If so, then you’re in luck! In this article, we will delve into podcasting to uncover the best shows that bring history to life. The best podcast about history will help us understand what came before so we can hopefully avoid some of our prior mistakes. So, making a call on the best podcast about history is a tall task.

From ancient civilizations to iconic events and remarkable individuals, these podcasts offer a captivating journey through time.

Immerse yourself in the riveting tales of ancient Egypt, the whispers of lost civilizations, and the untold stories of historical figures who shaped the world we live in today. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or intrigued by the stories of the past, these podcasts will transport you to different eras, sparking your imagination and broadening your knowledge.

Discover the hidden secrets of the past as experts and enthusiasts delve into historical records, unearthing forgotten events and providing fresh perspectives on familiar narratives. Let us embark on an adventure where each episode becomes a time machine, taking you back to witness history’s triumphs, tragedies, and transformative moments.

Unlock the doors of the past and tune in to the best history podcasts for an immersive and enlightening experience that will leave you yearning for more.

The Popularity of Podcasts about History

Podcasts have experienced a surge in popularity over the past decade, and the genre of history podcasts has been no exception. History podcasts have become a go-to source of information and entertainment for history buffs and casual listeners with their ability to engage listeners through storytelling and in-depth analysis. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a gym-goer, or simply looking for a new way to expand your knowledge, history podcasts offer a convenient and engaging option.

Podcasts about history provide a unique platform for historians, scholars, and enthusiasts to share their expertise and passion with a wider audience. The audio format allows for a more personal and intimate connection with the subject matter, as listeners can immerse themselves in the stories, voices, and soundscapes that bring history to life. This accessibility has contributed to the growing popularity of history podcasts, making them a valuable resource for both education and entertainment.

The wide variety of history podcasts available ensures that there is something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in ancient civilizations, World War II, or the lives of lesser-known historical figures, some podcasts cater to these specific interests. As the demand for quality history podcasts continues to grow, so does the number of shows and episodes being produced, allowing listeners to explore various topics and periods.

Benefits of Listening to Podcasts about History

Listening to podcasts about history offers a multitude of benefits beyond being entertained. Here are a few reasons why you should consider adding history podcasts to your listening lineup:

1. Learning in an Engaging Format

History podcasts provide a unique opportunity to learn about the past in an engaging and accessible format. Through storytelling, interviews, and expert analysis, these podcasts make historical events and figures come alive, capturing the imagination and curiosity of listeners. By presenting history in a narrative form, podcasts create a more immersive learning experience that can be entertaining and educational.

And unlike television, podcasts can delve deeper into the subject. This gives the listener more context and a more fleshed-out understanding of the subject.

2. Deepening Your Understanding of the World

History podcasts offer a deeper understanding of the world we live in today by exploring the events and decisions that have shaped our society. By delving into the past, these podcasts provide valuable insights into the origins of cultural, political, and social phenomena, allowing listeners to gain a broader perspective on contemporary issues. Understanding historical context can help us make sense of the present and make more informed decisions about the future.

3. Access to Expert Knowledge

When you’re universally broke, one of the cheapest forms of entertainment in college was sitting in on large lectures in classes I wasn’t taking. Free information from expert professors. Can’t beat that.

Podcasts are bringing that experience to those who don’t want to drive to the local university. The global network of experts is available to each listener.

Many history podcasts feature interviews with historians, scholars, and experts in their respective fields. These conversations give listeners access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise that may not be easily accessible elsewhere. By hearing directly from those who have dedicated their lives to studying history, listeners can gain valuable insights and unique perspectives that enhance their understanding of the subject matter.

4. Flexibility and Convenience

One of the greatest advantages of podcasts is their flexibility and convenience. Whether you’re on a long commute, doing household chores, or simply relaxing, you can listen to podcasts at your own pace and on your own schedule. History podcasts allow you to turn idle moments into valuable learning opportunities, making it easy to incorporate history into your daily routine.

5. Sparking Curiosity and Inspiring Further Exploration

There’s something special about listening deeply to a podcast with headphones. It’s immersive. Like learning in a sensory deprivation tank.

Listening to history podcasts can spark curiosity and inspire further exploration of the subject matter. You may want to dig deeper and learn more as you learn about different periods, events, and historical figures. History podcasts serve as a gateway to further exploration, encouraging listeners to read books, visit museums, or discuss history with others.

