šŖ© Celebrating Hip Hop šØ thrilling painter drama āļø love on the line š« Zelda's musical potion š®
š š TRUST US! š š¤øāāļø
Hello! Devin from Tink here! Iām filling in while Lauren is away enjoying the beautiful sights of Venice. But Iām not alone. Lauren and I share a love of hearing about what other people are listening to, so to help give you some recommendations I asked everyone from the Tink team to join me! There was just one catchā¦ I asked them to give you their best Lauren-style recommendation. Bring on the cartwheels, burst with enthusiasm, and tell us how you really feel! Buckle up, they sure did deliver. š
p.s. If you are pleased with Podcast The Newsletter, please spread the word.
šØIf u only have time for 1 thingšØ
If you havenāt listened to Novelās The Girlfriends yet, NOW is the time. In late August, the last episode dropped and it is really beautifully done. It contains an interview between the host of the show and the subject of the showās sister that is heart wrenching but also steeped in sisterhood and bonding. The episode ends with a minutes-long tribute to missing and murdered women. I highly recommend this entire series. - Arielle Nissenblatt
I second Arielleās recommendation of The Girlfriends and just want to add that it has such a cool and haunting theme song by Luisa Gerstein and the Deep Throat Choir. It will not leave my brain and they actually released it along with the other songs that appear through the series as an album here. Iāve been listening to it non-stop as I process the ending of the show. - Aakshi Sinha
hell yeah
āØ Lauren is hosting a Podcast Marketing 101 workshop with Radio Boot Camp 9/18. Sign up now!
āØ Read about Tinkās special launch of Speed Pitching via Podcast Marketing Magic.
āØ Arielle Nissenblatt spotlighted Podcast 360 in herĀ newsletter and podcast.
šq & a & q & a & q & aš
Linda Marigliano
Linda Marigliano is a radio and TV presenter, DJ, author and host of Tough Love.Ā Follow her on Twitter here and IG here.
Describe Tough Love in ten words or less.
A juicy real-life look at relationships, family, career and health!Ā
How much of Tough Love is totally organic, and how much is orchestrated? It feels so natural! I feel like youāve plopped us into your pocket and are carrying us around with you.
What a huge compliment! Itās very intentional. We plan out scenes the way youād storyboard a TV show or documentary - with ideas around what themes we want to explore in each of the conversations. We leave room for serendipity and let real life unfold! So I carry my recorder and react to whatever happens,
What have you learned about tough stuff making the show?
That we can do tough stuff. I can have hard conversations, I can be honest with myself, and I can do it, more often than not, while having a laugh too.
What was your favorite thing about making the show?
Being able to be completely in charge of the creative direction in every way! From the sound design, artwork, storyline and guests, to the original music and the style of editing. Itās incredible to build a scene that feels three-dimensional, with a richly recorded atmosphere. We wanted to create a world that sounds unique, and use it to be able to talk about the important shit that matters to us.Ā
Hot take: Night showers are better than morning showers. Donāt bring that build-up of the dayās filth into bed, thank you!
Self-care ritual: Having a night at home, putting a luxurious face mask on and making a big stir fry for dinner while blasting a rom com on my laptop in the background! Simple pleasures, baby.
šŖ©BTWšŖ©
š I find myself recommending Who? Weekly at least twice a week to friends, colleagues, and even strangers on subways. Iām not even here to shout out a specific episode, but the entire show. I love it so much and think that the premise is genius. If youāre not familiar, Lindsey and Bobby discuss the week in pop culture news from the perspective of the āwhoāsā and the āthemās.ā Basically, a āwhoā is someone that makes you say, āwho is that?ā And a āthemā is someone that makes you say āoh, of course! Them.ā But if youāre thinking to yourself, āis it a low-brow show about gossip?...ā first of all, watch yourself. And second of all, yes - AND. Itās really about public relations, who gets coverage, why some folks pop more than others, how news is made, and how celebrity is imprinted. If youāre just getting started, listen to at least three episodes before deciding how you feel about it. There are a lot of inside jokes youāll need to get in on but trust me, itās worth it! - Arielle Nissenblatt
š All year long, weāve been celebrating the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop (August 11, 1973). Last month, there were a multitude of nationwide events centered around the Four Elements (djing, emceeing, breaking and graffiti writing) and celebrations based on the founding principles of the genre (peace, love, unity and having fun). For Black Music Month, NPR even did a Tiny Desk concert with Juvenile, which lives rent free in my mind, and landed perfectly with all the excitement this year.
