"one of the best interviews you’ll ever hear, providing genuine insight"
December 15, 2014 8:06 PM Subscribe
Slate's "25 Best Podcast Episodes Ever" Podcasts are nothing new to the Blue, and roundup lists are a dime a dozen towards the end of the year, but it's always interesting to listen to a curated list of favorites. Most of the episodes they chose are from the last 5 years, featuring an eclectic mix of stories about love, popular culture, personal success, and public failure; there are deconstructions of the what seems mundane at first glance, and tragedy that is difficult to process.
Here is AskMe's take on this same question.
posted by sparklemotion at 8:29 PM on December 15, 2014 [5 favorites]
posted by sparklemotion at 8:29 PM on December 15, 2014 [5 favorites]
The Walt Whitman episode of the Dead Authors Podcast is genuinely one of the funniest things I listened to this year. I generally listen to podcasts while brushing my teeth and getting ready for bed, and that was a mistake in this case, because I did a literal spit take and ended up practically prostrate with laughter in the bathroom. Absolutely deserving of its place on this list.
posted by yasaman at 8:32 PM on December 15, 2014 [4 favorites]
posted by yasaman at 8:32 PM on December 15, 2014 [4 favorites]
Some missing funny favorites (a few of which I have mentioned before). All links go directly to episodes:
The Travel Bug with August Lindt from the Andy Daly Pilot Project Podcast is the funniest thing that has ever been.
Sleepaway Camp from How Did This Get Made? is funny if you like making fun of bad movies.
Best of episodes of Superego, Improv for Humans, and Nerd Poker (for D&D)
Also, check out the Onion's Podmass for a list of good podcasts.
posted by blahblahblah at 8:34 PM on December 15, 2014 [4 favorites]
The Travel Bug with August Lindt from the Andy Daly Pilot Project Podcast is the funniest thing that has ever been.
Sleepaway Camp from How Did This Get Made? is funny if you like making fun of bad movies.
Best of episodes of Superego, Improv for Humans, and Nerd Poker (for D&D)
Also, check out the Onion's Podmass for a list of good podcasts.
posted by blahblahblah at 8:34 PM on December 15, 2014 [4 favorites]
Marc Maron’s two-hour-plus conversation with Louis C.K. is one of the best interviews you’ll ever hear, providing genuine insight into the mind and career of one of the world’s great comics
And there's a lot of stuff about Louis C.K., too.
posted by escabeche at 8:47 PM on December 15, 2014 [16 favorites]
And there's a lot of stuff about Louis C.K., too.
posted by escabeche at 8:47 PM on December 15, 2014 [16 favorites]
Recently, I've been listening through the Thrilling Adventure Hour, and it's thoroughly enjoyable. Doesn't take itself too seriously, but typically avoids becoming indulgent.
Unlike, say, WTF, which I've never understood the point of. It's, um.. a comedy podcast without jokes that talks a lot about itself? I don't get it.
Oh, and I've been listening to TAH from Recent to Oldest, which is probably breaking some sort of cardinal rule.
I'm fine with it.
It's like a very silly space-western-radio-drama remake of Memento.
posted by schmod at 8:53 PM on December 15, 2014 [1 favorite]
Unlike, say, WTF, which I've never understood the point of. It's, um.. a comedy podcast without jokes that talks a lot about itself? I don't get it.
Oh, and I've been listening to TAH from Recent to Oldest, which is probably breaking some sort of cardinal rule.
I'm fine with it.
It's like a very silly space-western-radio-drama remake of Memento.
posted by schmod at 8:53 PM on December 15, 2014 [1 favorite]
Roderick on the Line is not on this list, therefore this list is invalid.
posted by entropicamericana at 9:07 PM on December 15, 2014 [4 favorites]
posted by entropicamericana at 9:07 PM on December 15, 2014 [4 favorites]
Time Bobby over Farts & Procreation? Meh fuck off slate.
posted by mullacc at 9:17 PM on December 15, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by mullacc at 9:17 PM on December 15, 2014 [2 favorites]
Without War Rocket Ajax Christmas episodes this list is worthless!
(List is probably not worthless, will probably listen to a few of these)
(But come on.)
posted by Artw at 9:21 PM on December 15, 2014
(List is probably not worthless, will probably listen to a few of these)
(But come on.)
posted by Artw at 9:21 PM on December 15, 2014
I am against Thrilling Adventure Hour on account of it being overmentioned on things, which is a silly reason to dislike anything, but still.
posted by Artw at 9:22 PM on December 15, 2014 [3 favorites]
posted by Artw at 9:22 PM on December 15, 2014 [3 favorites]
Always surprised not to see more love for Getting Along with James Urbaniak, which is consistently surprising, hilarious, powerful, and easily the best fictional podcast I know. I guess because it's so infrequently released? There's plenty of backlog for new listeners though.