In the next sections, we will explore some of the top podcasts about ancient history, modern history, specific historical events, and lesser-known podcasts about history and provide tips on finding the best history podcasts.

The Best Podcast About History – Ancient Edition

1. The History of Rome

Hosted by Mike Duncan, this podcast takes you on a journey through the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. With over 200 episodes, Duncan meticulously chronicles the events, figures, and culture of ancient Rome, offering a comprehensive and engaging narrative that will leave you captivated.

This podcast wrapped a while ago, but with a deep archive of episodes, it does feel as though the pod naturally ran it’s course.

2. Hardcore History

Hosted by Dan Carlin, this podcast explores a wide range of historical topics, including ancient civilizations. Carlin’s unique storytelling style and in-depth research make each episode a gripping and immersive experience. Check out the “Death Throes of the Republic” series to delve into the fascinating history of ancient Rome.

3. The British History Podcast

Jamie Jeffers takes you on a journey through the history of Britain, from its earliest days to the present. While not exclusively focused on ancient history, this podcast offers a wealth of episodes dedicated to the early periods of British history, including the Roman occupation and the Anglo-Saxon era.

Top Podcast About History – Modern History Edition

1. Revolutions

From the creator of “The History of Rome,” Mike Duncan brings us another captivating podcast that explores the revolutions that have shaped the modern world. From the American Revolution to the Haitian Revolution and beyond, Duncan delves into the causes, events, and consequences of these transformative moments in history.

2. The Cold War: What We Saw

Hosted by Bill Whittle, this podcast takes a deep dive into the Cold War, examining its origins, key events, and the people who shaped this era. Through interviews, archival footage, and expert analysis, Whittle provides a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of this pivotal period in modern history.

This is a Daily Wire associated podcast, so be aware that there is going to be some interpretations that reflect the worldview that we have come to associate with the Daily Wire.

It’s not my cup of tea, personally, but it’s an interesting look at what motivates those who you don’t necessarily agree with. We have two ears consuming podcasts. Open minds, people. It’s a virtue.

3. Hardcore History: Blueprint for Armageddon

In this epic six-part series, Dan Carlin takes listeners on a journey through World War I. Carlin’s meticulous research, vivid storytelling, and attention to detail make this series a must-listen for anyone interested in the history of the 20th century.

Dan Carlin is more of an amateur historian, but as you can tell from his discussion with Joe Rogan, he’s worth a listen.

4. Iraq: Legacy of War

If there was a theme that dominated my early adulthood in America, it was the “War on Terror,” that culminated with the second Iraq war. It lasted for decades and was only eclipsed in length by the Afghan war.

With every powder keg on the planet as of this writing, it’s more important than ever to truly understand this recent part of American history.

Podcasts that Explore Specific Historical Events

1. Stuff You Missed in History Class

Hosted by Holly Frey and Tracy V. Wilson, this podcast uncovers lesser-known stories and events from history. From the mysterious disappearance of Amelia Earhart to the forgotten female astronomers of the Harvard Observatory, each episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the hidden corners of history.

2. The History of Byzantium

Robin Pierson continues where “The History of Rome” left off, exploring the Byzantine Empire from the fall of the Western Roman Empire to the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. This podcast provides a comprehensive and detailed account of this often-overlooked period of history.

3. Hardcore History: Wrath of the Khans

In this four-part series, Dan Carlin delves into the history of the Mongol Empire and its infamous leader, Genghis Khan. Carlin’s gripping storytelling and vivid descriptions bring this era to life, exploring one of history’s most formidable and ruthless empires.

Lesser-Known Podcasts about History Worth Checking Out

1. The History of England

Hosted by David Crowther, this podcast offers a chronological journey through the history of England, from its earliest days to the present. Crowther’s engaging storytelling and passion for the subject make each episode a delightful and informative experience.

2. The British Museum Podcast

For better or worse, worse by the way, the British Museum ended up with quite a bit of the plunder from the British Empire. But let’s set the ethics aside for a moment.

This podcast takes listeners behind the scenes of the British Museum, exploring its vast collection and the stories behind the artifacts. From ancient civilizations to modern art, each episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture preserved within the museum’s walls.

3. Revolutions Podcast

You can learn a lot about human history when you study society’s breaking points, when the societal Rubicon is crossed.

In this podcast, Mike Duncan explores various revolutions throughout history, including those that are often overshadowed by more well-known events. From the Haitian Revolution to the European revolutions of 1848, Duncan provides a comprehensive and engaging account of these pivotal moments in history.