What Iāve enjoyed the most about these reflective moments in the culture have been the conversations.Ā Documentaries such as On the Record and Ladies First have stayed in my queue, and the podcasts have been just as engaging!!!Ā I continue to recommendĀ Women in Hip Hop hosted by Jazzie Belle, the Webby award winning Almanac of Rap, and of course Louder than a Riot (which also comes highly recommended by LP).
I have enjoyed these three shows the most because they each take the conversations around hip hop a step further.Ā For instance, Jazzie of WIHH has wonderful conversations with women rappers, but she also has discussions with women behind some of the biggest Hip Hop records that we love. In the episode with Drew Dixon, it was interesting to learn about how Ms. Dixonās work led to the Grammy award winning record āYouāre All I Needā (which she A&R and produced while writing Method Manās liner notes).Ā Further, in AOR, I loved the episode of Jean Grae and Donwill talking about rappers with the most unhinged lyrics (hint: once they reveal the rapper itās very obvious, but youāll never guess it.) For Louder than A Riot, I canāt recommend one episode because the entire season is phenomenal (Meg, Trina, Doechii, Trina and the Rico Nasty episodes are just Ā š¤Ā . - Faybeoān Mickens
š Without's Public Space episode is a real eye-opener. Omar El Akkad takes you on a tour of disappearing public spaces and it's a wild ride. He breaks it down globally, showing how different countries deal with this issue. It's not just about benches and parks; it's about society and community. Public spaces are a big deal because they are the glue that brings people together and foster a sense of togetherness. They're where we meet and (could) make new friends over coffee, where we can recharge from nature, or the place where anyone can gain access to resources like books, computers, etc. But Omar also talks about how libraries become a space for unhoused people, creating stigma around them and driving others away from making the most of its resources. This episode is a very interesting listen and a wake up call to pay a little closer attention to the potential of public spaces. I was on a plane ride listening to it, and it had me thinking about this stuff for the whole five-hour flight. - Andreea Coscai
š Iām obsessed with Heartstopper (originally graphic novels by Alice Oseman that have been turned into a popular Netflix show). I wonāt go into it too much because I think Iāll never stop talking about it but if you donāt know what it is, in short itās a tender queer teen love story. Anyway, I am sharing that for context, because as I recover from Hearstopper season 2, I am in the headspace where I cannot listen to anything that doesnāt involve someone falling for someone, so I gasped when I discovered Keep It Steady. Itās a bittersweet audio fiction where we follow seventeen-year-old Zach, a closeted bisexual, and his crush, cool kid Gabe, in a conservative town. I wish I was like Zach, he is witty and can at least chat with Gabe even if it seems like he is always trying to get on his nerves. His inner dialogue is so relatable as a fellow bisexual. Honestly, I just freeze in front of a crush, become a penguin and forget words. Iām just one episode in and I am already nervous-excited for Zach because Gabe suggests for them to be a pretend couple to help ward off attention from two female students who are in love. So, if you are in a similar headspace as me, you might enjoy this one. I canāt wait to keep listening.Ā - Aakshi Sinha
š Pals, this episode of Twenty Thousand Hertz on the tones of Zelda seriously HyRULES. I've caught Dallas, the host, sneaking in Zelda references in past episodes, so I wasnāt surprised when I saw the episode title pop up on my feed. He even starts off this one bonding with his sweet daughter over the series, who might need a little help facing Ganon, but is 100% on board the Zelda love train. This episode is like a musical potion for every Zelda fan out there. From the early days of quirky beeps and boops to today's lush orchestral renditions, itās a heartstring-tugging travel through time with your old 8-bit friend. This isnāt just for die-hard Zelda fans either - if youāve ever played even one game in the series, thrown Linksā boomerang in Super Smash Bros or share a love of any video game, this is for you. Pro-tip: If you want a quick mood boost, throw on the Breath of the Wild soundtrack. Also, does anyone else say āHOLY CALAMITY GANONā when something crazy happens? No? Just me? Cool. cOoL. Cool.Ā - Holly Brown