The episodes are psuedo-biographical stand-alone short stories where James Urbaniak plays "James Urbaniak", so you can really pick it up anywhere because there's zero continuity. Episode 1 sets the tone pretty nicely, but my favorite is probably "The Visitors." Though I had a lot of fun with the sci-fi episode.
posted by Solon and Thanks at 9:46 PM on December 15, 2014 [4 favorites]
The episodes are psuedo-biographical stand-alone short stories where James Urbaniak plays "James Urbaniak", so you can really pick it up anywhere because there's zero continuity. Episode 1 sets the tone pretty nicely, but my favorite is probably "The Visitors." Though I had a lot of fun with the sci-fi episode.
posted by Solon and Thanks at 9:46 PM on December 15, 2014 [4 favorites]
I'm glad The Read made it! Kid Fury and Crissle are great.
posted by SarahElizaP at 10:02 PM on December 15, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by SarahElizaP at 10:02 PM on December 15, 2014 [2 favorites]
Ghosts of the fucking Ostfront.
I dont disturb easily, but damn if i won't end up having fever dreams about the things Carlin talked about in that one while on my deathbed.
posted by Senor Cardgage at 10:30 PM on December 15, 2014 [10 favorites]
I dont disturb easily, but damn if i won't end up having fever dreams about the things Carlin talked about in that one while on my deathbed.
posted by Senor Cardgage at 10:30 PM on December 15, 2014 [10 favorites]
No Bugle?! This list is going straight in the bin. I am definitely not gifting Slate a Bugle Christmas Sweater.
posted by qxntpqbbbqxl at 10:33 PM on December 15, 2014 [9 favorites]
posted by qxntpqbbbqxl at 10:33 PM on December 15, 2014 [9 favorites]
The episode of The Bugle where Andy gets out the Pun Bell was robbed.
posted by JHarris at 10:41 PM on December 15, 2014 [8 favorites]
posted by JHarris at 10:41 PM on December 15, 2014 [8 favorites]
Neither the SF Squeecast nor Isometric made it on the list - and any Podcast thing that doesn't at least acknowledge the genius that is Rachel and Miles X-Plain the X-Men has something to answer for. Not to mention ignoring the glory that is Tea and Jeopardy.
But they have the Read, so I can forgive them. Maybe.
posted by Deoridhe at 11:08 PM on December 15, 2014
But they have the Read, so I can forgive them. Maybe.
posted by Deoridhe at 11:08 PM on December 15, 2014
The episode of The Bugle where Andy gets out the Pun Bell was robbed.
Isn't that every other episode?
Also, they are wrong about The Pilot being the best Night Vale. ALL HAIL THE GLOW CLOUD.
posted by Katemonkey at 12:32 AM on December 16, 2014
Isn't that every other episode?
Also, they are wrong about The Pilot being the best Night Vale. ALL HAIL THE GLOW CLOUD.
posted by Katemonkey at 12:32 AM on December 16, 2014
Why is podcasting so male dominated?
I have very mixed feelings about Serial, but one thing that delighted me was that it was female fronted; I don't think I have a single other podcast in my regular list that is routinely presented/written by a woman.
(scratch that: the guardian books podcast usually has a female presenter, so there's one).
I love TAL and RadioLab and all those others, but one really productive thing I did in 2014 was weed out the other forms of media that rarely feature women's voices - any all-male comedy shows disappeared, politics shows that routinely had all-male panels, and so on. It cut out a great deal of my usual radio and tv input, and made me seek out new voices. It did not feel like much of a loss, tbh; but I still cling to the podcasts, and will be sorry to see them go.
posted by AFII at 1:28 AM on December 16, 2014 [8 favorites]
I have very mixed feelings about Serial, but one thing that delighted me was that it was female fronted; I don't think I have a single other podcast in my regular list that is routinely presented/written by a woman.
(scratch that: the guardian books podcast usually has a female presenter, so there's one).
I love TAL and RadioLab and all those others, but one really productive thing I did in 2014 was weed out the other forms of media that rarely feature women's voices - any all-male comedy shows disappeared, politics shows that routinely had all-male panels, and so on. It cut out a great deal of my usual radio and tv input, and made me seek out new voices. It did not feel like much of a loss, tbh; but I still cling to the podcasts, and will be sorry to see them go.
posted by AFII at 1:28 AM on December 16, 2014 [8 favorites]
AFII, have you listened to Julie Klausner? Her intros are sometimes too long, rambling, and discursive, at least until you get used to her, but she is a fabulous interviewer and has an interesting and unusual assortment of guests. I'm surprised her interview of Joan Rivers isn't on this list.
posted by apricot at 2:20 AM on December 16, 2014 [3 favorites]
posted by apricot at 2:20 AM on December 16, 2014 [3 favorites]
I'm a heavy podcast listener and not a single one of my favorite podcasts was there (though Serial may end up on that list) but it did have a lot of podcasts which I listen to an occasional episode of, or listened to ten or fifteen episodes of before I started to get very diminishing returns.
Apart from anything else, not having The Bugle on there is a travesty (I'd go for the Bin Laden fuckeulogy episode, the phone hacking episodes or the one after Andy's son was born) if only given that Last Week grows very clearly out of it.
And if they're putting NPR shows on there, then the BBC should be there as well. Kermode and Mayo's film review program got me into podcast listening in the first place and it's still very entertaining and informative. In Our Time is also a brilliant podcast.
The Guardian's book podcast, as mentioned above, is very good. Clare Armitstead is a very fine presenter, though I miss Sarah Clarke. What makes it brilliant is how all-over-the-place it is, from focused topic episodes to interviews to short stories to last-week-in-literature. If I had to pick one episode, it would be the one about minority languages. The Guardian has a host of good podcasts, though the only other one is Football Weekly, which pretty much invented the football podcast format and is still the best.
