On Podcasts What I Like

[sabinetzin]

So I got it in my head (mostly because of people complaining about the Beef and Dairy Network's ads, which I agree are no good) to write up a thing about the podcasts I listen to. Here I present to you one representative episode (or an episode I really like) from all the podcasts I listen to regularly. If you're interested in dipping your toe in, whether into podcasts or into these particular shows, try some of these!

99% Invisible

You should listen to: 138. O-U-I-J-A

Straight out of the gate with a rather sedate choice, but how can you not enjoy the dulcet tones of Roman Mars bringing you interesting information? I'll cop to not listening to every episode, but O-U-I-J-A is one that really surprised me and one that I keep coming back to when it comes up in conversation.

(Runners up: 165. The Nutshell Studies, 148. The Sizzle)

The Adventure Zone

You should listen to: The Live Boston Stunt Spectacular

It differs how much of a given TAZ live show you can understand having not listened to the show, but I think there's enough of this one that's accessible to a non-listener that you would be able to enjoy it. And of all the live shows, this is the one that combines execution and silliness to the best degree. And it is glorious.

Beef and Dairy Network

You should listen to: 16. Live at the London Agricultural Festival

Live shows are kind of a cop-out; that I am aware of though I will recommend several, but to get the most out of B&DN you really have to listen from the beginning. You can, however, enjoy this episode without much context, and it's full of excellent moments.

(Runners up: 23. 75th Anniversary Special, 2. A Tribute To Paul Kitesworthy)

Getting On with James Urbaniak

You should listen to: 1. The Wolf in the Kitchen

This podcast is sadly defunct, but it's a really good listen anyway. The Wolf in the Kitchen is the most accurate depiction of insomnia that I have ever come across in any media whatsoever, and I say that as a lifelong insomniac. Also, it's funnier than I'm making it sound.

My Brother, My Brother and Me

You should listen to: 355. The Playbloom

Much like Night Vale and 99pi, you probably listen to this podcast already. And while there are many classic goofs I could direct you to, I wanted to showcase something more recent, as the brothers have evolved without losing any of that good good comedy talent. And I lose. my. shit. over this very thematically consistent episode every time.

(Runners up: 228. Shuriken Dip, 242. In The Mouth of Mango)

Oh No Ross and Carrie

You should listen to: Ross and Carrie Audit Scientology (Parts 1-9)

I couldn't recommend a single episode of this show, because it would be kind of like recommending one chapter of a travelogue. There are shorter investigations (Ross and Carrie Remember Tony Alamo Parts 1-2) or single episodes that stand alone a bit better than others (Ross and Carrie and the Ozark UFOs Part 3), but the Scientology investigation is the height of their work. I have problems with both their tone and their understanding of anthropological ethics, but Scientology deserves it, and they manage a lot of restraint in ways I wouldn't have expected. There are also a few follow up interviews, all of which I'd recommend except for the Louis Theroux one (he doesn't seem to know what the podcast is or particularly care). (Content note: Descriptions of anti-psychiatry rhetoric)

Sawbones

You should listen to: Corpse Theft and the Resurrection Men

Sawbones is at its best when the history gets particularly buckwild, and the story of the less-than-ethical way that medical cadavers used to be sourced is prime material for them. This episode is gross, but not the grossest they've done, and Alexander Hamilton even makes an appearance.

(Runners up: Mr. Reich's Sexbox, the Heroes of Patent Medicine series, Ghostwatch)

Welcome to Night Vale

You should listen to: 31. A Blinking Light up on the Mountain

This episode has some of the things that make Night Vale great, including ridiculous things being presented matter-of-factly, Cecil/Carlos moments, and a satisfying ending. Also, I enjoy the weather.

(Runners up: 9. PYRAMID, 13. A Story About You.)

Within the Wires

You should listen to: Season 2, Cassette 1: Tate Modern

You really have to start at the beginning of this series, or at the very least the beginning of a season; I don't even want to say too much about the premise, because the way it unfolds is so perfect. Suffice it to say that season one is a series of relaxation tapes and season two is museum audio guides, set in the same universe. The more I reflect on it, the more I think the beginning of season two is more eye-catching (ear-catching?) than season one. So listen to this, and when you're captivated, go back to the beginning.

Comments

[runpunkrun]

Thanks for the links and the recs! I'm particularly excited about the Scientology series because I find that shit fascinating.

[sabinetzin]

I've watched a lot of stuff about Scientology, but I still felt like I was getting something new out of their investigation. They got to a lot of what it's like just to be in the rank and file, instead of focusing on the kinds of stories one hears in other sources from people who left Scientology.

Sawbones also has an episode about the purification rundown, for even more Scientology info.

[were_duck]

I've been so taken with TAZ that I haven't yet ventured into the other mcelroy products, so thanks for these intro ep recs!

The Boston stunt spectacular is so good <3

[sabinetzin]

There are many fine McElroy selections! I think the next on my list is Wonderful. I would give the same caveat as the brothers would regarding MBMBaM; they had a lot of bad opinions at the beginning, and they've shown massive growth. If you're wanting to listen to the whole thing, I would rec starting with the Bro's Better, Bro's Best eps and then picking up maybe somewhere circa 120 (perhaps with Blast My Cache).

[(Anonymous)]

Hello!

I understand if it doesn't interest you anymore but would you consider letting someone else run the Into A Bar challenge on Dreamwidth? With credit to you of course as the originator.

It's a challenge missed by a lot of people.

Thanks for even considering it.

[sabinetzin]

I've given the reins of the challenge to my co-mod, dizmo. She's responsible for it from now on, so please direct all your inquiries to her. Thanks!