Jon Stewart gave his first interview since announcing he will be leaving “The Daily Show” on the “Employee of the Month” podcast on Thursday.

Stewart, who has anchored the satirical news program since 1999, shocked fans last week when he announced he will not renew his contract and will exit the show later this year.

Also Read: Jon Stewart’s ‘Daily Show’ Replacement? 13 Funny, Topical and Talented Picks (Photos)

During his interview on Catie Lazarus’ podcast, Stewart made clear that his move is not a retirement, but rather he needs “more flexibility.”

“I’ve got maybe four or five more years with the kids before they really don’t want anything to do with me. I’m just not there…But believe me, I feel like I’m going to work even more, I’ll just be able to do it more near to them…. I’d love to do more stand-up.”

Also Read: Fox News Analyst Praises ‘Comic Genius’ Jon Stewart: Going on Daily Show ‘Unlike Anything I Do at Fox’

He went on to say that he is excited to see what the next host will bring to the show. “”You can only go so far with four facial expressions and five-to-seven curse words. There are so many iterations of that, that you can do, before people just go hmm. I would love to see the next iteration of that.”

Though Stewart did not say whom he would like to replace him, he lauded the work the “Daily Show” staff has done over the years.

Also Read: John Oliver Wants Jon Stewart Hologram to Take Over ‘Daily Show’ (Video)

“”The thing I’ll miss the most is the thoughtful conversation in the morning that turns into a rewrite dance party. Like, the Charlie Hebdo events: We’re all bereft…and then finding something by 4:30 or 5:00 in that rewrite room that still gives us that stupid, childlike jolt of joy. The actual being on TV part, the actual has become sort of peripheral to the experience of making it. And I’ll miss the experience of making it much more than the experience of presenting it.”

Stewart has not officially announced when his last episode of “The Daily Show” will be as of yet.

Jon Stewart's 'Daily Show' Replacement? 13 Funny, Topical and Talented Picks (Photos)

JASON JONES
The "Daily Show" correspondent has proven to be a standout cast member and perhaps a talent worthy of manning the desk -- though his TBS pilot with wife and "Daily Show" colleague Samantha Bee could keep him too busy for the gig.
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JEFFREY ROSS
Dubbed Comedy Central's Roastmaster General, Jeffrey Ross is one of the wittiest stand-up comedians around. He's best known for his stinging insults, but the 49-year-old is intelligent enough to dish on a daily dose of news.
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KRISTEN SCHAAL
Often Billed "The Daily Show's" Senior Women's Issues Correspondent, Schaal has been contributing to Comedy Central's flagship satirical news program since 2008.
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AZIZ ANSARI
He's young, charming and has a huge following. Comedy Central has aired several of his stand-up specials, but would they give the "Parks and Recreation" star a chance behind the anchor desk?
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JOHN MULANEY
The "Saturday Night Live" veteran is a prolific stand-up comedian as well as the star and creator of his own Fox sitcom, appropriately titled "Mulaney."
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LEWIS BLACK
The veteran standup has been delivering his own uniquely aggressive brand of news on "The Daily Show" for even longer than Stewart. His bold, abrasive recurring segment "Back in Black" originated in 1996 when Craig Kilborn hosted the program.
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JOEL MCHALE
McHale has been "The Soup's" hilarious host since 2004, so he certainly has the chops for a satirical series. But his E! show airs weekly, making "The Daily Show" a decidedly more demanding commitment for the busy actor, who also stars on "Community."
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CRAIG KILBORN
Craig Kilborn hosted "The Daily Show's" first three years before Jon Stewart was even a twinkle in Comedy Central's eye -- who's to say he couldn't retake the reins? Sadly, sources tell TheWrap it's not in the cards.
Comedy Central
PAUL F. TOMPKINS
Could Tompkins be "The Daily Show's" first ever mustachioed news anchor? His resume includes topical comedy shows like "Real Time With Bill Maher," "Best Week Ever" and "Comedy Bang! Bang!" and he also has his own critically adored podcast, "The Pod F. Tompkast."
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DANIEL TOSH
Between "Tosh.0" and "Brickleberry," it's clear Comedy Central and Daniel Tosh have a good working relationship. But is the controversial comedian up to tackling daily news?
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CHELSEA HANDLER
The late night landscape is pretty devoid of a female presence right now, but maybe Comedy Central will take a close look at Handler, who finished her run on E!'s "Chelsea Lately" in August.
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CRAIG FERGUSON
Craig Ferguson ended his nine-year run behind the desk at CBS's "Late Late Show" in December, so there's a good chance he's available. But is he willing to step back into the treacherous waters of late night so soon?
CBS
BRIAN WILLIAMS
Why not Williams? The NBC News anchor was suspended for six months just minutes after Stewart dropped the bomb. Maybe he wants to try satire?
NBC

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Following the Comedy Central host’s announced departure on Tuesday’s episode, TheWrap offers up its recommendations to fill the satirist’s seat

JASON JONES
The "Daily Show" correspondent has proven to be a standout cast member and perhaps a talent worthy of manning the desk -- though his TBS pilot with wife and "Daily Show" colleague Samantha Bee could keep him too busy for the gig.

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