But on the topic of literature, Three Percent is uneven, but at its best there's no finer podcast on world literature. I've pointed many friends towards their episode on difficulty as a quality of literature.
And I'm baffled that a list so heavily skewing towards interviews doesn't include The JV Club. Janet Varney is my favorite podcast interviewer out there. I do go through phases with her show, sometimes binge listening and at other times not listening for months, but the best episodes are really something. Out of all of them, I think I would probably go for the two Tig Notaro episodes, but that opinion will change the moment I hit post.
Oh, and Hardcore History is on there but not History of Rome or Revolutions? Mike Duncan got robbed. I suppose it's hard to take one episode out of a sequential podcast like those, though I'll plump for one of the episodes about Odenathus, Zenobia and Aurelian. But really, people should just start with episode one. I could say similar things about Revolutions. However, Robin Pierson's History of Byzantium, which started as a straight follow-up to History of Rome but has morphed into its own thing, has more shows that stand up on their own. The one about the origins of the Plague is very memorable, and so is the one about Heraclius's great war against the Persians.
And on nerdier topics... I don't play computer games as much as I used to, but Three Moves Ahead is consistently interesting, if you're interested in strategy games and/or history.
Anyway... I don't disagree that WTF is very good, but that Louis CK interview is far from the best one I've listened to. I'm not a big fan of WTF, but the one that's stuck with me the longest was the interview with Todd Hanson, former head writer of The Onion.
posted by Kattullus at 3:35 AM on December 16, 2014 [6 favorites]
Apart from anything else, not having The Bugle on there is a travesty (I'd go for the Bin Laden fuckeulogy episode, the phone hacking episodes or the one after Andy's son was born) if only given that Last Week grows very clearly out of it.
And if they're putting NPR shows on there, then the BBC should be there as well. Kermode and Mayo's film review program got me into podcast listening in the first place and it's still very entertaining and informative. In Our Time is also a brilliant podcast.
The Guardian's book podcast, as mentioned above, is very good. Clare Armitstead is a very fine presenter, though I miss Sarah Clarke. What makes it brilliant is how all-over-the-place it is, from focused topic episodes to interviews to short stories to last-week-in-literature. If I had to pick one episode, it would be the one about minority languages. The Guardian has a host of good podcasts, though the only other one is Football Weekly, which pretty much invented the football podcast format and is still the best.
But on the topic of literature, Three Percent is uneven, but at its best there's no finer podcast on world literature. I've pointed many friends towards their episode on difficulty as a quality of literature.
And I'm baffled that a list so heavily skewing towards interviews doesn't include The JV Club. Janet Varney is my favorite podcast interviewer out there. I do go through phases with her show, sometimes binge listening and at other times not listening for months, but the best episodes are really something. Out of all of them, I think I would probably go for the two Tig Notaro episodes, but that opinion will change the moment I hit post.
Oh, and Hardcore History is on there but not History of Rome or Revolutions? Mike Duncan got robbed. I suppose it's hard to take one episode out of a sequential podcast like those, though I'll plump for one of the episodes about Odenathus, Zenobia and Aurelian. But really, people should just start with episode one. I could say similar things about Revolutions. However, Robin Pierson's History of Byzantium, which started as a straight follow-up to History of Rome but has morphed into its own thing, has more shows that stand up on their own. The one about the origins of the Plague is very memorable, and so is the one about Heraclius's great war against the Persians.
And on nerdier topics... I don't play computer games as much as I used to, but Three Moves Ahead is consistently interesting, if you're interested in strategy games and/or history.
Anyway... I don't disagree that WTF is very good, but that Louis CK interview is far from the best one I've listened to. I'm not a big fan of WTF, but the one that's stuck with me the longest was the interview with Todd Hanson, former head writer of The Onion.
posted by Kattullus at 3:35 AM on December 16, 2014 [6 favorites]
I was lighting a torch and sharpening a pitchfork in anticipation of The Flop House not being on this list.
And there it was.
So now I have to do some night gardening.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 3:45 AM on December 16, 2014
And there it was.
So now I have to do some night gardening.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 3:45 AM on December 16, 2014
In terms of showcasing Maron's strengths as an interviewer and encapsulating what "WTF" is largely about (creative people talking about their work and their demons), the Todd Hanson episode is a strong contender.
posted by ryanshepard at 3:52 AM on December 16, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by ryanshepard at 3:52 AM on December 16, 2014 [1 favorite]
He has a name. It's Cecil. You'd think they would put that in there. I think picking "Pilot" was a cop out so they wouldn't have to listen and catch up.
posted by deezil at 4:11 AM on December 16, 2014 [3 favorites]
posted by deezil at 4:11 AM on December 16, 2014 [3 favorites]
You Must Remember This is an excellent podcast in my regular rotation. The subject is the "secret and/or forgotten histories of Hollywood's first century" presented by Karina Longworth.
posted by jeremias at 4:26 AM on December 16, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by jeremias at 4:26 AM on December 16, 2014 [2 favorites]
Thanks - This is giving me lots of things to search iTunes for.