4. History that Doesn’t Suck

Professor Greg Jackson hosts this podcast on American history. From before the founding, through all the trials and tribulations this nation has faced before the myriad of trials and tribulations this nation is currently facing. Past is prelude. Right? That’s what they say? Listening to this bi-weekly podcast will make you feel better and less hopeless about the current divide. History that doesn’t suck is certainly in the running for the best podcast about history. At least in American history.

5. Revisionist History

Revisionist History with Malcom Gladwell isn’t exactly an “unknown” or even “lesser known” podcast, but it is focused on historical events that are often overlooked. Events that have outsized impacts on what came after.

Once those events are identified, Gladwell looks at what may have happened if the events had unfolded slightly differently. It turns out to be a very entertaining way to, one, understand the actual historical event and, two, how that event impacted the timeline.

Dr. Strange would love this.

What are some indie podcasts that you enjoy? Well-researched ones. We don’t want to promote too many conspiracy timelines.

Tips for Finding the Best History Podcasts

1. Read Reviews and Recommendations

Look for reviews and recommendations from trusted sources, such as history websites, podcasts directories, or online communities dedicated to history. These resources can help you discover new podcasts and provide insights into the quality and content of each show.

2. Explore Podcast Directories

Browse through podcast directories, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher, and use filters or search keywords related to history to find podcasts that match your interests.

3. Follow Historians and Experts

Many historians and experts have their own podcasts or regularly appear as guests on other history podcasts. Follow them on social media or subscribe to their newsletters to stay updated on their latest projects and recommendations.

4. Join Online History Communities

Engage with online communities dedicated to history, such as Reddit’s r/HistoryPodcasting, where enthusiasts share recommendations, discuss episodes, and provide valuable insights into the world of history podcasts.

5. Experiment and Explore

Don’t be afraid to try out different podcasts and explore various topics and time periods. The beauty of podcasts is that you can easily switch between shows and find the ones that resonate with your interests and preferences.

Yeah, you’ll hit some stinkers, but it’s a wonderful feeling when you find something you love by accident. It’s like picking a topic at random from a set of encyclopedias.

Podcasts that Feature Interviews with Historians

1. The History Hour

This podcast from the BBC features interviews with historians and eyewitnesses to significant historical events. Each episode offers a unique perspective on various historical moments, providing valuable insights and personal accounts that enhance our understanding of the past.

2. The British Museum Podcast

In addition to exploring the museum’s collection, this podcast often features interviews with historians, curators, and experts who provide in-depth analysis and context for the artifacts on display. Again, we’re side-stepping the issue of the actual plunder and focusing on the work the academics have done.

It does bring up an interesting ethical question. Can you separate the art from the artist? The work from the technician? Are we all morally complicit in Imperial plunder when we listen to podcasts like this?

Food for thought.

3. The History Extra Podcast

Produced by BBC History Magazine, this podcast features interviews with leading historians, authors, and experts who discuss a wide range of historical topics, from ancient civilizations to modern events.

4. Dan Snow’s History Hit

Dan Snow is an historian who covers a wide range of historical topics. Any historian worth their weight will tell you they don’t know enough about history to cover the number of topics Dan does. That’s why his show is based around interviewing expert historians about the story the episode is telling.

His show pits Dan as a knowledgeable and engaging host who draws the best out of these subject matter experts to make this history pop.

Podcasts that Focus on Lesser-Known Historical Figures

1. The Lesser Bonapartes

Hosted by Kate and Josh Hetherington, this podcast shines a spotlight on the lesser-known members of the Bonaparte family. From siblings and cousins to distant relatives, each episode explores the lives and contributions of these often overshadowed historical figures.

A weird uncle at Thanksgiving dinner can derail a family’s direction. What makes the Lesser Bonapartes a candidate for the best podcast about history is how deep it dives into the smaller family players with outsized influence. Fascinating stuff.

2. The History of England

While covering the broader history of England, this podcast also delves into the lives of lesser-known historical figures who played significant roles in shaping the nation’s history. David Crowther’s passion for storytelling brings these figures to life, offering a fresh perspective on familiar narratives.

3. The Almost Forgotten

Hosted by Patrick Wyman, this podcast explores the lives and stories of historical figures who have been largely forgotten or overshadowed by more well-known individuals. From ancient philosophers to forgotten artists, each episode sheds light on the often overlooked contributions of these individuals.

