PODCASTS FOR YOUR AURAL PLEASURE

Got your attention with the title, right?
By Rachel James (Treasurer/Writer) 

Sometime over the summer, my running playlists had become boring and I couldn’t think of a new book to read.  On the recommendation of a friend, I started listening to The Nerdist Podcast.  In doing so, I discovered Nerdist Industries, which introduced to me their podcast network.  In discovering their podcasts, I discovered the whole world of podcasting that I had been ignoring all this time.

Below, I present five of my favorite podcasts, as well as some recommended episodes.  If you need something to listen to on the subway, or something to help make that workout go faster, give these a whirl.

The Nerdist Podcast

This is the one that started it all for me.  The Nerdist himself, Chris Hardwick, along with Jonah Ray and Matt Mira, talk to various guests about lots of random things, mainly nerdy in nature.  There are almost 300 episodes and they come out three times a week, so accept now that you will never catch up with them.  I would highly recommend any of the episodes that feature cast members from Star Trek: The Next Generation (Patrick Stewart, Brent Spiner, Wil Wheaton, LeVar Burton and Michael Dorn have all been on, and Matt Mira has an encyclopedic knowledge of TNG, so it’s awesome) or the Doctor Who related episodes (Matt Smith has been on a couple times, and the David Tennant episode really makes you miss Ten).  Also, I dare you to listen to the theme song by Anamanaguchi and not dance like you’re in an 80’s movie. 

Recommended episodes: Joan Rivers and Billy Hardwick

 You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes

 

Pete Holmes chats with various people about weird things.  The weird things vary show to show, but it usually comes back to comedy, sex, and God.  I know I’m staying vague here, but trust me.  It’s fantastic!  You can tell Pete is having a fun time and is genuinely interested in what his guests are saying.  No one is promoting anything, and they’re just two people having a conversation about weird shit.  Plus, it has a kick ass theme song from Reggie Watts, so how can you beat that? 

Recommended episodes: Bo Burnham and Emily V. Gordon

WTF with Marc Maron

Marc Maron sits in his garage and talks with people about... stuff.  Nerdist is about nerd things, YMIW is about weird things, and WTF is about... whatever.  Many episodes delve into people’s comedy roots and what makes them do what they do, but it’s mainly just two people talking.  I see a theme developing here...

Recommended episodes: Mindy Kaling and Chelsea Handler

Making It with Riki Lindhome

For all you artists out there trying to make a living in the arts, have I got a podcast for you.  Riki Lindhome (a.k.a. Garfunkel of Garfunkel & Oates) talks with various people about making it in the entertainment industry.  It can be a bit of a bummer to see how much of it can come down to luck and timing, but it can be inspiring to hear from people who are just working in the industry.  They may not be household names, but this is their passion and they are making a living doing it.  I love that when the guest says something like “So my agent...” and she’ll interrupt them with “How did you get an agent?”, since every story is different.  And she talks to the guests about having day jobs, which may not be revolutionary, but it’s informative and real nonetheless. 

Recommended episodes: Joss Whedon and Chris Hardwick

Nerdist Writer’s Panel with Ben Blacker

Again with the helpful podcasts!  Ben Blacker moderates different panels with writers (mainly those who write for television) on how they got their start and what they do for their jobs.  Sounds simple, but I find it absolutely fascinating to hear about what goes on in a writers room and how things go from page to screen. 

Recommended episodes: Women on TV and Stages of TV Writer

There you have it!  Let your ears rejoice!

RACHEL JAMES is a native New Yorker and theatre baby. Her plays have been produced by The 52nd Street Project and Starfish Theatreworks. She currently makes a living as a Broadway treasurer.
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