❤️Podcast The Newsletter❤️
Bonjour.
Podcast Gumbo's Paul Kondo and I are doing a fun collaboration for our readers. Each week for the next four weeks, we have collected a podcast recommendation from one of our pals at Bello Collective. Paul and I will then listen on our own, and answer the same four questions about our experiences listening. Make sense?
Our first recommender is the fabulous Skye Pillsbury of Inside Podcasting. Skye sent us Travel Options for the Collapse from Desert Oracle. My notes are below, but if you want to read Paul's, you should read them here and subscribe to Podcast Gumbo here.
Here’s a snippet of Paul’s review: “As soon as I started listening, I began to question my relationship with Skye. This is not the same ol’, same ol’. It sounds like fiction but it’s not. (In truth, I still have some doubts.) What is it exactly? It’s an audio piece that harkens back to a time when tv didn’t even exist. How did people hear about events and stories back then? Radio shows. Just like this.” Read more.
And here’s mine: It took me awhile to get into Skye's recommendation, Desert Oracle's "Travel Options for the Collapse" episode. I had to restart it several times. I kept getting distracted, then would hear a quirky word or phrase that made me want to go back to the very beginning to understand what on earth was going on. I didn't do any reading before hand, so I was literally dropped into the strange world of Desert Oracle, and I felt a little out of sorts. Reading about it now, I'm told that Desert Oracle produces weekly road trips through the desert. Each story is mysterious and ominous. The intent, I think, is to make the listener feel out of place. But the more I listened, the more I wanted to hear more and understand what was happening to me! "Travel Options for the Collapse" lets us picture the desert after an apocalypse. As I got to know the narrator better, I felt like I was piecing together a puzzle. Where is this story coming from? Why does he hate social media so much? I listened to another episode, to get a better sense of the entire project, and my takeaway is that listening to Desert Oracle is an audio adventure. You have to be engaged and curious to go on the ride. I think it's worth it, if you're able to be patient with the unique presentation of the show. Don't you dare listen to this show when you're doing anything that requires your attention. Go lie down on the floor and stare at the ceiling or something.
What stood out to you the most?
LP: The sense of place, or lack-thereof. I knew I was somewhere strange, but couldn't place where. As the episode continued the clouds began to lift. As I listened again and again, it felt like the setting was a ghost appearing to me, stronger and stronger the longer I looked.
How was this different or similar to what you usually listen to?
LP: I have just started getting into fiction shows, and this wasn't even that. It felt real but was scripted. It didn't have a character or an interviewer or even a story. It just was.
Who would you recommend this show to?
LP: I would only recommend this show to someone who wants to challenge themselves and really expand their list with something totally unique. Like, are you ready to take your podcast listening to the next level? Joe Rogan/My Favorite Murder/Stuff You Should Know listeners need not apply.
Are you adding this show to your listening library?
LP: I introduced Desert Oracle to my husband, and it’s quickly become a family favorite. My husband has listened to even more episodes than I have, and we have found it’s a great podcast to listen to while we are falling asleep! Podcast discovery FTW!
Thanks, Paul! Thanks, Skye!
xoxo lp
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As Me's Sinéad Burke
Sinéad Burke is the host of Lemonada’s As Me. Follow her on Twitter here, follow Lemonada on Twitter here.
Tell us how As Me came about!
About two years ago, I was interviewed by DeRay for his incredible show, ‘Pod Save the People’. We spoke about my experiences of a disabled woman and the advocacy that’s required to make the world more equitable and accessible for disabled people. I loved speaking with him, but had no idea what it would lead to. Jessica Cordova Kramer is the producer of that show and now, the co-founder of Lemonada Media. She listened to that episode and thought that I would make a great host - surreal. This led to a conversation earlier this year about the possibility of facilitating empathetic conversations with the people that I admire most about who they are and what it’s like to live in their bodies. The show is called ‘As Me with Sinéad’ and it’s possibly the project I’m most proud of!
As Me feels different than any other interview podcast I've heard. What sets it apart?
As a disabled woman, I live in a world that was not designed for me and in many ways, that’s cultivated an empathy in me and a genuine understanding that vulnerability is a strength. The show gives guests a safe space to be vulnerable and to narrate who they are - as their whole selves. My role is to listen, to ask ‘why’ and to connect our experiences in empathy.
What kind of people are you looking for to interview? What do the guests have in common?
The guests each have an understanding that vulnerability can both be a burden but an opportunity. They understand that the power of the human story can change hearts, minds and legislation. They understand that by sharing the parts of ourselves that we often conceal, can genuinely change the world.
What does the show remind you of? It doesn't have to be a podcast, it could be a TV show or app or food or place!
The show reminds me of those powerful conversations that you have with your best friends or a loved one, in your darkest or most celebratory moments. You leave those coffee dates feeling better about the world and better about yourself. The show is that experienced magnified and amplified, but at its heart, it’s just two people speaking about what worries them and what gives them hope in an intimate setting.
