While Marc Maron is known for his comedy and his podcasts, his art is conversation.

Marc Maron is a standup comedian, master podcaster, writer, actor and musician. There is one thing, however, he is not.

“I’m a conversationalist, not an interviewer,” Maron says. “I never prepare a list of questions to ask my guests. In fact, I really don’t do much prep at all. I just look for a way to kind of zone in on some way that will result in an intimate conversation. I try to make an audio portrait of somebody.”

What began as a career in standup has now morphed into one of the most successful podcasts in history. Yet Maron eschews the label that he is the king of the medium.

“I was there at the very beginning is all,” he explains. “It was pretty good cosmic timing that helped put podcasting on the map. None of us, myself included, anticipated this level of success. It was a complete surprise.”

Maron also rejects the notion that his is a mental health podcast, in spite of him often exploring his own senses of angst, anger and even personal terror. He speaks of a fractured childhood and believes that people were simply able to relate.

“Early on, Robin Williams and some other big stars came on and were being open like never before,” Maron says. “It was and is still just about having intimate, candid conversations about artists and stars and their processes – mentally, emotionally and artistically.”

Maron was a comedy fan as a youngster. He credits the work of the late Sam Kinison with helping solidify his approach.

“However wrong-minded Sam was in some ways, in other ways he helped me learn about performing comedy outside the standard envelope,” Maron says. “There was something about his delivery way beyond all the screaming. He had a preacher-like intensity that I liked a lot. He had a special kind of darkness.”

Maron learned how to do live radio during a stint at Air America. The podcast was born when he was fired – he and his producer hijacked the studio for an after-hours talk show.

Yet through it all, doing standup comedy never stopped.

“People’s ideas about standup are too narrow,” Maron says. “The only responsibility there is to get laughs, however you can do it. I dare you to tell me I’m not still a standup comedian.”

MARC MARON 8pm Saturday Feb. 1. Golden State Theatre, 417 Alvarado St., Monterey. $43-$88. 649‑1070, goldenstatetheatre.com.