No, a podcast is not an Alien Fishing Rod. Very simply put, it is sort of a DVR’d Talk Radio Show. Podcasts are readily available at Itunes, most of which are FREE. They run like TV sitcoms some more or less frequent than others. If you like talk radio but only really listen to it on the way to or home from work, you will probably like listening to commercial free podcast programs. The best thing is, besides being FREE, is that YOU choose the topic, program, or host of your choice. Podcasts are great for working out or long road trips. I listen to them to pass time and fight monotony at work. By subscribing to a podcast, your pc will download the newest episode when available and wait for your smart phone/Ipod sync session. Download your podcast MP3 directly and listen to it while you blog, check your email, or facebook. There are also smart phone apps such as Stitcher that collect and download all your favorite podcasts for you, and without connecting to your pc. (My 2nd favorite podcast is Nerdist, and they have opted out of Stitcher.. unfortunately)
WTF Podcast with Marc Maron: This is the podcast by comedian Marc Maron that inspired me to launch my own small scale local celebrity podcast. Marc, like myself, has worked hard to break through and make a name for himself in his respective field of stand up comedy, but has been passed over while his peers like Jon Stewart and Bill Mahr have enjoyed successful celebrity careers. He has been host of The Marc Maron Show, and co-host of both Morning Sedition, and Breakroom Live, all politically-oriented shows, produced under the auspices of Air America Media. He was also the host of Comedy Central’s Short Attention Span Theater for a year, replacing Jon Stewart. Maron has been a frequent guest on the Late Show with David Letterman and made 44 appearances on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, more than any other stand-up performer. However, he is not a household name and most importantly.. he openly admits to “not making it.” Anyone who is popular in the entertainment business, most specifically in comedy, has been interviewed by Marc and with every interview..or conversation, he works through his disappointment and bitterness while getting closer and closer to finding a place for his identity to live comfortably. Since 2009, WTF podcast has been downloaded 20 million times.
The Nerdist: Another podcast created by stand-up comedian Chris Hardwick, host of the 90’s Mtv dating show Singled Out. The nerdist podcast also interviews celebrities but more tech industry celebs mixed in with tv personalities and movie stars. If you like computers, the internet, comics, sci-fi, and technology, you will love the dropped knowledge shared on this podcast. Like Maron, Hardwick also eludes to his obscurity and struggle for recognition.
There are shorter podcasts also, like NPR newsbreaks, and indie music 1 song spotlights. IndieFeed, kill rock stars and many more. Sports fans can check out ESPN Fantasy Focus for the latest on NFL Players and fantasy strategy.
I hope that my JimmyfroShow podcast in addition to showcasing indie music, will help other local artists trying to make a name for themselves or at least achieve personal fulfillment, while also shining some light on my own personal pursuit of purpose and identity acceptance.
