podcasts

Years ago when the whole idea of podcast came out, I was excited. I spent some time explaining the idea to my friends and anticipated its inception. I was disappointed to say the least. The amount of junk people can generate in this online world is incredible. Even the things I thought I was interested in didn't translate fully onto this format. I gave up for a while.

I remember a long while back when my friend Lyle talked about this nifty little program on NPR that plays every Saturday night. He listened to it whenever he had the chance. It's like old-timey radio where there are sketches and stories. I put that to the back of my mind until the theatrical version of A Prairie Home Companion came about. Later on I saw a broadcast on PBS.... and I finally made the connection... I became a sort of a fan of Garrion Keillor and found the podcast version of The News from Lake Wobegon most amusing. It started from there, and I've since moved onto The Writer's Almanac.

I have recently discovered This American Life. It is smart, funny, leaning on the side of melancholy, and ordinary. I find myself anticipating a new theme and stories every week. I think I'm a sucker for documentaries.

All Songs Considered is a show I have listened to on my drives up and down the coast. I never knew what I was listening to, but it was nice. Discovering music that is real. It excites me when something like this expands my horizons. This podcast helps me wade through all the crap out there and find something pleasant and surprising.

I think Fresh Air could be interesting.... I'll let you know.