Why are you the perfect host for this show? (As I believe you are.)
Ha! Thank you. I’m curious and kind. I value kindness, probably because it’s a pre-requisite for my own independence. But pairing curiosity and kindness together has instigated an honesty with my heroes that’s barely imaginable. I don’t think it’s been done before, because people like me haven’t been granted permission to be in the rooms where such conversations happen.
💎BTW:💎
🎙️Oh, wow. I'm obsessed with a new show: Radio Rental, "bizarre, real-life horror stories told by those who lived them." This podcast gives me the CREEPS. The third episode, Babysitter / What Was She Planning?, tells three stories that covered me in real goosebumps, made me scream NO aloud while I was listening, and also had me literally slapping my face. These stories are well-told, terrifying, and real. Listen here.
🎙️So obviously spooky season is over and now podcasts are going to start focusing on America's favorite holiday, Thanksgiving! And all the episodes will be about being thankful and doing good! Right? No? No! Still into the spooky stuff. Okay fine. Just discovered Old Gods of Appalachia, a horror-anthology podcast set in the shadows of an Alternate Appalachia. It's TRUE escapism, if your idea of escapism is being surrounded by ghosts and murderers in the middle of the woods. I almost felt the temperature change as I turned it on.
🎙️I first heard about The Beef and Dairy Network years ago, listened to a single episode, and wrote it off for some completely random reason. Podcasting has changed so much in the past few years, and so have I. A friend recently brought up The Beef and Dairy Network and so I gave it another shot and laughed my bum off. It's exactly the kind of show that I'm drawn to, now. So either I'm way behind, or The Beef and Dairy Network was ahead of its time. I think when I first listened, interview shows were big, or shows of people just SHOOTING THE SHIT (a phrase that now makes me cringe.) The Beef and Dairy Network is "the number one podcast for those involved or just interested in the production of beef animals and dairy herds." It's hysterical fiction, something I'm late to appreciate, but I'm appreciating more than ever. I suppose I'm lucky because now I have a huge backlist of episodes to treat myself to. The latest episode with Nick Offerman felt like a gift, a gift that I do not deserve. I'm sorry, The Beef and Dairy Network. I'm sorry I ever doubted you. A lesson to us all: just because you don't like a show, doesn't mean you shouldn't give it another try.
🎙️Racist Sandwich is back! Thank goodness. With new hosts Stephanie and Juan. Episode one interviews Nikeisah Newton, a Portland, Oregon-based chef and owner of Meals 4 Heels, a food delivery company that delivers homemade, healthy meals to sex workers. Love what Racist Sandwich is doing, so glad they're continuing to do it, and can't wait to see what's to come.
🎙️I was very interested to hear about Mormon Lesbian, an investigative podcast series hosted by Jennifer Lynae Lee that explores "the ways global religions have informed our historical and cultural perceptions of sexuality and contributed to issues Jennifer has experienced firsthand including matters of violence, community, isolation, self-worth and identity." Jennifer is Mormon, and a lesbian, but the show covers LBGTQ issues in other religions, too. I was particularly interested in the episode about a former nun coming out as a lesbian. I grew up Catholic and the nuns I have met are some of the coolest women I know. I think often they become nuns not particularly because they are incredibly connected with Catholicism, but because they care about the life of Jesus and social activism, which is cool. And if they are closeted, not being able to have sex with a man is obviously not a deal-breaker. This is an interesting show, I almost wish it were distributed on two feeds, one called "Mormon Lesbian," and one called "Religion Talk" (or something) so that maybe closeted teens in religious communities could subscribe and listen without the fear of tipping off their parents. (I'm assuming that some families don't want their closeted-religious kids to listen to it, even though those are the people who really need this show.)
🎙️I was psyched to stumble upon Spirited, from Wonder Media, that taps into the wisdom of leaders and activists who will help illuminate how spirituality informs action. Hosted by Dr. Simran Jeet Singh, the first episode is an interview with Rep. Ilhan Omar, someone I don't think we hear from enough.
🎙️Due to a recent job I had, I was steeped in the world of business and tech, and listened to a ton of business/tech podcasts—because I had to, not so much because I wanted to. In fact, sometimes listening to business podcasts on endless repeat now feels traumatizing. But still like to stay informed, even though it's no longer so much of a job requirement. If this sounds like you, I recommend Business Wars Daily: the bite-sized version of Business Wars, the show that spends episodes digging into the battles between popular brands and companies as they claw their way to the top. If you are NOT like me, and you want tons and tons of business content, this is still the show for you. You get a quick update every day. So many new daily shows, it's hard to manage, I know. But this one is different and helpful (and fun!) It's made my daily listen list. (Esp loved the recent episode about Rothy's.)
