WTF with Marc Maron

Named by Rolling Stone as one of 2011's ten funniest people, video and things for the year ahead, Marc Maron says all he ever wanted to be was a stand-up comic. So during a slowdown in a sometimes spotty career as a comic, actor, host of stand-up specials and other show biz pursuits, he decided he'd like talk to other stand-up comics and explore what makes them tick.

To scratch the itch, he created the podcast WTF with Marc Maron to explore "the dark side of comedy" – and it quickly became a cult favorite. To call it a hit is an understatement — the New York Times called it the must-hear podcast for comedians.

In something of a reversal from the way things are usually done — from radio to podcast — and with the endorsement of one of public radio's most popular producer/hosts, Ira Glass (This American Life), Maron's podcast has now been re-purposed as a weekly public radio show.

Maron is uniquely qualified to talk to these comedic talents as someone who is deeply in touch with the comic mind set, as well as the business of comedy. Although many of the name comics he speaks to are frequently seen and heard in other media, Maron's personal experience and knowledge means he is able to squeeze fresh, original insights out of them.

Photo credit: Dmitri von Klein