Barack Obama helps Marc Maron record a groundbreaking podcast, grappling with “how we move through the world we live in, scary as it is.”

The former president gave a new status to “WTF with Marc Maron” And for podcasting in general when he visited Maron’s garage studio in Los Angeles while he was still in office a decade ago. Obama brought the 62-year-old comedian and actor to his office in Washington for the final interview.

Obama asked the initial questions.

“How do you feel about this whole thing,” he said, “moving on, moving on from this thing that has been one of the defining parts of your career and your life?”

“I feel fine,” Maron replied. “I feel like I’m kind of ready for a break, but there’s kind of a fear there of, what do I do now? I’m busy. But, it’s no different than your job… I have a lot of people who have come to depend on me over the last 16 years.”

Maron laughed as he admitted he was comparing his radio show to the presidency.

“I think it’s very similar,” Obama said.

The identity of the guest was not revealed until the episode dropped and fans were speculating. Obama was a popular guess, both because of his connection to “WTF” and because Maron said in a July interview with Variety that Obama would be his ideal final conversation.

The host explained the decision in a brief, straightforward intro to the episode.

“It became clear that the guest we needed was unique, one who could address the importance of this being our last episode, but also address how we move through the world we live in, as scary as it is,” Maron said.

Maron asked Obama for advice about moving on from the biggest job of your life.

“You still have two chapters left,” Obama said. “Don’t rush into what’s next. Take some time. Take some satisfaction when you look back.”

After a long talk about the state of the world, Obama spoke again about the state of farewell to Maroun.

“I think we’ll be fine,” Obama said. “I think part of the reason you’ve gained such a large fan base over this 16-year period is because there’s an underlying morality in you and in the conversations you’ve had.”

Maroun avoided emotional farewell speeches during the episode, and he moved away from that on Thursday in his penultimate episode, as he spoke directly and emotionally with his listeners.

“I’m grateful to have been a part of your lives,” he said. “We’ve been through a lot of things together. A lot of breakups. Death. Cats. The world.”

Obama’s new episode is ranked No. 1,686 from the groundbreaking and influential long-form interview show that had humble beginnings in 2009 as a place where he worked out his problems with other comedians in his garage, which he called the “Cat Farm.”

Marron’s cats have always been an essential part of the show. His final words on Monday’s episode were a tribute to those who died.

“Cat angels are everywhere,” he said.

Most years the show opened with a fan-written rock ‘n’ roll song that begins with a vocal sample of Maron in his cameo role in “Almost Famous” shouting “Close the gates!” The song is named after one of Maron’s catchphrases, “Shall we do this?” Another phrase like, “Are we good?” It was often his final question to guests and is the title of a new documentary about him.

Eventually, with the help of guests like Obama, Robin Williams and Paul McCartney, “WTF” became a media institution with authors, artists, musicians, Hollywood stars and political leaders providing their backstory.

Marrone announced in June He and his long-time producing partner Brendan MacDonald decided to end the show. He said there was no specific reason other than that he was tired and completely satisfied with the work they did.

On Monday, Marrone appeared emotional as he read from a bogus legal document he had prepared for Obama to sign, which absolved McDonald “of professional responsibility to listen to my words.”