music industry. But it’s just one guy. Todd talks with Marc about his many projects, including his own music and his work with The Band, Meat Loaf, XTC, and others. Plus, Todd explains how he came up with Bang the Drum All Day quite literally in his sleep. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 690 - Ryan SingerMar 17, 2016 · 1 hr 13 minFor longtime WTF listeners, comic Ryan Singer is a continuing presence throughout the history of the show. But this is the first time he goes in depth with his friend Marc, getting into Ryan’s deep-seated Catholic roots, his scuffles in the comedy world, and lots and lots about cigarettes. They probably talk too lovingly about cigarettes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 689 - Michael RapaportMar 14, 2016 · 1 hr 19 minMichael Rapaport thought he was going to be a professional basketball player. That didn’t happen, but Michael happily surprised himself with an acting career that saw him working alongside childhood heroes and legendary directors. Michael and Marc talk about all of it, even if Michael gets sidetracked thinking about sitting where the President once sat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 688 - Dweezil ZappaMar 10, 2016 · 1 hr 18 minWhen it comes to making music, high standards were set for Dweezil Zappa at a very young age. His father made more than 80 albums in his lifetime, which provided Dweezil with a lot of influences but created some roadblocks, too. Dweezil tells Marc that his own musical journey not only made him a better artist, it brought him closer to his late father. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 687 - Bonnie McFarlaneMar 7, 2016 · 1 hr 17 minComedian Bonnie McFarlane has a backstory like no other guest on WTF. That’s probably because no other guest grew up in circumstances that could be described as Canadian Little House on the Prairie. Bonnie tells Marc why she left the Great White North to get into comedy, how she met and married comedian Rich Vos, and why she still has trouble telling her neighbors what she does for a living. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 686 - Iliza ShlesingerMar 3, 2016 · 1 hr 25 minComedian Iliza Shlesinger doesn’t need to convince Marc she’s at the top of her game. He’s watched her put in the work for years, during nightly shows at The Comedy Store and on the road where she grinds it out as a touring comic. But despite Iliza’s confidence as a stand-up, she still has some horror stories about show business, particularly her ill-fated stint on The View. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 685 - Scott IanFeb 29, 2016 · 1 hr 33 minScott Ian is a founding member of Anthrax and one of the most respected metal guitarists in the world. But despite being in one of the four bands that brought thrash metal into the mainstream, Marc finds out that Scott’s musical awakening was spurred by Elton John and that he’s part of a storybook romance that wouldn’t be out of place in a pop song. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 684 - William FriedkinFeb 25, 2016 · 2 hr 28 minDirector William Friedkin is a consummate storyteller, which explains why he tells such an entertaining story of his own life, rooted in three recurring themes: faith, fate, and film. Within that story, William tells Marc about the making of The French Connection and The Exorcist, the failure and resurgence of his film Sorcerer, and his reasons for never wanting to do a second take. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 683 - Sacha Baron CohenFeb 22, 2016 · 1 hr 46 minYou know Borat. You know Bruno. You know Ali G. But you probably don’t know much about Sacha Baron Cohen. The man himself sits down with Marc in the garage to talk about what goes into bringing such rich comedic characters to life, why he was drawn to comedy in the first place, and what’s next, with his new movie The Brothers Grimsby on the horizon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 682 - Herb Alpert / Mark & Jay DuplassFeb 18, 2016 · 1 hr 37 minHerb Alpert had enormous success as a musician and recording artist before becoming a massively influential recording industry executive when he co-founded A&M Records. Herb’s talks to Marc about the past and explains why he’s still recording music, touring, and playing that famous trumpet. Also on the show, Mark and Jay Duplass stop by to talk about the new season of Togetherness on HBO. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 681 - Abbi and IlanaFeb 14, 2016 · 1 hr 22 minAbbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer got Broad City off the ground when they were fed up with not getting their shot. In that way, they have something in common with Marc and WTF. Abbi and Ilana join Marc in the garage to talk about the birth of their hit show, plus some talk about New York City, drumming, digital media stars, the UCB, and Amy Poehler. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 680 - Ben HoffmanFeb 11, 2016 · 1 hr 23 minComedian Ben Hoffman’s latest venture into country music seems inevitable. As an out-of-place Jewish kid in Kentucky, he found an escape by becoming a comedic actor and writer. But Ben tells Marc that career ups and downs, not to mention OCD and crippling anxiety, pushed him back to his good ol’ boy roots and prompted him to create Nashville sensation Wheeler Walker, Jr. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Episode 679 - Pete CorrealeFeb 8, 2016 · 1 hr 20 minPete Correale and Marc probably didn’t intend for their conversation to turn into an unabashed celebration of stand-up comedy, but that’s what happened when these two comics sat down in the garage. They take a warts-and-all look at the profession they both love, including their feelings about life on the road, grinding it out in the clubs, and watching other comedians work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Regulars
Browse comedians →