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WTF


Anyone who's dipped their toe into exploring podcasts knows about "WTF with Marc Maron." Marc Maron is a mid-level comedian who started a podcast interviewing people. He was one of the first to explore this medium, and he has taken advantage of what you can do. He conducts long-form (about an hour) interviews with celebrities that are generally without much direction. WTF is on a lot of best-of lists, so it is worth some exploration, if you're into podcasts.

There are things to like about the podcast. He gets some great people and, because of the lack of structure, the interviews sometimes have some surprising insights. But I have a number of issues with the podcast. First of all, Marc Maron is exhaustingly up his own ass. He constantly brings the conversation back to himself, over and over and over. he has three main topics: 1) "I am SO very damaged. So damaged. So very damaged." 2) "I am an awesome comedian who was never appreciated in my time" (subcategory: "Why was I never chosen to be in the SNL cast?") 3) "I am an awesome guitar player and am the one true fan of music."

I've gotten to the point where I can't listen to the opening monologue. I just forward through that. I don't need his view of the world and how it screws him over. I got it many many episodes ago. I'm usually far behind on my podcast listening anyway, so I have no problem saving that time.

I also can't listen to certain interviews of his. If he interviews fellow comedians, it's all "Remember the time -- ha haha -- private joke!" and/or "Here's the ax I have to grind." God forbid they were on SNL. Then it becomes "why you and not me!?"

When he interviews musicians (especially older ones), it's all about trying to impress them. "Look at my cool guitar collection! I'm going to mention a deep cut on one of your lesser-known albums: aren't I the best?" I skip most of these.

So, why do I still listen? Because he does get to some gems now and again. When he relaxes and just has a conversation with someone, he can get some really good stuff. It's like going to lunch with a colleague you don't know very well. Sometimes you end up talking about things you never knew about that person. Those are the interviews I want. Let the guest tell their story. And because there are stories, I will continue to listen.
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