I'd also recommend some other British ones, like Adam & Joe, (although that was a radio show - lots of the BBC ones are excellent, inc Kermode & Mayo, Danny Baker, Desert Island Discs and The Bottom Line), plus Studio Audience, and Richard Herring's Leicester Square Podcast (the Rufus Hound one is my favourite)
One I heard recently that was far better than I thought it would be was the A16Z podcast on science and sports performance - really fascinating
posted by DanCall at 4:47 AM on December 16, 2014 [2 favorites]
I'd also recommend some other British ones, like Adam & Joe, (although that was a radio show - lots of the BBC ones are excellent, inc Kermode & Mayo, Danny Baker, Desert Island Discs and The Bottom Line), plus Studio Audience, and Richard Herring's Leicester Square Podcast (the Rufus Hound one is my favourite)
One I heard recently that was far better than I thought it would be was the A16Z podcast on science and sports performance - really fascinating
posted by DanCall at 4:47 AM on December 16, 2014 [2 favorites]
I've actually never listened to an entire podcast, because the very few I have clicked on that were linked in FPPs here were pretty much just some dudes talking, and I can get that with less effort on the local college radio or in a bar. So I'm going to enjoy trying out some of these and seeing if I have been unfairly ignoring the entire genre.
posted by Dip Flash at 5:34 AM on December 16, 2014
posted by Dip Flash at 5:34 AM on December 16, 2014
There is one podcast I do homework for - Kumail Nanjiani's X-Files Files. Admittedly, it's not the biggest hardship to rewatch two X-Files episodes every week, but it is a bit strange that I do it so I can listen to people talk. (I mean, I barely do any homework for the podcast I do with my wife.) Still, if this list had come out after the two-part Darin Morgan interview (only half exists at this point), I bet that episode would be on it.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 5:35 AM on December 16, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by robocop is bleeding at 5:35 AM on December 16, 2014 [2 favorites]
Mike Duncan got robbed.
Indeed. As happy as I was to see some of my other favorites mentioned (The Flophouse, Welcome to Night Vale, etc), I was pretty bummed that nothing from Mike Duncan made it. I'm actually about 10 episodes into a re-listen of Revolutions right now, because I was tired of waiting for updates, and figured by the time I get back to the top he'll have a few new ones for me. (I also seriously considered starting my relisten at the beginning of The History of Rome ... maybe next?)
Also, no love for Scott Chesworth's The Ancient World? Feh, I say!
And to add an even nerdier option, there needs to be more love given to Ludology. It is an amazing bit of work for anyone interested in game design in general, and tabletop games in particular. It's hard to pick a "best" episode, but I know as an indie designer myself, one of the ones I've gone back to repeatedly is Episode 60 ("How To Play").
posted by tocts at 5:51 AM on December 16, 2014 [3 favorites]
Indeed. As happy as I was to see some of my other favorites mentioned (The Flophouse, Welcome to Night Vale, etc), I was pretty bummed that nothing from Mike Duncan made it. I'm actually about 10 episodes into a re-listen of Revolutions right now, because I was tired of waiting for updates, and figured by the time I get back to the top he'll have a few new ones for me. (I also seriously considered starting my relisten at the beginning of The History of Rome ... maybe next?)
Also, no love for Scott Chesworth's The Ancient World? Feh, I say!
And to add an even nerdier option, there needs to be more love given to Ludology. It is an amazing bit of work for anyone interested in game design in general, and tabletop games in particular. It's hard to pick a "best" episode, but I know as an indie designer myself, one of the ones I've gone back to repeatedly is Episode 60 ("How To Play").
posted by tocts at 5:51 AM on December 16, 2014 [3 favorites]
When The Incomparable did their episode on picking media and passing down the nerdy things you love to your kids, I thought it was one of their best episodes. Of course, they called it "#104 Kids Have Bad Taste," which is undeniably true.
posted by wenestvedt at 5:54 AM on December 16, 2014
posted by wenestvedt at 5:54 AM on December 16, 2014
By the way, just so my contribution to this thread isn't pure snark, that Maron/CK podcast is in fact really amazing. That and the two-parter with Carlos Mencia, which is essentially a long meditation on the question of originality in comedy and what it means to steal a joke, are probably the high points of the show.
posted by escabeche at 5:56 AM on December 16, 2014
posted by escabeche at 5:56 AM on December 16, 2014
(I mean, I barely do any homework for the podcast I do with my wife.)
Did she make you buy a kilt? No wait... don't answer that.
I know nothing about the show, other than I walked in on a bunch of ladies having a discussion about the show at work and there was a lot of emphasis on who had and who had not yet made their husband buy a kilt. Awkward!
posted by Nanukthedog at 5:57 AM on December 16, 2014
Did she make you buy a kilt? No wait... don't answer that.
I know nothing about the show, other than I walked in on a bunch of ladies having a discussion about the show at work and there was a lot of emphasis on who had and who had not yet made their husband buy a kilt. Awkward!
posted by Nanukthedog at 5:57 AM on December 16, 2014
Did she make you buy a kilt? No wait... don't answer that.
She did. And I think I'm getting another one for Christmas. NOW WE KNOW.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 6:01 AM on December 16, 2014 [1 favorite]
She did. And I think I'm getting another one for Christmas. NOW WE KNOW.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 6:01 AM on December 16, 2014 [1 favorite]
Not the list I would have made... but it's not terrible!