4. Finding James Baldwin: The Magpie Years

James Baldwin is a fascinating figure that you may not be aware of. You certainly didn’t learn about him in school. That’s what makes browsing the history directories of your favorite podcast app so enthralling and exciting. You never know what you’re going to find.

This podcast blends interviews with experts on James Baldwin and never-before-heard performances from Baldwin. It feels like living the history of an American treasure you might not know.

Conclusion: The Power of Podcasts in Uncovering the Past

Contenders for the best podcast about history have all revolutionized the way we learn about the past, offering an immersive and accessible platform that brings history to life. Serials, mini-series, and more long form podcast formats have allowed more nuance and depth into the conversation.

Through storytelling, expert analysis, and interviews with historians, these podcasts provide a unique and engaging learning experience that sparks curiosity and deepens our understanding of the world. So much of history, since it’s “written by the victor,” lacks critical details. Learning new facts and stories about historical events you thought were black and white is exciting. Living in that shade of gray humanizes these historical titans.

Whether your interest lies in ancient civilizations, modern history, specific events, or lesser-known figures, there is a history podcast out there waiting to transport you to different eras and broaden your knowledge. So, grab your headphones, tune in to the best history podcasts, and embark on an adventure through time.

Uncover the secrets of the past, explore the triumphs and tragedies of history, and let the power of podcasts transport you to a world of endless fascination. The past awaits – are you ready to listen?

The post Exploring the Best Podcast About History While Unearthing the Past appeared first on Discover the Best Podcasts | Discover Pods.

It was a natural transition to keep their craft sharp without the pesky dangers of COVID-19 spoiling the party.

As we’ve discussed before, it’s easier than ever to get a podcast started, and these are trained professionals. With the success of the Joe Rogan Experience, just about everyone in the comedy world fired up a show.

This was also great for audiences who would get to hear these brilliant men and women work, which was a boon for all of us who were stuck inside during the lockdown.

So, without further adieu, let’s dive into some of this comedy gold. I should note, these aren’t presented in any ranked order. If they’re on this list, they have excellent shows and you should be listening to them regularly.

Comedians with Podcasts, an Unordered List…

Now, I chose to do this in an unordered list because comedy is a subjective art form. And George Carlin isn’t around to top the list anymore. I mean, could you imagine George Carlin being on the list of comedians with podcasts? He’d have to be near the top. Oh, we can only imagine.

Neither is Richard Pryor nor so many of the true legends of comedy.

What makes a great comedy podcast? Well, the best comedy podcasts must be authentic. It’s an intimate art form, so they can’t just be telling jokes. They have to be telling stories and adding a more vulnerable human element to them.

The podcasters on this list have managed to achieve that. Perhaps stepping outside their comfort zone to master this new art form.

They don’t even necessarily have to be funny podcasts per se to make the list. Rogan, for instance, isn’t leaning too heavily on his being funny, but it’d be hard to say he’s not doing something right over there. Some of the best interviews have been done on that show without necessarily being laugh-out-loud funny.

Others on this list really are genuinely funny. But that’s not necessarily a requirement. It’s that authenticity that ties this list of comedy podcasts together. Well, that, and they are professional comedians and comedic actors.

So, let’s get into the best comedians with podcasts.

Two Bears, One Cave with Tom Segura & Bert Kreisher

These types of interview shows just work for comedians. And after 175 episodes and counting Tom Segura and Bert Kreischer are among the best in the business.

They are longtime real friends so the chemistry of their interview ping-pong comedic timing is brilliant. As of late Bert has been dealing with some health issues that have sidelined him leaving Tom to do the show with a slew of guest “bears,” filling in for Bert.

Their latest episode features Ryan Holliday, who we’ve discussed many times on this site for reintroducing the ancient philosophy of stoicism to modern audiences.

It’s a fantastic example of comedians being able to pivot and the authenticity on display from Tom is palpable.

While this episode errs less towards comedy it’s still extremely entertaining.

Other recent guests that have contributed to a very entertaining series of episodes have included the likes of Dana Carvey, Tony Hawk, and Louis C.K. Showing that there aren’t many topics that are off-limits.

There are episodes without guests with Tom and Bert essentially telling wild stories of their lives on the road and the general hijinks that one assumes is part and parcel of the comedy lifestyle.

It’s hard to sing the praises of this comedy podcast more.

WTF with Marc Maron Podcast

Maron is closing in on nearly a thousand episodes.

