By Debbie Hampton
I had never listened to a podcast until Serial sucked me in last year (along with the rest of America). When it ended, I fell into a mini-depression, desperately craving another podcast that was as compelling and immersive.
I asked friends, scouted beyond my favorite genre of true crime, and found a crapload of podcasts I now can’t live without. Here are seven I’ve been following lately that are well worth a listen.
Welcome to Night Vale
A nightly community radio news program takes place in the fictional desert town of Night Vale. It’s here that Cecil Palmer (real name Cecil Baldwin) tells unsettling stories of dark figures in dog parks, murderous teachers, and trees that are doorways to alternate realities. It’s 25 minutes of David Lynchian nightmares, with a twitter account that captures the flavor with tweets like this: “Let’s have a heart to heart. Here’s mine, and here’s a knife.”
I Was There Too
Matt Gourley interviews actors who had minor roles in big films. It’s on the longish side, and there are only ten episodes so far, but it’s a quirky concept and interesting to hear. Paul Rust, for example, recounts his time in scalping camp to train for his teeny role in Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds. (He doesn’t, however, mention whether or not Brad Pitt is actually handsome in person).
Criminal
I’m still a loyal listener to this crime podcast because, well, it’s about crime. It’ll scratch that itch if you’re missing Serial. It tells riveting stories of bad guys, people accused of being bad guys, and those caught in the moral crosshairs. The crimes are usually solved, but the gray area between right and wrong is left to the listener to discern.
Home of the Brave
There are only five episodes of this new podcast, but they’re so eerie I really hope it continues. Scott Carrier is a master storyteller who uses archival material — some of which is decades old — to construct each episode. “New Shoes” is particularly incredible, as he recounts returning from a life-altering trip to India, then hitchhiking with two young men who get him high and introduce him to Metallica (which he thinks sounds like “a terrible monster that eats strip malls”). Can’t wait to hear his next story.
Song Exploder
There’s a library of episodes to browse, and, honestly, each one is fascinating. During the podcasts, artists and producers from various bands including Blonde Redhead, The National, and Poliça deconstruct a particular song. My favorite is the episode where Butch Vig and Shirley Manson take apart Garbage’s “Felt.” A must listen for music lovers.
Reply All
With stories about the Internet, this show appeals to listeners interested in tech. Topics range from Twitter conspiracies to domain sales, with the overriding theme of how the Internet is being (re)shaped. The podcast somehow manages to tell these tales narratively, so you aren’t falling asleep as you listen. The podcast fills a gap that needed to be filled; in fact, it may be the only one reporting on the world of the interweb in such an engaging way.
Hardcore History
Love history? I don’t. But my husband does, so I gave this a listen. Dan Carlin tells stories from America’s past (he releases new shows every month or so). Surprisingly, I was riveted. The episode’s range from stories about the Punic Wars (wtf, right?) to Apache Indians surrendering to the American government. Definitely a must listen for history buffs, and a great way to educate yourself while still having fun.
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