"Life is Great!", says Marcus Parks
Over the past decade, Marcus Parks has become something of a modern storytelling fixture, best known as the co-host, head researcher, and producer of the wildly popular
Last Podcast on the Left (LPOTL). Even as the true-crime and paranormal-comedy series continues to dominate the podcast charts, Parks remains anything but static. In 2024, he’s juggling multiple projects, refining his craft, and finding new ways to bring thoughtful, meticulously researched content to fans around the globe.
Deep-Diving Into Dark Histories
First and foremost, Parks has continued to serve as the steady intellectual backbone of the flagship show, LPOTL, alongside co-hosts Henry Zebrowski and Ben Kissel. Each week, Parks meticulously combs through archival materials, out-of-print books, obscure interviews, and academic articles to bring fresh insights to episodes covering everything from serial killers to occult legends, conspiracy theories, and tragic cult histories. The hallmark of his contribution—an emphasis on accurate, evidence-backed storytelling—remains unchanged, ensuring that LPOTL stays both accessible and respectful, even while tackling humanity’s darkest corners.
Building the Last Podcast Network Empire
Beyond LPOTL, Parks helps guide the creative direction of the Last Podcast Network (LPN). The network, which began humbly as a few friends riffing on niche interests, has expanded into a robust roster of shows. This year, Parks has taken an increasingly active role behind the scenes. He’s working with new hosts and producers, helping fine-tune concepts, and encouraging a research-first approach that has come to define many LPN productions. While Parks maintains a public persona rooted in curiosity and genial enthusiasm, his organizational acumen off-mic is a key factor in LPN’s enduring success.
No Dogs in Space: Continuing the Musical Journey
In addition to true crime and supernatural lore, Parks’s passion for historical deep-dives extends into the realm of music with No Dogs in Space, the podcast he co-hosts with his wife, Carolina Hidalgo. After previously exploring legendary punk and post-punk bands, the pair has broadened their scope in 2024, delving into influential musical subcultures that have shaped generations. Recently released episodes highlight everything from experimental German rock scenes to proto-goth pioneers, each season meticulously charting the origins and evolution of groundbreaking sounds. Parks applies the same careful research methodologies he’s famous for on LPOTL, but here he flexes a more personal enthusiasm—one that embraces melody, rhythm, and the cultural contexts in which these sounds thrive.
Taking the Show on the Road—With Purpose
Live shows have long been a mainstay for Parks and the LPOTL crew, and 2024 has been no different. After pandemic-related disruptions in previous years, the team returned to the stage across major cities in North America, and even ventured into select international markets. However, Parks has taken an interest in refining these live performances, ensuring they strike a balance between humor and factual integrity. The result is a polished, interactive event that captures the frenetic energy of their podcast recordings while allowing Parks to connect directly with fans, answer questions, and delve deeper into the show’s research process.
Expanding Into Written Works and Collaborations
Those who enjoyed the team’s 2020 release, “The Last Book on the Left,” continue to speculate about potential follow-ups. While Parks has remained tight-lipped on specific projects, industry insiders suggest that he’s been quietly outlining new written material, likely bringing the same analytical rigor to print as he does to the mic. Additionally, collaborations with established historians, cultural critics, and subject-matter experts have begun surfacing on various LPN shows, hinting that Parks is embracing a more interdisciplinary approach. Though no formal announcements have been made, fans are keenly watching for news of additional books, mini-doc series, or special guest-driven podcast episodes.
Balancing Wellness and Creativity
Throughout his career, Parks has been open about the importance of mental health and work-life balance. In 2024, he’s made a point of discussing self-care on social media and during fan Q&A sessions, offering insight into the routines and hobbies that keep him inspired—and sane—amid the often grim subjects he covers. Whether it’s recommending lesser-known history books, praising beloved horror comics, or championing local music scenes, Parks offers a glimpse into the broad range of interests that fuel his creativity while reminding listeners that knowledge, empathy, and laughter are his best tools for navigating the world’s darkest stories.
Looking Ahead
As the year nears its close, Marcus Parks remains a dynamic figure in the podcasting landscape. Unwavering in his commitment to thorough research, he continues to refine the art of blending humor with historical fact, challenging listeners to think critically while staying entertained. With rumors of new spinoff series and the possibility of another written work on the horizon, it’s safe to say that whatever Parks does next will be marked by the curiosity, diligence, and humanity that have defined his career so far.