š On the surface, Blum is an audio thriller about a painter and thatās all I can tell you without spoiling it. I picked it out of Pocket Castsā mystery catalogue because of its beautiful cover art and I wasnāt disappointed. At a deeper level, itās a study of how art can sometimes suffer at the hands of money. The audio drama is meta, well-produced, and immersive. Itās unlike anything Iāve ever heard. If youāre like me and like to challenge the scaredy cat inside you, I recommend listening to it on headphones when youāre home alone. Enjoy the thrill! - Shreya Sharma
š If you liked the way Articles of Interest analyzes fashion as a reflection of culture, society, and history, you need to check out Hello Girls. They take a very similar approach, except the focus is on womenās underwear. The driving thesis of the show is that womenās underwear and its history says a lot about our lives. After listening to the first three episodes about the Wonderbra, thongs, and bra fittings, I can confirm that they deliver on demonstrating how true that is. Even though youād assume underwear wouldnāt have as much of an impact because itās under your clothes and hidden, there have been many trends where underwear is not so subtle. Through new products, styles from the runway, and celebrity culture, the societal influence of womenās underwear becomes much more complex than youād assume. And because of its intimate nature, thereās also a significant emotional impact. I really enjoy the way episodes open with people answering a question related to the topic of the episode, then they begin analyzing with the help of journalists, historians, and experts from the fashion and clothing world. The 30 minute episodes are so easy to fly through! - Devin Andrade
š My dear friend Keisha Dutes did a beautiful Life Kit on coping with grief after losing a pet and the entire episode is informative, soothing and assuring. Joining her in the conversation was Alexander Hardy of GetSomeJoy ;Ā and a few of her friends popped in near the end to share their own journeys.Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā
When I lost my Simba earlier this year in February, I felt so āsillyā for crying as much as I did. My family and I held a ceremony for him; and I left his bowl in the kitchen months after because I wanted to keep something of his presence in the house. It felt calming to hear other people talk about their experiences. I think that most adults can relate to losing a loved one and how emotionally and physically draining that can be,Ā but for those of us that have lost furry family members, itās a bit hard to explain to those that donāt have fur babies.
While listening to Keisha talk about her process following the passing of her late kitty, Feisty Misses Peabody, I felt comfort knowing that I wasnāt isolated in a lot ofĀ what I was feeling. I was also encouraged by how Keisha celebrates the spirit Misses Peabody everyday (especially while walking down the street presenting her best fashion). Keisha and Alexander even answeredĀ some of the most intense questions: āshould I get another pet?ā āhow long will this grief last?ā, etc. I recommend this episode for anyone that has experienced (or knows someone who has experienced) the loss of a pet. - Faybeoān Mickens
š Death, Sex & Money absolutely nailed it with Why I Steal. This episode got me thinking about morality through the lens of class ā heavy stuff, but so important to think about. Hearing about the techniques of the shoplifter was like learning a secret art. People get really inventive with this stuff and there are even full communities out there that share how they do it! But also hearing about having to shoplift food and diapers for your family had me rethinking everything. What really stuck with me is how this episode peeled back the layers of a complex issue. You start to realize it's not all black and white; there's this gray area where desperation meets survival, and society's view of 'right' and 'wrong' doesn't always apply neatly. If you're up for a listen that will get you thinking, this one is it! - Andreea Coscai
š Talking about romance and queer love, I am also 100000% obsessed with Hang Up by Radiotopia. I AM SWEATING as I wait for the last episode of this season. Of course Lauren being Lauren already talked about it here when the first episode came out. If you missed that issue, hereās a quick rundown: itās a dating show where the āstarā, Maxine (not her real name), goes on dates with six different callers and at the end of each round hangs up on one person. Itās nerve wracking because like Itās Nice To Hear You (another dating show and a favourite!) they can only hear each otherās voice, at least for most of the process, BUT what makes this even more intense is that at the end the person Maxine chooses will get to turn the tables and decide if they want to go an all expense paid vacation with her or take a cash prize of $1000. Maxine is sassy and chaotic in a relatable way and I am in love with her voice. Actually, I think Iām in love with everyone involved in the show so every elimination hurts real bad. So, I really appreciate the extra episodes where we get to know every caller who gets hung up on. I am rooting for Maxine but also the last two callers. Itās such a tough choice. I recommend catching up in time to listen in on who is Maxineās pick and if they pick her in return. - Aakshi Sinha