So, it makes sense he’s spoken to just about every comedian, actor, author, thinker, and person of interest on the planet. This is another show where Marc showcases an ability to create meaningful connections with his guests.

The result is that these are some of the most interesting discussions in podcasting. Again, comedians with podcasts don’t always equate to something “ha-ha” funny, but it does equate to an entertaining and enjoyable listen.

As I mentioned there are nearly 1,000 episodes in the archives, there is plenty to go back and listen to.

Some of the interviews that stand out are:

• Kat Williams, the legendary comedian.
• Marc Summers, of Double Dare fame.
• Gallagher, who actually walked out on the interview.
• Radhika Jones, Editor and Chief of Vanity Fair
• Whitney Cummings, the brilliant comedian.

The list just keeps on going. Bradley Whitford of the West Wing and Handmaid’s Tale has become a real fan of the show which made their latest conversation an absolute delight. In fact, comedians with podcasts can create some of the most haunting interviews.

There’s something for everyone after a thousand episodes, so make sure this one finds its way into your podcast app of choice.

Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend

Conan has been a comedian for more than 30 years. He’s late night royalty. He’s made us laugh on television and on the internet, and now he’s mastering this new art form: the podcast.

This weekly podcast is from a legend where Conan interviews his friends, who are also comedians. The show is funny, but it’s also a way for Conan to get out of his comfort zone and have some real conversations with people he doesn’t know very well.

The guests range from Jimmy Fallon to Jane Lynch to Richard Lewis, but they all seem to be having a great time talking about their lives and careers as comedians. You want to be a fly on this wall.

Office Ladies

Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey are best friends, and they’re back at it with a new podcast. Well, not so new at this point.

I had no idea they were best friends in real life, but I guess that’s the kind of relationship you develop on a show like this over such a long period of time.

If you’ve ever watched The Office, you know what these two are like: Jenna is the sweet one who everyone loves, and Angela is the tough-talking woman who can always be counted on to say something outrageous. But in real life, they’re both the sweet ones.

In their podcast, they get together to talk about their time on The Office, as well as the many projects they’ve worked on since then. And while they don’t always agree on everything (who would?), they still manage to have a good time reminiscing about their time together on one of television’s biggest sitcoms—and that’s what makes this podcast so much fun.

There are interviews with the show’s cast and creators, as well as fans of the show. Like self-described “super fan,” Billie Eilish.

The Patdown with Ms. Pat

The Miss Pat show is an amazing show. Emmy nominated don’t you know. Have you been watching it?

That’s what makes this podcast so good. Ms. Pat pulls back the curtain on her show that she created and stars in. So, she knows the goods. Chris Spangle and Deon Curry (among others) join Ms. Pat to talk about making the show and share some unique perspectives on life.

Want to hear what she thinks of Cocaine Bear, or what she thought of her court experience? Want to hear Deon Curry leave one of the best comedians speechless?

I really don’t want to give too much away here. But this is a fantastic podcast with hilarious people talking about life.

Best Friends with Nicole Byer and Sasheer Zamata

I love listening to podcasts that take me out of my familiar perspective. Yeah, of course, I listen to comedy podcasts by people who look like me. That’s understandable I think.

That said, I think some of the best podcasting experiences are when you specifically go out of your way to broaden your horizons. This is one of those shows.

On paper, I have nothing in common with Nicole and Sasheer, which is why I learn so much from their podcast, Best Friends. I learn that I’m wrong. Sasheer is into My Chemical Romance. Or a fascination with the Blue Man Group.

It’s just one of those podcasts that’s tough for me to comment on other than you really should be listening to Best Friends. It’s one of the top 10 comedy podcasts that you just don’t see coming as a plain vanilla straight white guy.

I love this show and can’t say enough good things about it.

THE ADAM BUXTON PODCAST

Adam has one of the best funny British podcasts on Spotify. I’m a little concerned that there hasn’t been a new release in 2023, but when you’ve been doing this non-stop since 2015, we can wait a bit.

But, since the archive goes back to 2015, if you aren’t listening on a regular basis, you’ve got some catching up to do.

His discussion with the aforementioned Maron from 2017 is a masterclass in a comedian having a discussion with another comedian. I think the British perspective makes this one of the top free comedy podcasts UK can deliver.

As of this writing, there are 200 episodes for you, dear reader, to catch up on.

Comedy Bang Bang

Scott Aukerman hosts this show. It’s kind of a variety show that is a blend of conversation between a genius comedian… and Scott Aukerman. No, I’m kidding, Aukerman is from Mr. Show fame.