Some within-category disagreements: Food Fight is the best episode of the Flop House. All the Matt Gourley episodes of the Dead Authors Podcast are better than the Walt Whitman one, and particularly the Ian Fleming episode, which I would have picked. The Superchat episode of Love + Radio is outstanding. There are any number of top Comedy Bang Bang episodes they could have picked; Time Bobby wouldn't be my choice, but it's acceptable.
In terms of other podcasts: The August Lindt episode of Andy Daly's podcast really needs to be on a list like this, like someone said upthread. It's a tour de force. I'd also add the Birth episode of Sawbones. It's harrowing and intimate, and Slate's list needs more of that. The reason I like podcasts so much has to do with how rough and opinionated and uniquely personal they are. They feel like conversations. (That's why Serial has both captivated and frustrated so many people. It's about the inside of Sarah Koenig's head as much as it's about the murder mystery, and it's a potentially inappropriate subject for such a diaristic medium.) Slate's list tends toward the polished and the produced, and that misses what is unique about the medium. But the top WTF entry is a good call. Louis CK briefly cries in that episode and the two old friends mend their relationship on the air over jokes. It's a good model of the medium.
posted by painquale at 6:01 AM on December 16, 2014 [1 favorite]
Some within-category disagreements: Food Fight is the best episode of the Flop House. All the Matt Gourley episodes of the Dead Authors Podcast are better than the Walt Whitman one, and particularly the Ian Fleming episode, which I would have picked. The Superchat episode of Love + Radio is outstanding. There are any number of top Comedy Bang Bang episodes they could have picked; Time Bobby wouldn't be my choice, but it's acceptable.
In terms of other podcasts: The August Lindt episode of Andy Daly's podcast really needs to be on a list like this, like someone said upthread. It's a tour de force. I'd also add the Birth episode of Sawbones. It's harrowing and intimate, and Slate's list needs more of that. The reason I like podcasts so much has to do with how rough and opinionated and uniquely personal they are. They feel like conversations. (That's why Serial has both captivated and frustrated so many people. It's about the inside of Sarah Koenig's head as much as it's about the murder mystery, and it's a potentially inappropriate subject for such a diaristic medium.) Slate's list tends toward the polished and the produced, and that misses what is unique about the medium. But the top WTF entry is a good call. Louis CK briefly cries in that episode and the two old friends mend their relationship on the air over jokes. It's a good model of the medium.
posted by painquale at 6:01 AM on December 16, 2014 [1 favorite]
Why is podcasting so male dominated?
You're right, though a few strong podcasts either hosted or co-hosted by a woman come to mind:
Sawbones (probably my pick of the bunch)
Stuff You Missed in History Class
The Dork Forest with Jackie Kashian
Girl on Guy with Aisha Tyler
How Was Your Week with Julie Klausner
Oh No Ross and Carrie!
Point of Inquiry
One Bad Mother
Throwing Shade
With Special Guest Lauren Lapkus
Go Bayside!
Idle Thumbs
My favorite new podcast with a female host is The Canon. Devin and Amy argue about whether a movie should enter "The Canon", and they're such good friends that they allow each other to get argumentatively vicious with one another, which is really refreshing.
posted by painquale at 6:18 AM on December 16, 2014 [6 favorites]
You're right, though a few strong podcasts either hosted or co-hosted by a woman come to mind:
Sawbones (probably my pick of the bunch)
Stuff You Missed in History Class
The Dork Forest with Jackie Kashian
Girl on Guy with Aisha Tyler
How Was Your Week with Julie Klausner
Oh No Ross and Carrie!
Point of Inquiry
One Bad Mother
Throwing Shade
With Special Guest Lauren Lapkus
Go Bayside!
Idle Thumbs
My favorite new podcast with a female host is The Canon. Devin and Amy argue about whether a movie should enter "The Canon", and they're such good friends that they allow each other to get argumentatively vicious with one another, which is really refreshing.
posted by painquale at 6:18 AM on December 16, 2014 [6 favorites]
so proud of crissle and kid fury making the list! also so glad to hear that other mefites listen to the read!
posted by nadawi at 6:35 AM on December 16, 2014
posted by nadawi at 6:35 AM on December 16, 2014
By the way, for Scharpling fans out there, the Best Show is coming back. Tonight.
posted by fishhouses at 6:38 AM on December 16, 2014 [4 favorites]
posted by fishhouses at 6:38 AM on December 16, 2014 [4 favorites]
Oh, I added a link to this on Greg Nog's AskMe thread before I saw that it was posted here. I guess it will be useful for future generations.
posted by bondcliff at 6:43 AM on December 16, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by bondcliff at 6:43 AM on December 16, 2014 [1 favorite]
Wouldn't it be cool if (more of) these were broadcast on actual radios? I don't have time for all of this newfangled technology, and Night Vale is the only one that I actually try to keep up with (NPR is waaaaaaay too boyful).
I mean, I know it's about niches, and the Web is wonderful, but where do people find the time what with all the fanfiction out there...?
What I really mean is, thanks for the post so I don't have to wade through everything to find the good stuff. (And thanks GregNog for the AskMe)
posted by allthinky at 6:55 AM on December 16, 2014
I mean, I know it's about niches, and the Web is wonderful, but where do people find the time what with all the fanfiction out there...?
