WTF with Marc Maron – Episode 1681: Jimmy Pardo

Release Date: September 25, 2025
Guest: Jimmy Pardo

Episode Overview

In this reflective, intimate episode, Marc Maron sits down with comedy veteran and podcasting pioneer Jimmy Pardo for a deep discussion about their parallel journeys in comedy and podcasting. As Marc approaches the "home stretch" of WTF, he honors Jimmy as one of the original comedians to embrace podcasting, noting Pardo’s influence on the medium as host of Never Not Funny since 2006. Together, they reminisce about early days, debate the evolution of podcasting, address sustaining creativity, and open up about aging, family, and the bittersweet nature of recognition and legacy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Podcasting Origins & Community

• Mutual Recognition: Marc credits Jimmy for helping lay the groundwork for comedy-driven podcasts.

  “You were already dug in and doing it and an inspiration, and you kind of had a ... you set a precedent” — Marc (20:34)

• The early podcast landscape included a small core: Jimmy Pardo, Marc, Jimmy Dore, Todd Glass, Doug Benson, Kevin Smith, and others.
• Early podcasting was full of trial and error: monetization models, backstage traditions, and building a DIY audience.

Timestamps

• [16:46] Marc introduces Jimmy, reflecting on their long history together.
• [20:34-24:00] Discussion of the early podcasting landscape and mutual influence.

2. The Paywall Dilemma & Audience Growth

• Jimmy’s paywall gamble:

  "One could argue it was the greatest thing we ever did. And one could argue it was the worst thing we ever did." — Jimmy (24:07)

• Initially, charging for Never Not Funny meant immediate income but also contributed to being excluded from the "comedy podcast boom" press and left him feeling isolated from the mainstream audience growth.
• Marc recounts feeling left behind and experiencing professional jealousy, despite financial success.

Timestamps

• [24:00-27:57] The pros and cons of the paywall decision, feelings of isolation, and professional jealousy.

3. Recognition, Validation & Resilience in Comedy

• Both Maron and Pardo reflect on needing validation—even amid success.

  "I want the pat on the head. That's the truth." — Jimmy (28:41)
  "I'm flattered that you always mention me as an inspiration." — Jimmy (28:46)

• They share bittersweet stories about never feeling quite 'big enough', comparing themselves to podcasting celebrities, and coping with award shows and public credit (or lack thereof).

Timestamps

• [28:41-31:00] On seeking validation and the psychological toll of comedy careers.

4. Aging, Family, and Comedy Legacies

• Jimmy brings up his son Oliver’s entry into stand-up, highlighting the challenges and emotional vulnerability of comedy as a family occupation.
• Both discuss the strangeness and loneliness of becoming "empty nesters," the passing of time, and the deeper emotional resonances of old friendships in the comedy world.

Timestamps

• [29:10-33:26] Talking about Jimmy’s son, empty nesting, and the passage of time.

5. Classic Rock, Music Obsessions, and Tastes

• A lengthy, affectionate digression into their favorite rock bands (Styx, Chicago, Foreigner, etc.), the joy and danger of seeing legacy bands age, and the impact of classic rock on their psyches.

  "I believe I was gaslit by classic rock. A little bit." — Jimmy (39:35)

• They joke about the perils of seeing beloved bands perform past their prime and reminisce about their youthful music fandom.

Timestamps

• [33:26-41:00] Music fandom, aging with bands, and pop culture references.

6. Comedy Styles, Crowd Work, and Industry Trends

• Both express nuanced frustration with the current dominance of algorithm-driven, crowd work clips in comedy.

  "I am currently furious at everybody putting clips of, 'here's my crowd work from this set.' ... This is what made me and Todd Barry special." — Jimmy (49:29)

• Analyze how new technology changes the art form and what is lost or gained as stand-up adapts to TikTok and social media.

Timestamps

• [47:01-51:11] The “crowd work boom,” artistic integrity, and the erosion of uniqueness in the digital age.

7. Podcast Evolution: From Underground to Mainstream

• Memories of the "patent troll" crisis, the sense of camaraderie in fighting off legal threats to podcasting’s viability (“like a meeting of the five families”).

  “It really felt like a community… we had to have each other's backs. …It was like an amazing time.” — Marc (65:10)

• Debate whether podcasting should ever become a corporate enterprise, lamenting the loss of its ‘outlaw’ spirit.

Timestamps

• [63:14-68:15] Community in crisis: patent trolls, advertising, and the business shift.

8. Dealing with Audience Decline and Speaking Political Truths

• Maron openly discusses losing a large chunk of his audience in 2016 after taking a strong anti-Trump, pro-Hillary political stance—and having no regrets:

  “Good. You know, take the others with you.” — Marc (58:53)

• Emphasis that, for both, podcasting has become about speaking honestly, regardless of fallout.

Timestamps

• [58:01-59:45] The cost of authenticity and politics in podcasts.

9. Sustaining Creativity Through Podcasting

• Despite the fatigue after years of podcasting, both men see it as their creative refuge and lifeline.

  “It's my outlet to be funny. It's my outlet to be creative.” — Jimmy (62:38)

Timestamps

• [60:05-62:38] Podcasting as ongoing creative sustenance.

10. Legacy, Gratitude, and Letting Go of Resentment

• Reflecting on legacies, their influence, and resisting bitterness towards newer, bigger shows (“SmartLess” and the Hollywood Bowl set).

  “I'm not competing with them… I like to think that I'm interesting and funny, and I would like more people to hear it.” — Jimmy (71:50)

Timestamps

• [71:28-73:40] Letting go of bitterness and cultivating gratitude.

Memorable Quotes

• On the origins of comedy podcasting:

  “I always have to qualify that by saying there were other podcasters years before us. ...I'm talking about the community I came up with.” — Marc (00:09)

• On legacy and recognition:

  "Where's my big award? Where’s my statue?” — Jimmy (74:04)

• On aging in the creative world:

  “It's very sweet to get to a certain age with your life committed to one thing and realize there are people who knew you at the beginning.” — Marc (00:09)

• On early podcasting innovation:

  “Jimmy Pardo was the first person with a name that you knew who was doing a podcast.” — Marc, citing Todd Glass (22:55)

• On changing industry dynamics:

  “Once you’re starting to get notes and stuff, like you’re doing a TV show for NBC, that’s not podcasting to me.” — Jimmy (68:22)

• On artistic frustration:

  “If we're not getting the validation… I want the pat on the head. That's the truth.” — Jimmy (28:41)

• On outlook despite competition:

  “Am I a little jealous that SmartLess could do the Hollywood Bowl? Of course. But I also am not competing with them.” — Jimmy (71:44)

• On their camaraderie:

  “I do feel we are kindred spirits at the beginning of something that got away from us.” — Jimmy (77:18)

Notable Lighter Moments

• Classic Rock Trivia (30:31): Friendly one-upmanship about concerts, band trivia, and the number of times Jimmy has seen Chicago (112 times!).
• Aging Comic Problems (41:49): Jimmy recounts napping backstage at Largo and worrying about being upstaged by younger comedians.
• Ad-Read Antics (66:56): Both laugh about ads for squatty potties, Tushy bidets, and Sherry’s Berries.

Final Reflections

The episode closes with heartfelt mutual appreciation. Both hosts acknowledge the blessing and the burden of longevity in their field, sharing affection and gratitude for each other's impact on podcasting and comedy. In the end, they accept that—while their influence will never touch everyone—they have meaningfully shaped a medium and inspired the comedians who followed.

Listen to Never Not Funny with Jimmy Pardo

See Marc’s tour dates, archival episodes, and more at wtfpod.com

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