But it’s the special guest that gets to shine in each episode. Because it’s more than just conversation. It’s also some top-notch character work, games, and general revelry. It’s kind of like a looser, less NPR, wait wait, don’t tell me. So if you like that show and would like something a bit edgier, this show is for you.

The guest list is a who’s who of working comedians. Zach Galifianakis, Jason Alexander, David Cross, Nick Kroll, Mary Holland, and Allison Williams are just a few of the litany of brilliant guests that are on the show.

I highly recommend starting with the Best of Episodes that condense the show into something resembling digestible.

You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes

I absolutely love the premise of this show. The idea is that everyone has something weird about themselves. Think about that anecdote or idiosyncratic personality trait that you don’t lead with at parties.

Yeah, everyone has those. You can imagine if you’re drawn to comedy as a profession, you’re going to have more weirdness, or weirder weirdness.

Host Holmes gets some of the biggest comedians in the business to disclose theirs to his audience. The result is absolutely perfect. *Chef’s Kiss*

There are 779 episodes on Apple Podcasts as of this writing, which makes it another podcast with an archive to dip in and out of at your leisure. With so many guests, it makes it one of the top comedian podcasts that should be in your player of choice.

Comedians With Podcasts – Rarely Stand Up

Did you notice a theme on this list? Comedians with podcasts are rarely performing. They’re having authentic conversations. They’re having intimate conversations.

Even when they are performing comedians with podcasts are doing something more like a variety show. We’ve talked on this site about how the medium just lends itself to an intimacy that you aren’t going to get from a comedian on stage. That’s a performance, to a crowd.

It’s a shared experience. A podcast usually happens alone. And often, it’s a discussion that’s shared between the listeners between the earbuds. It’s a completely different experience.

This is what makes these comedians with podcasts, playing with the format, within the medium, so good. You get to see what makes these people so smart. We, as listeners, get to see the wheels turning a bit more than a polished special on Netflix. It’s a real treat to see how the work is done.

Are there shows I missed that I should be listening to? Let me know on twitter @discover_pods.

The post 9 Of The Most Amazing Comedians With Podcasts appeared first on Discover the Best Podcasts | Discover Pods.

If you’re anything like me, it was the day you became a new parent for the first time. After 92 hours of what could be generously described as an adventurous labor, our new bundle of joy came crashing into the world. Joy abounded, the heavens opened, and tears were shed. It was then I knew the best parenting podcasts I’d been binging were going to pay off.

And then my wife was immediately rushed off into an emergency procedure.

What had been a bustling hive of activity with more than 10 health care practitioners mere seconds before was suddenly empty. Just me and a brand new infant in a cavernous room so quiet a pin drop would deafen his new little ears. It was in that moment I realized I was completely unprepared. As I stood in that empty sterile room looking at this little person, I promised him I would never feel that unprepared again.

And so my year long journey into the world of parenting podcasts began in earnest. After all, earbuds and podcasts go hand in hand with the requisite silence of a sleeping newborn. So, dear reader, join me in looking at 5 of the best parenting podcasts every new parent should be listening to in their first year.

Lets Dive Into the Best Parenting Podcasts

This Post Brought to You By: What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood

Amy and Margaret are both hilarious and both moms of three, but that’s where their similarities end. Each week “What Fresh Hell” addresses a parenting issue from their usually-opposite perspectives.

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7. Authentic Parenting

On of, if not the most, overlooked aspects of parenting is that almost no one is ready. The motto of Authentic Parenting is “Raising our Children, Growing Ourselves.” This idea that we’re perfect parents out of the gate is just silly, and can cause a lot of generational trauma. That’s why Authentic Parenting finds its way onto the list of best parenting podcasts.

Healing your own trauma and anxieties will make you a better parent. With more than 300 psychology focused episodes, this one really is a lifesaver for new parents and one of the best podcasts on parenting for good reason.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

6. The Wonder of Parenting

The best parenting podcasts or best podcasts on parenting, whichever, involve first-hand experience, sure, but they also can involve a healthy dose of science. That’s the type of podcast The Wonder of Parenting is. As its subtitle suggests, it uses brain science approaches from the wide world of brain science to give parents something of an owner’s manual on their children.

