Why you should give these podcasts a whirl.
I’m a big fan of podcasts.
Out for a run? Let a little comedy sweep you along the trail.
Cleaning the bathroom? Learn about a ponzi scheme for the ages.
Road trip? Learn how to write your novel.
Here’s what I’m listening to these days. You might like them too.
CONAN O’BRIEN NEEDS A FRIEND
I’ve always liked how Conan never quite fit the mold of the classic late night talk show host. Embracing his awkwardness and his pompadour he is quick to veer off into weirdness and old tyme language.
He’s had an amazing career as a writer and performer, starting as writer for The Harvard Lampoon, then SNL and The Simpsons, his late night talk shows, and more.
His podcast is very entertaining and if I can recommend just one it’s when Albert Brooks and Rob Reiner were guests.
SWINDLED
Darkly funny and hosted anonymously by A Concerned Citizen this well researched, highly entertaining podcast is my go-to whenever I‘m in the mood to lose all faith in my fellow humans.
Ponzi schemes. Corporate graft. General grifting as a way of life.
Each episode begins with a prelude, a story of greed or corruption that serves to set up the longer featured story. It’s beautifully crafted, and if you like your humour dry, this stuff is as arid as it gets, in the best possible way.
I wish the guy running it could be famous, but alas he has chosen to be the Banksy of podcasts. Kind of adds to the allure though.
THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO WRITING A NOVEL
Setting aside the abysmal kerning of that title image right there, this podcast is a real gem.
Jim Thayer’s weekly podcast delves into writing techniques that even the most seasoned writer could learn from. Through his relaxed, easy going delivery and affable manner, Jim’s joy of writing and the sharing of his knowledge shines through. (And if he read this, he’d surely chastise me for too many adjectives.)
Anyway who isn’t writing a novel, am I right?
I know I always claim to be.
So if you’re one of us, check it out. And remember: Show don’t Tell!