I do.
I have been listening to them for a long time. I go back to when you would have to subscribe in iTunes and then sync them to your iPod. I have always found them as a way to relax when I’m over stimulated. Sometimes music is too intense, it takes up too much of my brain power and I really just want to shut down as much as possible.
So, I guess you are wondering what Podcasts I listen to. Well, over the years there are shows that come and go. I lean towards the true crime, documentary, interview area, I really enjoy the shows that teach me something. There are also some comedian’s shows I listen to. One type of podcast I cannot get into, no matter how hard I try and I’ve done so multiple times, is the fictional storytelling stuff. They try to make it all real and like a movie for your ears. To me it just comes across as fake and forced. I enjoy fictional audio books. It really has something to do with the acting and it sounding like a Superman episode that was played on the radio 70 years ago.
I’m going to list a few shows that I am currently listening to and why I like them.
Stuff You Should Know – I have listened to this for so long and I really don’t foresee myself ever stopping. Josh and Chuck always have great subjects and they break them down so it’s easy to understand and have fun while doing it. They are a tiny bit goofy but don’t act over the top. There are too many shows that are high on the best podcast lists that sound like I’m listening to an FM morning zoo show… forced laughter, talking over each other, typical characters etc. Some topics they covered recently that I enjoyed are How Scuba Works, How Intellectual Property Works, Magic Eye Illusions, The Semi-Recent History of Exorcise, The Inflammation Theory of Disease.
Casefile – I don’t know what it is but I love listening to this Australian man talk to me about murder. He is always well researched and respectful. There are so many great episodes if you are into this type of thing. You really can’t go wrong. Pick one and go for the ride.
My Wife Hates Me – Rich Vos is one of my favorite comedians. He has been a round a very long time and had well documented tough time with drugs in the 80s. Rich married comedian Bonnie McFarlane who is a good deal younger than him. They have been together for many years and have a teenage daughter. This podcast is just the two of them sitting around talking about daily life and bickering. It really is amazing how Bonnie has not killed Rich yet. Every year, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, at the brewery we do a comedy show with our friends Don Jamieson and Jim Florentine. They bring different guests with them each year. One year was Rich. To see that man riff crowd work off the top of his head was fabulous. This year they are bringing Joe Bartnick. He is great and regularly opens for Bill Burr on the road. I went a little off topic there. Sorry. Rich and Bonnie have a very light and funny podcast between a husband and wife.
Broken Record – Uber music producer Rick Rubin sits down and interviews musicians. Rick’s insight to the music world and his connections have created some great interviews over the years. Some that I have really enjoyed are…Mark Mothersbaugh, Amanda Shires, Robbie Robertson, Santigold, Lindsey Buckingham, Ozzy and Sharon, Linda Perry.
This Is Actually Happening – This show is absolutely one of my favorites. Each episode is told by a different person about a real life incident that happened to them. This show can be light but there are some very tough episodes. Listening to the person who experienced the event tell it has a totally raw feeling to it. Some stories that I can’t get out of my mind… What if you were haunted by the living and the dead? What if a false allegation stole what you valued most? What if you suddenly felt like a werewolf? At times this show can be difficult to listen to but the survival and the way people can come out from the other side of tragedy is amazing.
These are just a small sample of the podcasts I listen to. Let me know if there is any you think I should check out.