What I really mean is, thanks for the post so I don't have to wade through everything to find the good stuff. (And thanks GregNog for the AskMe)
posted by allthinky at 6:55 AM on December 16, 2014
"...though I miss Sarah Clarke."
Sarah Crown. That was a silly mistake. Anyway, I do wish she had a books podcast somewhere, even if she's no longer at The Guardian.
posted by Kattullus at 6:56 AM on December 16, 2014
Sarah Crown. That was a silly mistake. Anyway, I do wish she had a books podcast somewhere, even if she's no longer at The Guardian.
posted by Kattullus at 6:56 AM on December 16, 2014
I was actually there for the recording of one of these: The Memory Palace's "Origin Story". It was recorded at MaxFunCon 2013...but the narration that Nate DiMeo did live was replaced by studio narration for the final product, I assume because of a production difficulty.
Either way, it was wonderful to have been there live for it.
posted by inturnaround at 6:57 AM on December 16, 2014
Either way, it was wonderful to have been there live for it.
posted by inturnaround at 6:57 AM on December 16, 2014
Other lady-fronted podcasts that I like:
Not really. If these were radio shows, I'd have to miss large portions of any show that was longer than my commute. Or that wasn't playing during my drive times. Podcasts can be played on anything that will play MP3s, can be paused, rewound, and relistened to at will. Radio is a great medium, but kind of a crappy technology. Podcasts take the same medium and make it accessible.
posted by sparklemotion at 7:02 AM on December 16, 2014 [1 favorite]
- Gastropod (good if you also like to eat food)
- Destination DIY (good if you like to make things, and given that the last episode was about butchery, also quite good for people who enjoy eating). You will have to get past the painfully shitty theme song though.
Not really. If these were radio shows, I'd have to miss large portions of any show that was longer than my commute. Or that wasn't playing during my drive times. Podcasts can be played on anything that will play MP3s, can be paused, rewound, and relistened to at will. Radio is a great medium, but kind of a crappy technology. Podcasts take the same medium and make it accessible.
posted by sparklemotion at 7:02 AM on December 16, 2014 [1 favorite]
I don't get why a single episode of something is a useful consideration. Particularly with the "Let's sit around and chat" genre. It's more of a cumulative thing really.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 7:35 AM on December 16, 2014
posted by Potomac Avenue at 7:35 AM on December 16, 2014
thanks sparklemotion I will try the Gastropod (I do like eating, tho' as a vegetarian DIY-avoider may not be tempted by that second link...).
I don't always pick up on suggestions here because I'm not a USAian so not everything is that interesting/relevant to me, especially interviews or pop culture or politics material.
posted by AFII at 7:35 AM on December 16, 2014
I don't always pick up on suggestions here because I'm not a USAian so not everything is that interesting/relevant to me, especially interviews or pop culture or politics material.
posted by AFII at 7:35 AM on December 16, 2014
By the way, for Scharpling fans out there, the Best Show is coming back. Tonight.
You strapped in? Got your helmet on?
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 9:01 AM on December 16, 2014
You strapped in? Got your helmet on?
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 9:01 AM on December 16, 2014
> painquale
Thank you for the list. I'm subscribed to 60something podcasts, and yet I still have trouble finding female led ones. Even one of my favorite female-centric podcasts, Isometric, has a guy as a host.
For those interested in just listening to all of the podcast episodes mentioned without the trouble of subscribing to a ton of new podcasts, I've found Huffduffer works pretty well (previously).
posted by Political Funny Man at 9:53 AM on December 16, 2014
Thank you for the list. I'm subscribed to 60something podcasts, and yet I still have trouble finding female led ones. Even one of my favorite female-centric podcasts, Isometric, has a guy as a host.
For those interested in just listening to all of the podcast episodes mentioned without the trouble of subscribing to a ton of new podcasts, I've found Huffduffer works pretty well (previously).
posted by Political Funny Man at 9:53 AM on December 16, 2014
The John Lithgow episode of Doug Loves Movies, with Lithgow, Paul F Tompkins, and Jimmy Pardo. THe only podcast episode I have listened to more than twice. Just hilarious.
(Up to five listens, in case you're wondering.)
posted by grubi at 9:56 AM on December 16, 2014
(Up to five listens, in case you're wondering.)
posted by grubi at 9:56 AM on December 16, 2014
Among the woman-run shows, I forgot to mention Put Your Hands Together with Cameron Esposito! Cameron is great.
The John Lithgow episode of Doug Loves Movies
Any of the DLM episodes where PFT plays multiple characters is a treat! The most recent episode has him doing 3 characters (along with Daniel Van Kirk playing his great Mark Wahlberg).
Another episode likely to hit my top 25 list would be the Staind Glass episode of U Talkin' U2 to Me? Todd Glass is so delightfully weird; Scott and Scott have a great time probing his eccentricities. I give the episode the highest grade: C+.
posted by painquale at 11:01 AM on December 16, 2014 [1 favorite]
The John Lithgow episode of Doug Loves Movies
Any of the DLM episodes where PFT plays multiple characters is a treat! The most recent episode has him doing 3 characters (along with Daniel Van Kirk playing his great Mark Wahlberg).