š Tim and Eric walked, so Eric Andre could fly head first into the sun. For a comedian as experimental as Eric Andre, itās not surprising that his live stand-up performances have been met with some flops. In fact, Bombing with Eric Andre is like a blooper reel of his show where he and his funny friends, like David Gborie, get vulnerable about the āSO unfunny they're funny againā moments in their careers. I am obsessed with Eric Andre and wish I had 1/1000000th of the confidence he has to do literally anything. As a stand up comedian myself, hearing comedians talk about the less glamorous side of comedy feels so good. Comedy is subjective and we are destined to bomb spectacularly at some point. Eric opened for Chris Rock once and still managed to feel the chill of the crowd - I mean, if he can bomb there, then my own crash and burn moments - Ā like after the host introduced me as tonightās stripper (REAL original, Connor. Hilarious), or trying to make an audience of teenagers laugh (OOF, they mean) - donāt seem so bad. The highs are so high and it keeps you coming back despite the deafening silence of the lows. Hearing David Gborie recount bombing an entire weekend and not wanting to turn into a human rocket and blast himself into another galaxy? Honestly, thatās therapy right there. Goes to show, we've all been there, done that, got the 'I survived a comedy bomb' T-shirt, literally or otherwise. After listening to this episode, tell me how much you wish you were at the show where he steals the heckler's phone and texts EVERYONE.Ā - Holly Brown
From the Desk of Tink
Today weāre talking to Erin Keating of Hotter Than Ever.
Describe the show in ten words or less
How about a haiku?
Women forty plus
break unconscious rules, become
Happy, sexy, free
Who is it for?
Women over forty who want to be inspired to take a leap and change their lives - whether thatās in their career, their relationships or their personal self-expression.
Also:
Women who suspect there may be more to life than what theyāre currently experiencing.
Women who have been putting their dreams aside for "someday" and wonder when that day will come.
Women who are doing things because theyāre supposed to, not because they want to.
Women who feel stopped or stuck or trapped by decisions they made decades ago.
Anyone who wants to feel more alive, more vital, sexier and more free in the second half of their lives!
Which episode should people start with?
If you want to go really deep into love and relationships, Iād start with my conversation with author Kelly McMasters about her book The Leaving Season. We go there about divorce and dating after marriage.
If youāre looking for a new and more empowered way of living your life, listen to my interview with former Oprah producer and co-president of OWN, Sheri Salata. She says āEverything is a love problem, and only you can solve it.ā
Favorite listener interaction:
Hearing from so many people that Hotter Than Ever is telling the story of their lives and makes them feel seen. I love when people reach out to tell me about the rules theyāre breaking, the dreams theyāve decided to chase and the hot younger men theyāre dating!
Dream guest:
Emma Thompson. Sheās such an outspoken advocate for shedding the beauty myth and living a life of your dreams with no apologies!
Would love to be a guest onā¦
Smartless. Iāve listened to every episode and I know weād have tons of fun and become best friends.
Dream partnership:
Iād like to partner with VCs or angel investors to grow the Hotter Than Ever brand, creating products and media that reflect the authentic, messy, sexy, funny and inspiring stories of women over forty. Overall deal with Netflix? Partnership to create a line of THC edibles with MedMen? A dating app for women over 40? A publishing imprint? All on the table.
Do your kids think you're cool?
OMG my twelve year old daughter listened to the Hotter Than Ever trailer and now her nickname for me is āSpicyā! My kids are proud of me for starting my own business - they may secretly think Iām cool, but theyād never admit it.