Podcast Spotlight: Left Handed Radio

I recently heard Jody Avirgan on The Wolf Den podcast talking about why he prefers podcasts to other mediums. The gist of his argument was because podcasts (and radio) are audio-only, they require some effort and creativity by the listener to imagine the visuals. Couldn’t agree more with this sentiment and we’ve already seen the early success especially with audio drama podcasts. What we haven’t seen as much of, however, is podcast versions of sketch comedy. SNL … but a podcast.

That’s why I was excited to learn about Left Handed Radio, a sketch comedy podcast created by Adam Bozarth, Anna Rubanova, and Brett White. What’s immediately evident on your first listening is the time spent writing the sketches and producing a quality podcast — this isn’t a low budget recording of three friends joking in a basement. Their comedy and rapport combines to create a comprehensive — and truly funny — podcast experience.

We were fortunate to get to catch up with the Left Handed Radio team and discuss the podcast, their process, and the challenge they face as indie podcasters. See below for our full Q&A.

Listen: Apple | SoundCloud

DISCOVER PODS: How’d you get into podcasting?

LHR TEAM: Left Handed Radio began in 2010 in New York. We were getting a bit burned out on improv shows and wanted a way to do sketch comedy without having to buy expensive one-use props and costumes every time we wanted to do a show. Two of our founding members, Dan Chamberlain and Taylor Moore, had been experimenting with audio sketches in the style of old Python records. We got together and brainstormed what eventually became the show and the original group.

DP: In your own words, why should listeners tune in to Left Handed Radio?

LHR TEAM: If you’re a typical podcast listener, then Left Handed Radio is definitely unlike any other comedy podcast you’ve ever heard. If you HAVE listened to other sketch comedy podcasts, then you’re still in for something unique. A lot of hard work goes into each minute of our show. We also try to make each sketch as evergreen as possible, so you can dip back into the archives and still enjoy yourself. That even goes for our “topical” sketches, which almost never reference real people.

DP: As a sketch comedy group, how much of the sketches are scripted verses improv?

LHR TEAM:Until our recent relaunch, about 90% of the material was scripted. Only a few sketches and all of the short interstitial bits would be improvised. After our recent relaunch, the ratio is more even, probably at 50/50 but skewing more and more toward improv. Good scripts, it turns out, take a long time to write! We used to be very focused on developing our styles and proving ourselves as “writers.” Now, we just like being funny. Switching to a looser, outlined, but not fully written production has brought a new energy to the show.

DP: Are there certain sketches you revisit or are they one-time only? 

LHR TEAM:We’ve built a fun little world. Some characters come back, most don’t. We prefer references to past sketches rather than sequels. Anna likes NPR so we have a fake NPR host, Larwa Osland, that will interview guest characters. The most “well-worn” premise would probably be our “Blendy’s” commercials. We love list sketches and Blendy’s (the local fast-food chain that keeps revamping their disgusting menu) allowed us to write nonsense like “Asiago Steak Plops,” “Tangy Buffaloaf With Bloody Mary Gravy,” and, of course, the Blendy’s “Double Bacon Glunker.” 

DP: What’s the biggest challenge you face as indie podcasters?

LHR TEAM:Literally being indie podcasters. It’s now almost impossible to break through without have a network backing you. We recently joined Instagram as a way to feature artwork we make for the show, the animated pieces we have in the vault, and new stuff created just for social media. (Sidebar: follow us on Instagram @Lefthandedradio!) Finding the time to do all of the work while still holding day jobs has been a challenge, but we love it. We’re just happy to have jobs while being able to be creative.

DP: Where do you want to take your podcast?

LHR TEAM:One of the happy accidents of making audio comedy for years is that our material is perfectly suited for animation. In the past, we teamed up with Broadway Video and made “PodToons,” an animated series based on LHR sketches. Since then, we’ve been pitching and developing cartoon ideas. We have a cool stop-motion thing we’ve been working on with Alex Kropinak and we’re really excited about it. And both Adam and Anna have started to experiment with animation for LHR’s social accounts.

DP: What other podcasts are you listening to now?

Adam: The podcast I’ve been glued to the most lately is “Stay Tuned with Preet Bharara.” I find it comforting to listen to a smart attorney talk about the news. I love trivia shows like “No Such Thing as a Fish” and “Futility Closet.” My usual comedy listens are “Stop Podcasting Yourself,” “The Dollop,” “The Dana Gould Hour,” “Stick It! with Mister Biggs,” Conan O’Brien’s podcast and “I Don’t Even Own a Television.” Last, but no least, “The F Plus,” which reads the weird, wild, and gross stuff from all over the internet.

Anna: I used to listen to many more but, sadly, all of my jobs and hobbies either require my full attention or the use of my ears. So, when I can, I enjoy “The Brian Lehrer Show,” “Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me,” and “Nerdette.” It’s also been years since I’ve listened to “Hardcore Game Of Thrones” but it’s a perfect parody (if you love “Hardcore History” and “Game Of Thrones.”) I’m also going to look into accessing the BBC’s sketch radio catalog.

Brett: I stay #informed via “Pod Save America,” “Lovett or Leave It,” and Chris Hayes’ “Why Is This Happening?” I stay #entertained with “How Did This Get Made?,” “Race Chaser,” and “X-Plain the X-Men.” And I stay #shook via various true crime and oddball history limited series.

DP: Anything else you’d like to add?

LHR TEAM: Life’s hard. LHR is our way to add some joy to the world. Hopefully it works. We just received a rare but appreciated fan email and it brightened our day. So we seem to be on the right track! If any listener feels so inclined, please drop us an email or leave a voicemail, and of course tell your friends about us!

We’re the tiniest of shows; we need all the help we can get.