Another episode likely to hit my top 25 list would be the Staind Glass episode of U Talkin' U2 to Me? Todd Glass is so delightfully weird; Scott and Scott have a great time probing his eccentricities. I give the episode the highest grade: C+.
posted by painquale at 11:01 AM on December 16, 2014 [1 favorite]
My favorite podcast of the storytelling genre is Risk!, hosted by Kevin Allison (of The State). Trigger warnings abound for a story that I'm hesitant to call my favorite because of the subject but... a transman encounters his rapist at a BDSM play party, the rapist doesn't recognize the storyteller because the last time they'd seen each other, they were still in highschool storyteller was still living as a woman. The rapist apologizes, explaining that his actions were to prove to his parents that he was straight before they sent him back to an abusive gay rehabilitation center. There's more to it, a couple of twists, and just a surprising frankness and humor for the subject matter. There's a theme of redemption that could feel at home on an episode of This American Life, but it's a story that can really only be told, right now, on a podcast.
I'm lowkey annoyed that This American Life is on Slate's list because it's not a podcast, it's a radio show. Arguably, it's one of the best radio shows of all time but, other than leaving swear words unbleeped, the podcast does nothing new or exceptional with the medium. It's just a different package.
posted by elr at 11:45 AM on December 16, 2014 [2 favorites]
I'm lowkey annoyed that This American Life is on Slate's list because it's not a podcast, it's a radio show. Arguably, it's one of the best radio shows of all time but, other than leaving swear words unbleeped, the podcast does nothing new or exceptional with the medium. It's just a different package.
posted by elr at 11:45 AM on December 16, 2014 [2 favorites]
THe only podcast episode I have listened to more than twice.
I've listened to Episode 35 of the sadly-departed Low Times podcast, "The Most 90s Song of the 90s," at least a half-dozen times. Warning: you will have terrible songs in your head for at least a day afterward.
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 11:50 AM on December 16, 2014
I've listened to Episode 35 of the sadly-departed Low Times podcast, "The Most 90s Song of the 90s," at least a half-dozen times. Warning: you will have terrible songs in your head for at least a day afterward.
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 11:50 AM on December 16, 2014
AFII: Why is podcasting so male dominated?
It isn't. You just have to look harder for the women.
I put in effort to find podcasts with gender parity or woman-centric, and I have a slew of podcasts.
Woman Hosted/Gender Parity or tilted in women's favor:
Girl on Guy, I should be Writing, Inquiring Minds, Less than or Equal, Sex Nerd Sandra, Tea and Jeopardy, Throwing Shade, A Way With Words, Anglo-Filles, Isometric, The JV Club, Made of Fail, Rachel Maddow Vlog, Rachel & Miles X-Plain the X-Men, The Read, SF Squeecast, Unconsoleable, Wham Bam Pow.
One woman on a panel:
The Skeptic's Guide to the Universe, The MetaFilter Podcast, Pop Culture Happy Hour, Vector.
I have maybe five more podcasts I listen to which are hosted or about only men, and so gender parity can't be assured for every episode. I'm still working on increasing my racial parity; right now I believe only Wham Bam Pow and the Read have people of color, so I have a lot of work to do.
posted by Deoridhe at 1:25 PM on December 16, 2014 [2 favorites]
It isn't. You just have to look harder for the women.
I put in effort to find podcasts with gender parity or woman-centric, and I have a slew of podcasts.
Woman Hosted/Gender Parity or tilted in women's favor:
Girl on Guy, I should be Writing, Inquiring Minds, Less than or Equal, Sex Nerd Sandra, Tea and Jeopardy, Throwing Shade, A Way With Words, Anglo-Filles, Isometric, The JV Club, Made of Fail, Rachel Maddow Vlog, Rachel & Miles X-Plain the X-Men, The Read, SF Squeecast, Unconsoleable, Wham Bam Pow.
One woman on a panel:
The Skeptic's Guide to the Universe, The MetaFilter Podcast, Pop Culture Happy Hour, Vector.
I have maybe five more podcasts I listen to which are hosted or about only men, and so gender parity can't be assured for every episode. I'm still working on increasing my racial parity; right now I believe only Wham Bam Pow and the Read have people of color, so I have a lot of work to do.
posted by Deoridhe at 1:25 PM on December 16, 2014 [2 favorites]
My favorite podcast of all time is The Book Was Better! Two Australian librarian comedians read old movie novelizations and rip them apart. They quote bizarre purple prose, dissect the weird ideologies they encounter, and get completely blown away by some of the bizarre additions to movies' stories that these authors sometimes throw in. It's so great. I recommend starting with the first episode and listening in order for the full effect, as running gags from previous books they've read start showing up in later episodes. Plus, the first episode is actually one of their best.
Edit: Also, there are more women than men who appear on this show, so it does go against the male-dominated podcast trend.
posted by One Second Before Awakening at 3:14 PM on December 16, 2014 [1 favorite]
Edit: Also, there are more women than men who appear on this show, so it does go against the male-dominated podcast trend.
posted by One Second Before Awakening at 3:14 PM on December 16, 2014 [1 favorite]
Speaking of women in podcasting, does anyone remember the Bryant Park Project? It was an experiment that NPR tried; basically a daily current events show that was only available via podcast. I loved it and it was hosted by two women, whose names I'm embarrassed to say I can't recall.
