Lets face it, talk radio is soul sucking. The idea is an awesome one, having a host talk to a specific audience about whatever they want, but the execution has become old and stale. The question is simple: why would anyone tune into talk radio at all with all the other options out there now?
I know that I'm just a broke college student mooching off his parents, but I'm also part of a key demographic to which companies are constantly trying to market themselves. Theoretically, talk radio has all the components to gain a foothold with the under 30 audience, and FM radio is only helping that cause by repeatedly playing the same dozen or so songs over and over.
There's also the potential to have a ton of content. But maybe the most appealing part of talk radio is that it's free.
All of which are reasons why it's so confusing why talk radio is constantly so boring when it should be trying to appeal to kids. Not just standing in line at Wegmans boring, but painfully boring. Like when your teacher goes over time in your last class on Friday.
That's why podcasts are so refreshing.
They're much shorter than your standard talk shows on the radio, which often clock in at three hours. Most podcast episodes fall between one and two hours. That doesn't mean they discuss less content, but they don't beat you over the head with the same point over and over to fill time.
And they can swear!
Podcasting is still a relatively new form of media, so there's a lot of below average podcasts to filter out when finding one that will suit your interests. The good ones, though, are absolutely steamrolling what's on your AM dial in terms of quality content.
Another refreshing aspect is the lack of commercials. Most shows will ask for a donation here and there or have a sponsor, but it's hardly to the point where you'll unknowingly have the ads memorized. I swear if I hear that Riverfront Auto Sales commercial on WGR 550 one more time I'm going to drive over the double yellow into oncoming traffic.
Anyone can find a podcast to fit their interests. They're also easy to find, just go to the iTunes store and under "Podcasts" click on a subject, read a few descriptions, and subscribe. Here are a few of the best:
WTF with Marc Maron - Recently featured in Rolling Stone and on Conan, Maron is a grizzled veteran of stand up comedy and interviews two of his contemporaries each week. His self-obsessed neurosis will grow on you. His past guests include Louis CK, Ben Stiller, Zach Galafinakis and 200 others.
Keith and the Girl - Based in New York City, this is another comedy show, but it discusses current events and weird news stories. It's language and conversation topics definitely aren't for everyone, but it's the most addicting podcast on the Internet if you have a dark sense of humor.
This American Life - This radio show that dates back to the mid-'90s translates perfectly to the podcast format. Every week Ira Glass and his merry band of reporters tell true stories based around a single theme. It wouldn't sound out of place at a hipster café, but is difficult to turn off.
The B.S. Report with Bill Simmons - This show is from the ESPN writer, but isn't exclusively about sports. Past guests include author Chuck Klosterman, former "Man Show" host Adam Carolla (who hosts the #1 podcast on iTunes), and even "Weird Al" Yankovic (yes, he is still around). Fresh off the debut of his Grantland.com, Simmons is providing a platform for some of the best opinions available.
The FADER Podcast - Not all podcasts are talk, this one from The Fader magazine offers music by everyone from hippie freaks Animal Collective to up-and-coming rappers like Yelawolf. New episodes are available infrequently, but it's a better place to get new music than KISS 98.5.
Podcasts provide the perfect avenue for people who want to keep up with the latest news and music as well as people who just want to have a laugh and are sick of all the commercials.
Now, when you're stuck in traffic after a long day at work or school, you can put your iPod on your car speakers and tune out of the same repetitive commercials and Katy Perry songs. Instead, give your presets a rest, podcasts a chance and hear some football predictions or a philosophical discussion about the newest episode of Jersey Shore. Don't forget, it's free…and they can swear!
Email: arts@ubspectrum.com