🎙️I have been listening to The Dumbbells since their very first episode. Eugene Cordero and Ryan Stanger interview comedians about their fitness and nutrition. These are two things I usually don't care to hear about. Listening to people talk about their workouts is so boring, diets are MORE boring. (In one of my favorite podcast episodes of all time, The Seven Things You're Not Supposed To Talk About, Sarah Koenig's mother says NEVER to discuss diet.) I am a runner, but hate hearing people talk about running. People can eat whatever or run wherever they want and I don't generally find it interesting. But! Eugene and Ryan are hysterical. They have backgrounds in improv and personal training, and they have sort of turned this interview show into an improv podcast. They are constantly riffing off each other and their funny guests. They'll have guests who you've heard on podcasts before, but because the discussion revolves around gym teachers, midwestern cuisine, veganism, and kettlebells, it's always a fresh conversation. This just in: the year is 2019 and comedians work out! They want to look good and feel good. The Dumbbells are pulling open the curtain on this. They are supportive to their listeners and seem genuinely invested in giving them solid workout/nutritional advice. (But they're "not doctors!") I don't remember how I discovered this show, and felt so alone in listening to it, until I got Justin to start listening. We listen together, now, and are always recounting the funny stories from the guests and Ryan and Eugene, and the episodes always spark fitness/nutrition discussions of our own.
🎙️Sometimes listening to an entire fiction podcast can be quite the investment. I often reserve a full day of listening if I know there is something I want to experience. But over the weekend I treated myself to At Will Media, Forever Dog, and Animal Kingdom's 14 Days with Felicity, a satirical narrative show that imagines Felicity Huffman's 14 days behind bars. The writing is tight and quick, and each episode flies by. The cast is stacked with great voice talent, and not a moment of this series is unnecessary. Much like Felicity Huffman's prison sentence, I wish it were much longer.
🎙️I loved listening to the most recent episode of The Sporkful, My Food History Wasn't Lost. It Was Stolen. Dan Pashman interviews Tommy Pico, who is a queer indigenous American Poet (and also one of the hosts of Food4Thot,) about Tommy's new book FEED. Tommy talks about how his food culture was wiped out when the federal government forced his ancestors onto a reservation. The best part is when Tommy shares his poem "I See The Fire That Burns Inside You." It's lengthy, but beautiful, and inspired me to order the book.
🎙️I watched The Shining over the weekend, for the millionth time, but it felt like the first time I was watching very closely. What stuck out to me was the beauty in the quiet moments, any time there was a lack of activity and noise. I could watch Shelly Duvall walk down a corridor for an hour. This is one of the few movies, I think, that is better than the book. (Though I know Stephen King disagrees.) Anyway, it was exciting to see that a show I love, Bad Science, cover it. Each week on Bad Science, Ethan Edenburg sits down with a comedian and a scientist to break down the scientifically inaccurate elements of movies and TV shows. I LOVE THIS IDEA! This episode featured Johnny Pemberton and Dr. Rena Repetti (Professor of Psychology at UCLA) to talk about the supernatural and psychological elements of the film and what it says about mental illness, domestic abuse, alcoholism, and hallucinations. BRB I have go watch The Shining once again!
🎙️Sorry for being such a SCIENCE BUFF but I'm also super into Dope Labs, where Titi and Zakiya dissect what's trending in pop culture and give it a scientific explanation. It's the science behind COOL SHIT, and I love how it shows me that science is straight-up behind everything I'm thinking about, even when the thing I'm thinking about is Cardi B, true crime, or con artists.
🎙️ The new series of You Must Remember This about Song of The South has me hooked. The second episode dives into the story of Hattie McDaniel, star of Song of The South, who was the first black performer to win an Oscar. "By the time Song of the South was released, McDaniel was the subject of much criticism in the black community for propagating outdated stereotypes in her roles. But McDaniel actually began her career subverting those same stereotypes, first in black minstrel shows and then in Hollywood movies." The most recent episode investigates the racism of “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” and its connection with minstrel shows of the 1830s.
🎙️That That Don't Kill Me is a series of "non-inspirational, honest and casual conversations about health, illness and disability between two uncourageous young adults who were born #sick, co-hosts Kendall Ciesemier and Jameson Rich." The first episode starts out with a bold remix of Kanye West's "Stronger." And the entire show is bold. Kendall and Jameson have what some would consider hot takes on being sick. They speak out against people who use social media to bring attention to their sicknesses, when they feel like they have been dealing with it their whole lives. But they say; "this is what we're doing. If you don't like it, find another podcast." What they are saying is true to their experiences, and they are creating a safe space where people can feel comfortable talking about this stuff. There are more than enough people who want and need to hear this.
🎙️I didn't listen to as many podcasts this week because I was busy launching a new company with my business partner, Kate. More on that very soon, watch your inboxes for a special email from me about it early next week! It has to do with podcasts, obviously. Yee-haw!
🎙️I love you!
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