Anyway, one of them went on mat leave and was replaced by Mike Pesca. The show was cancelled shortly thereafter. And while it likely would have gotten the axe anyway, I have held a quiet, irrational, grudge against Pesca since. It helps that I find him nails-on-a-chalkboard annoying and can't for the life of me countenance has rep has a rising star in the podcast medium.
posted by dry white toast at 10:41 PM on December 16, 2014
Anyway, one of them went on mat leave and was replaced by Mike Pesca. The show was cancelled shortly thereafter. And while it likely would have gotten the axe anyway, I have held a quiet, irrational, grudge against Pesca since. It helps that I find him nails-on-a-chalkboard annoying and can't for the life of me countenance has rep has a rising star in the podcast medium.
posted by dry white toast at 10:41 PM on December 16, 2014
He has a name. It's Cecil. You'd think they would put that in there. I think picking "Pilot" was a cop out so they wouldn't have to listen and catch up.
Oh, wow. Good catch. I saw they picked Episode 1, went "pffft" and skipped the whole review because that's a joke opinion.
Out of curiosity, I googled the first time Cecil names himself. It's the end of #5: the Shape in Grove Park. ("This is Cecil, generally, speaking to you, metaphorically, for Night Vale Community Radio.") Then #12: the Candidate. ("Sure, critics will say, “Oh! But Cecil! What if his five heads don’t agree on something?") Then finally multiple times in #16. ("This is your community news station, not Cecil’s Personal Life Station, right?") Interesting.
I then googled why they decided to name Cecil after his voice actor and found this funny anecdote:
“It was very strange for me, I think it was in the fourth or fifth episode, when I read the script and found out the character’s name is Cecil—which, of course, is my name,” Baldwin said. “And I wrote Joseph an email and I was like, ‘So am I playing myself or is this supposed to be autobiographical or am I playing a character who just happens to be called Cecil or is it just a coincidence or is it kind of all three together?’ And Joseph was like, ‘Yeah, it’s really everything.’” [...] The universe of fictionalized Cecils has grown so large in fact that each has begun friending the other. “I actually found out the other day that someone in South Africa made a Facebook page for Cecil Baldwin and invited me to be friends with Cecil Baldwin,” Baldwin said. “So I had that existential moment where I was like, ‘Should I be friends with myself?’ Now every once in a while, it’ll be like, ‘Cecil Baldwin said…’ And I’m like, ‘That’s right, it’s the weird doppelgänger-Cecil Baldwin who lives in South Africa.’”
I bet after a year they gave fake-Cecil a different surname to lessen the confusion. Guess the Slate people got confused anyway when googling the show. Sloppy.
This has been a mildly informative aside into the oddness of naming a podcast character after his actor. Goodnight, MeFi. Goodnight.
posted by Solon and Thanks at 11:56 PM on December 16, 2014 [2 favorites]
Oh, wow. Good catch. I saw they picked Episode 1, went "pffft" and skipped the whole review because that's a joke opinion.
Out of curiosity, I googled the first time Cecil names himself. It's the end of #5: the Shape in Grove Park. ("This is Cecil, generally, speaking to you, metaphorically, for Night Vale Community Radio.") Then #12: the Candidate. ("Sure, critics will say, “Oh! But Cecil! What if his five heads don’t agree on something?") Then finally multiple times in #16. ("This is your community news station, not Cecil’s Personal Life Station, right?") Interesting.
I then googled why they decided to name Cecil after his voice actor and found this funny anecdote:
“It was very strange for me, I think it was in the fourth or fifth episode, when I read the script and found out the character’s name is Cecil—which, of course, is my name,” Baldwin said. “And I wrote Joseph an email and I was like, ‘So am I playing myself or is this supposed to be autobiographical or am I playing a character who just happens to be called Cecil or is it just a coincidence or is it kind of all three together?’ And Joseph was like, ‘Yeah, it’s really everything.’” [...] The universe of fictionalized Cecils has grown so large in fact that each has begun friending the other. “I actually found out the other day that someone in South Africa made a Facebook page for Cecil Baldwin and invited me to be friends with Cecil Baldwin,” Baldwin said. “So I had that existential moment where I was like, ‘Should I be friends with myself?’ Now every once in a while, it’ll be like, ‘Cecil Baldwin said…’ And I’m like, ‘That’s right, it’s the weird doppelgänger-Cecil Baldwin who lives in South Africa.’”
I bet after a year they gave fake-Cecil a different surname to lessen the confusion. Guess the Slate people got confused anyway when googling the show. Sloppy.
This has been a mildly informative aside into the oddness of naming a podcast character after his actor. Goodnight, MeFi. Goodnight.
posted by Solon and Thanks at 11:56 PM on December 16, 2014 [2 favorites]
If we're talking podcasts generally now, there's always the official They Might Be Giants podcast, sometimes starring A Different Cecil. It updates sporadically, but when it does it often features new stuff or rarities.
posted by JHarris at 5:25 AM on December 17, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by JHarris at 5:25 AM on December 17, 2014 [1 favorite]
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(That'd be A Story About You)
posted by davros42 at 8:23 PM on December 15, 2014 [4 favorites]