Podcasts worth listening to
So apparently, it’s my turn again, and as the leading “expert” on almost nothing, you can expect more of the same from me: PODCASTS. Only this time, I’m going to be even less helpful. In a move that says “I, and I alone, have good taste and should be listened to” I’m going to offer up a list of three of my current personal favorite podcasts.
Doesn’t sound like much? That’s because it isn’t.
To sweeten the pot, I’ll also be identifying the common traits these seemingly unrelated podcasts all share. So, in essence, I’ll be unlocking the recipe for the secret sauce that makes podcasts great. Sounds pretty good to me as far as free advice goes. Do with this what you will.
Missed Apex: Much like a large swath of Americans with too much free time and too much access to amazing television this past year, I got completely sucked into Netflix’s “Drive to Survive” series—a behind the scenes look at the world of Formula One racing.
And I do mean completely sucked in. I now read all the news, watch all the racing, watch all the qualifying. I even watch the practices. Suffice to say, it’s become my number one hobby.
Naturally, I also listen to several F1 podcasts, and Missed Apex is far and away the best one.
The Rewatchables: Bill Simmons and the Ringer—his sports and pop culture website/podcasting network—put out a tremendous amount of quality content. I don’t even particularly like the guy, but it’s undeniable that he’s compelling and knows how to produce a quality podcast. Of all the one’s he’s behind, The Rewatchables is easily my favorite.
A classic example of how-the-hell-didn’t-I-come-up-with-that?, The Rewatchables is a podcast built around Bill Simmons and company breaking down and discussing their favorite movies. It doesn’t sound like much, but trust me, it’s good.
Your Mom’s House: If you’ve never heard of it, don’t listen to/watch this one. If you’re not already among the loyal, devoted army of mommies keeping it high and tight, chances are this just isn’t for you. Regardless, I really enjoy it.
On its surface, the podcast hosted by married comedians, Tom Segura and Christina Pazsitzky is essentially an internet clip show, but it goes well beyond that. YMH listeners are a legitimate community, and one big and engaged enough to basically completely ruin Garth Brooks social media presence in hysterical fashion.
What they all share
So, what do these seemingly unrelated podcasts all share? More than you’d think in my opinion.
They’re all fun. But they’re all serious about what they do. All these podcasts are a fun listen. In fact, I’m not sure I listen to any that aren’t. But there’s more beneath the surface of each of these. Missed Apex and The Rewatchables are legitimately thoughtful operations, with both podcasts constantly demonstrating that a tremendous amount of consideration and research has gone into the effort to have an informative and interesting conversation.
Even Your Mom’s House—a podcast that’s the antithesis of serious—has an unmistakable professional quality to it. Conveniently, it just so happens that their job is to be funny.
They’re all clearly passionate about what they’re talking about. This might be the most important part. With each one of these podcasts, its abundantly clear that the hosts and participants absolutely love what they’re talking about. Whether it be movies, race cars, comedy, or any other subject for that matter, there’s just something inherently compelling about people discussing their passions.
There’s just the right amount of structure: not too much and not too little.
An underrated but important component of all these podcasts is the fact that there’s some underlying structure built into these shows. Where the race was won and lost, most rewatchable scene, horrible or hilarious—week in and week out, these are segments I count on and look forward to.
Yet at the same time, structure doesn’t supersede everything. There’s always room for tangents, rabbit holes and asides. As long as the conversation is good and generally moving in the right direction, these podcasts always get where they need to go. And not only does that that freedom and flexibility provide a critical sense of authenticity to these podcasts, it’s also likely a big part of what keeps them fresh and fun.
There it is. There’s the recipe. Now go make a podcast I want to listen to.