It’s a weekly podcast that is now more than 275 episodes deep. Children’s brains are constantly in a state of flux during development, so what makes this one of the best parenting podcasts you should be listening to is the sheer amount of content.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

5. Josie & Jonny Are Having A Baby (With You)

One of the scariest aspects of my wife being pregnant was just how seriously she was taking it. And how seriously everyone else was taking it. And how deadly serious all of the books seemed to be and how everyone seemed to have a pre-baby opinion. By the time the baby actually got here, I felt like I had PTSD. Try cracking a joke in birth class and see how far you get. 

Thank everything good and holy then for Josie and Jonny Are Having a Baby. With everything so heavy their irreverent take on the process (both are stand-up comics) was both refreshing and authentic. My only complaint is it was a short project, running just 10 episodes, but brevity is the soul of wit right? Listening to them stumble through many of the same issues all parents run into their first year was an enormous part of keeping my sanity.

Listen: Apple Podcast | Stitcher | Spotify

4. The Longest Shortest Time

I actually stumbled across this podcast because of a mug my mother bought for me. It was emblazoned with the slogan “The days may be long, but the years are short.” It’s something I try to remember everyday I’m spending time with my son. After listening to the podcast for a year I get the sense that host Hillary Frank feels much the same way.

This is another podcast that has wrapped up its run, but since it ran for a decade, there’s plenty of content to get new parents through that first year. Does Frank touch on every topic? No, but just about. And throughout there are stories and guests that bring unique perspectives, while at the same time, making the listener feel connected and less alone. Definitely a great late night listen.

Listen: Apple Podcast | Stitcher | Spotify

3. Zen Parenting Radio

I hate the term “guru.” It conjures up some retreat leading, motivational speaker who is more flash than substance. That’s not to say there aren’t some great motivational podcasts out there though. So when I was looking for a podcast that would help me be a more mindful parent, patient, accepting and, hopefully, understanding, I didn’t think I’d like Zen Parenting. And, I don’t know if it’s the cognitive decline that comes along with a year of sleep deprivation, but I find this podcast in my “subscribed” list.

Husband and wife hosts Cathy and Todd bring the right amount of transparency and authenticity to a mindfulness practice that can often feel either too clinical or too “new agey.” Somehow they’re able to thread the needle and make the exercises engaging. The end result is a more grounded, self-aware flavor of parenting that makes this one of the best parenting podcasts. 

Listen: Apple Podcast | Stitcher | Spotify

2. Listen… Money Matters

Money can’t buy love or happiness. Granted. But that doesn’t mean we don’t need it. One major failing on my part in the preparation department was woefully underestimating how much our little bundle of joy was going to disrupt our financial lives. Having worked in finance for a decade, I naturally assumed my planning was sufficient. I was wrong.

Not only is there another mouth to feed, clothe and house, those were debits to be expected. What I did not properly plan for was how much less time I’d have to work and earn. I didn’t expect to be losing on both sides of the ledger. 

While Listen… Money Matters isn’t, strictly speaking, a parenting podcast, it is a podcast that every parent should be listening to religiously during their first year of parenthood. If not before. They cover all topics personal finance, and often directly address money issues that bubble under the surface of a good deal of family arguments. The advice is practical and the mindset it engenders is invaluable.

Listen: Apple Podcast | Stitcher | Spotify

1. Mom and Dad Are Fighting

Slate is a media powerhouse and their parenting advice podcast “Mom and Dad are Fighting” is a superb entry to their rather robust podcast line. With ongoing weekly content MDAF is an excellent umbrella parenting entry that should cover just about any topic under the sun. And quite a few under the moon as well. Hosts Jerimiah, Rebecca, and Dan have a conversational tone that really draws you in when you’re sleep deprived and trying to be deadly silent. If it isn’t covered in one of the other podcasts I’ve touched on, chances are it will be here. Keep this one on your subscription list.

Listen: Apple Podcast | Stitcher | Spotify

The Best Podcasts on Parenting

And there we have it, the 7 best parenting podcasts for those taking the plunge in their first year. These podcasts helped keep me sane. What’s crazy is that before my first child was born, I didn’t even have a podcast app installed on my phone. I didn’t know the ocean of outstanding content I’d be dipping my toe into. These podcasts here are the five favorites that kept me sane last year, but they are by no means the only podcasts I listen to or even the only podcasts I glean parenting advice from. 

The well is deep, so check out some of our other reviews to see what you should be clicking subscribe on in the new year. And if you’ve got some favorite parenting podcasts I’m not yet listening to… please… help a brother out. 

