In a surprising yet heartfelt announcement, acclaimed actress, director, and comedian Kathy Burke has confirmed her departure from the widely popular podcast Where There’s A Will, There’s A Wake. The show, which gained a cult following for its humorous yet poignant discussions on mortality, will soon introduce a new host.
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A Journey Beyond Expectations
Burke initially committed to recording just 20 episodes but ended up hosting over 100, achieving millions of downloads and even headlining a sold-out live show. The podcast, which invites celebrity guests to envision their ideal funeral, resonated deeply with audiences.
The final episode featuring Kathy as host will air on Tuesday, February 18, marking the end of an era for the chart-topping show. While a new presenter is set to take over, fans are already expressing their gratitude for Burke’s unique, no-nonsense approach to the subject of death.
Kathy Burke’s Candid & Hilarious Goodbye
True to her signature style, Kathy bid farewell with a characteristically unfiltered and heartfelt message to her loyal listeners:
“So, lovely listeners, my darling deathlings. You know, I’m an old f**k now, we all know that. Anyway, the thing is, my darlings, I’ve decided I have to say goodbye to this fantastic podcast. And the reason is […] I’ve loved this job so much.”
Reflecting on her unexpected journey with the podcast, she added:
“I said to [Exec Producer] Big God Ollie when he first asked me to do the gig, ‘Look, you’ll probably get about twenty episodes out of me, and I’ve ended up doing over 100.’ Now there is proof that I have really f**king enjoyed myself.”
Why Is She Leaving?
After two years of bringing humor and wisdom to difficult conversations about death, Burke emphasized her need to explore new creative avenues:
- Desire for fresh challenges: “I’m a gypsy, darling. I’m a gypsy at heart. I need to do other things. I need to be creative and stop reading other people’s f**king memoirs.”
- Need for a break: While hinting at a possible return in the future, she acknowledged the need to step back for now.
- Gratitude to the team and listeners: “They’ve really made this a very, very special job for me. We really, really loved it. Please carry on listening because it’s a fantastic idea.”
What’s Next for Where There’s A Will, There’s A Wake?
Despite Kathy’s departure, the show is far from over. Here’s what fans can expect:
- A New Host Incoming: The next presenter will be announced soon, bringing fresh energy to the beloved format.
- Ongoing Exclusive Content: Starting Tuesday, February 25, Six Feet Under, the podcast’s subscription channel, will release special episodes, kicking off with a feature on Rylan.
- The “Purgatory Season” Launching in March: This unique season will showcase notable podcasting pairs as they humorously discuss their fictional deaths.
The show remains available across all podcast platforms, ensuring its loyal audience can continue engaging with the morbidly hilarious content.
Why Kathy Burke’s Departure Matters
Kathy Burke’s contribution to the podcasting world has been significant, turning Where There’s A Will, There’s A Wake into a space where taboo topics like death, grief, and funerals were discussed with humor and honesty. Many listeners have credited the podcast with helping them process grief and difficult conversations about mortality in a lighthearted yet meaningful way.
Her departure marks the end of a remarkable chapter, but her impact will undoubtedly be felt long after she steps away from the microphone.