WTF with Marc Maron Podcast Episode 1683 - Mark Flanagan
Oct 2, 2025
Mark Flanagan, owner and programmer of LA's Largo, shares his journey from Belfast to Los Angeles. He discusses his family's escape from The Troubles, his early obsession with music, and how he transformed Largo into a renowned hub for comedy and music. Flanagan reveals behind-the-scenes stories about iconic guests like Bowie and Elliott Smith, his clashes with partners over the venue's direction, and how Largo cultivated the alt-comedy scene. He also reflects on the challenges brought by COVID and the importance of community in the entertainment industry.
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Childhood In Belfast During The Troubles
- Mark Flanagan grew up in Belfast during The Troubles and left at age 12 after violent incidents and kidnappings affected his family.
- These early traumas shaped his perspective on conflict, survival, and emigration to safer places.
Father's Kidnapping Prompted Emigration
- Mark recounts his father being kidnapped after picking up a hitchhiker and held in a car trunk for two days.
- That kidnapping prompted his mother to decide the family had to leave Northern Ireland for safety.
How Mark Took Over Largo
- Mark moved to Los Angeles in the early 1990s chasing music and ended up running and eventually owning Largo.
- He initially booked music, invested in the venue license, and later took full ownership in 1996 after legal troubles with a partner.