Will Podcasts Have a Comeback?
In today’s Huffington Post Canada, Mitch Joel poses the question “Is Podcasting Poised for a Comeback?”
Podcasts, you may or may not know, are like internet-based audio or video shows, created in a series, syndicated via the internet often through iTunes, and portable i.e. viewable on computer or mobile devices such as iPods, tablets or smartphones.
Mitch points specifically to five podcasts that could help the medium make a resurgence:
- Foundation with Kevin Rose.
- Here’s The Thing with Alec Baldwin.
- Nerdist Podcast with Chris Hardwick.
- Pursuit of Spark with Julie Burstein.
- WTF with Marc Maron.
My current favourite web-based show is Jerry Seinfeld’s Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, yet another show “about nothing” which is highly entertaining if you like Seinfeld’s sense of humour. Note that it’s not always “safe for work”. I wonder, though, if this can be considered a podcast, since it is not syndicated or downloadable from a site such as iTunes–you have to watch it directly from the website, or someone’s page if they have shared it via Facebook or other social network sites. It is available for subscription from Crackle.com which also has apps for Apple and Android mobile devices. Seinfeld talks about the concept of the new show in another recent HuffPo article.
Podcasting never went away, but most of the early podcasters did, as podcasting became professionalized. Comedy podcasts are huge now.
Do you have a favourite podcast you would recommend to the Slaw audience, Jim?
I would not survive public transit without a podcast to distract me. I have to admit to being rather shallow in my choices: “Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me” & “Fresh Air”, both from NPR, and This American Life. I can’t get through a week without them.
You are in good company listening to those three, Linda–I know lots who do. NPR and CBC podcasts are popular choices.
I love WTF with Marc Maron! It’s not a ha-ha comedy podcast, though. It’s more of an exploration into the creative process and the business and psychology behind it. It just so happens that usually it’s comedians that are the creative professionals that are the conduit into these discussions.
A second recommendation for Wait Wait – there’s nothing shallow about it at all. I get giddy waiting for it to post on Sundays.
Stuff You Should Know is a great podcast. Kevin Pollak’s Chat Room is long but interesting.
Sarah and Mike, thank you for your recommendations! I have some listening to do. :)
My favorite comedy podcasts are Comedy Bang Bang, Doug Loves Movies, and Professor Blastoff. The JV Club (with Janet Varney) is great for insightful conversations with lesser-known celebrities. Rationally Speaking is great for skepticism and philosophy.
BTW, I’m using the excellent Downcast app to manage my podcasts.