Are podcasts passé? I sort of feel like loving podcasts is a bit like loving the gramophone. Oh well. I love them. If you walk to work, podcasts are an intelligent companion. At least the ones I listen to.
Lately I’ve broadened my podcast horizons to discover some new favourites.
Here’s what I’m listening to right now:
Fresh Air.
I’ve only listened to one so far, but what won me over instantly was that it was an interview with the creators of South Park. In this very casual talk, Matt Stone and Trey Parker talk about their latest hit – the Broadway music The Book Of Mormon. I had briefly heard about that the South Park duo was up to something but after listening to this podcast filled with frank tales and musical numbers – I am doubly sold. But this interview is just the gateway to many more Fresh Air interviews. Weekly they talk to celebrities, authors and filmmakers.
Take a listen: http://www.npr.org/programs/fresh-air/
Radio Lab
Knowing how much I loved This American Life, Catherine B. turned me onto the podcast Radio Lab. She was right. In fact I can hardly listen to This American Life anymore. What makes Radio Lab so awesome is the hosts for one thing: Chad and Robert are smart, funny guys who genuinely like each other. But it’s the topics that keep me coming back for me. You see, in every episode Chad and Robert explore a different experiment involving science, philosophy and human experiences. Topics range from exploring Laughter to what happens when Dogs Gone Wild. And in each episode they interview experts to test theories and raise new questions. But the show itself is an audible experiment. They layer sounds and play with different music. You really never know what you’ll hear but it is always amazing. For example, recently in an episode titles “Flock of Two”, they told the story of a man who has extreme anger issues, but with help from his pet Sadie, an African Grey Parrot he’s working on controlling his moods. Sadie can see when her owner is getting flustered and she is able to literally talk him down. So now he carries Sadie around everywhere in a specially made birdcage backpack!
Get hooked at: http://www.radiolab.org
In The Media
One great podcast led me to another. From Radio Lab I was introduced to On The Media. The hosts are friends. Well, On The Media, is right up our industry’s alley. Here’s how they describe their show:
For one hour a week, the show tries to lift the veil from the process of “making media,” especially news media, because it’s through that lens that we literally see the world and the world sees us.
Yesterday in my walk into the office I listened to a report on Facebook and how they ultimately control the content we see. Facebook decides which friends we keep in touch with. They study our behaviour and for example, they know that women are more likely to change their profile picture once they see that a female friend has changed hers. And once a woman changes her pic, men will ultimately comment. It’s a formula that keeps people engaged.
On The Media keeps me informed and entertained. I highly recommend it.
Tune in: http://www.onthemedia.org
So tell me, do you have a favourite podcast? Please share.
Daryl says:
Dean says:
Adam says:
Parmjeet says: