Marc Maron’s Podcast Legacy and Alternatives for Fans
In June 2025, Marc Maron made the heartfelt decision to conclude his iconic interview podcast WTF With Marc Maron, wrapping up after an impressive 16 years and roughly 1,600 episodes. Over the years, the podcast became renowned for Maron’s exceptional ability to engage high-profile personalities, ranging from former President Barack Obama to the beloved Robin Williams, encouraging them to share deeply personal stories. Its absence will be strongly felt by fans.
Although WTF is irreplaceable, devoted listeners need not despair. To help bridge the gap, here are 12 alternative podcasts that offer similarly candid conversations with celebrities.
The Blindboy Podcast
For those yearning for interviews that unfold in a cozy, late-night pub atmosphere, The Blindboy Podcast is the perfect choice. The host blends surreal humor with heartfelt curiosity, guiding guests into genuine, often therapeutic discussions. Although not every episode features an interview, each one is infused with moments that reflect academic insights, philosophical musings, and emotional depth. Blindboy connects with his guests in an extraordinarily unique manner, clearly selecting people he is genuinely interested in engaging with.
Kelly Corrigan Wonders
Listening to Kelly Corrigan Wonders is akin to conversing with your most insightful and humorous friend. Each episode combines curiosity with vulnerability, producing an authentic atmosphere akin to eavesdropping on a meaningful discussion. These dialogues resemble therapeutic sessions, focusing on deeper inquiries that transcend simple media sound bites. Kelly bravely tackles weighty subjects—like loss and aging—while making listeners feel seen and understood.
Death, Sex & Money
Launched in 2017, Death, Sex & Money was created by Anna Sale to confront the most intriguing aspects of human existence that other shows tend to avoid. The series delves into subjects including death, sex, and money, often featuring real-life stories that resonate deeply. Encouraging her guests to discuss these taboo topics, Anna presents a gentle yet direct atmosphere, allowing for honest exploration of the issues typically deemed unsuitable for conversation.
How to Fail
Exploring one’s failures can foster unexpected connections. In each episode of How To Fail, journalist Elizabeth Day guides her guests to discuss three personal failures, transforming them into narratives of growth and resilience. The engaging chemistry she builds with her guests, including personalities like Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Brené Brown, focuses on reframing mistakes as vital learning experiences rather than pitfalls.
I Feel That Way Too
Renowned author Michelle MiJung Kim strives to make individuals feel acknowledged through her podcast I Feel That Way Too. This series tackles big, often unvoiced questions such as relationships and societal expectations from her unique perspective as a queer Korean American woman, offering a blend of radical vulnerability and insightful commentary.
Good Hang With Amy Poehler
The podcast Good Hang strays from the depth of traditional interviews, offering a fun and light-hearted alternative. Amy Poehler’s openhearted conversations with her guests feel refreshing and relatable, resembling those late-night chats that leave listeners laughing while also connecting to deeper emotional truths. It’s a must-listen for anyone who enjoys a blend of humor and honesty.
Blocks
If you’re seeking conversations that delve deeper than the usual promotional patter, Neal Brennan’s Blocks delivers that in spades. More than just comedy, it offers unusually candid discussions as guests confront emotional barriers—such as shame and addiction—creating an atmosphere reminiscent of therapy rather than a conventional interview.
Therapy for Black Girls
On Therapy for Black Girls, licensed psychologist Dr. Joy Harden Bradford addresses mental health and personal growth issues specifically through the lens of women of color. The topics explored range from friendship and work-life balance to emotional challenges, making mental health discussions relatable and insightful.
Where Should We Begin?
In Where Should We Begin?, renowned psychotherapist Esther Perel invites listeners into her counseling sessions, allowing them to witness the dynamic and often raw dialogue between couples. Her insights on love, infidelity, and personal growth offer both philosophical and directive advice, providing a unique perspective on relationship counseling.
On Being
For those in search of comforting dialogues that inspire introspection, On Being embodies that calm. Krista Tippett encourages her guests to explore profound existential questions concerning faith, love, and life’s complexities, creating an atmosphere that invites deep reflection.
Talk Easy
In Talk Easy, Sam Fragoso presents engaging long-form dialogues that encourage listeners to explore the intricacies of their guest’s lives. By focusing on artists, activists, and politicians, Sam crafts an experience filled with empathy and curiosity, allowing for rich narratives to unfold.
From Now On
Hosted by former model and talent scout Lisa Phillips, From Now On delves into stories ranging from trauma to resilience. Despite the heavy topics discussed, Lisa’s empathetic storytelling creates a meaningful platform for survivors, generating real-world change through the shared experiences of her guests.