The post The 7 Best Parenting Podcasts for the First Year appeared first on Discover the Best Podcasts | Discover Pods.

Podcasting is not new, but what is new (and surprising to most) is how powerful of a marketing tool a branded podcast can be. Unfortunately, most companies don’t really understand what a podcast can do for them or why they should have their own podcast.

A company’s bottom line is what keeps them in business. The difference between growing and dying can come down to how you get your message out.

According to Huify, acquiring a new customer is up to five times more expensive than retaining a customer. When you consider that, customer retention jumps out as a marketing must.

Not only are existing customers cheaper to maintain/acquire, they’re much more likely to buy again, and forgive brand mistakes. Most importantly, they’re more likely to try something new. In short… they’re loyal. They’ll grow alongside your brand, and will advocate for it when times are tough.

All of a sudden, the added cost and expense of starting a company branded podcast doesn’t seem so off putting.

But why? Let’s take a look.

Podcasts are Effective at Building Relationships

The customers I described above, the loyal ones, are in a relationship with your brand. With more than 50% of the population listening to podcasts, making relatable, long form content is more important than ever. If you want to connect, you need to provide informational value.

When a listener downloads and presses play, they’re inviting your message into their world.

Professor Scott Galloway, Professor of marketing at NYU Stern, explains the connection thusly. When someone comes up and says hello, it’s because they heard his podcast. It’s not his books, not his articles, or television punditry. It’s the podcast that strikes a stronger chord with the content creator or brand.

Storytelling Builds Rapport

The reason? Storytelling is more effective than statistics when it comes to building rapport. And rapport is at the heart of any good audience.

Nobody goes to a cocktail party and remembers the guest rattling off statistics, do they? Well, it so happens, podcasts are the perfect opportunity for long form storytelling.

Most marketing channels provide just enough time to fire off some of your greatest accomplishments. Those often come in statistical form. Podcasts allow a brand to expand upon those statistics and put them into context.

Think of a spokesman doing a segment on cable news with only 15 – 30 seconds of time to present their talking points. Almost all will end up trying to relate statistics to a story. Most of the time those segments go in one ear and out the other.

Content Expansion

Podcasts, on the other hand, are different. Pods are a medium that let’s content creators and brands discuss their product or mission at length. Even if someone doesn’t listen to a particular episode, it still adds value. A larger topic discussion, the episode can still serve as the hub where other content spokes will connect.

The marketing department can expand on each episode and link back for greater context. A hosting solution like Podbean’s unlimited bandwidth, download, and storage is a marketer’s dream. Every discussion adds to the repository of marketing material.

Marketers are great at expanding upon larger content pieces, but isn’t starting a podcast too involved to be truly effective?

It’s Never Been Easier (or Cheaper) to Start a Podcast

Starting a podcast has never been easier. It doesn’t matter if you are an amateur in your basement or a major, publicly traded, brand. In 2021, it’s a level playing field.

In fact, you can set up a podcast recording studio for under $100 which removes any barrier of entry for a company branded podcast.

Podcast hosting companies like Podbean spent a great deal of time and energy making a user experience that is unparalleled. Beyond that, it’s an experience that is cost-effective. From recording, to publishing and episode statistics, Podbean makes the process from beginning to end simple. There’s no code or technical knowledge needed to put your brand into the podcast zeitgeist.

Podcasts Aren’t Commercials

Commercials were the bread and butter of advertising. 30 second television campaigns with clever slogans. With bait designed to hook as many potential customers as possible.

The sales hook beats the potential consumer over the head. It’s off putting and that sales method has sailed.

Podcasts are subtle. They’re nuanced expressions that humanize a brand by letting listeners attach real human beings to a brand through audio. Human beings are conditioned to bristle at being sold to, a branded podcast turns that feeling on it’s head.

A branded podcast gives companies the opportunity to display expertise, over a long period of time, using real people. It’s a game changer in the world of content marketing. They keep your brand top of mind without being pushy.

The Biggest Question to Ponder About Branded Podcasts

The hardest question for a marketing department to answer about starting a branded podcast isn’t “why,” but “why not?” If everyone should start a podcast in 2021, why shouldn’t your brand?

The barriers of entry are low enough on the hardware to be nearly non-existent. Podcast hosting companies like Podbean make the user experience seamless and cost-effective at the same time. Your episodes are stored into perpetuity and can serve as the basis for the entirety of your content marketing plan.

The format is more effective at building rapport between potential customers or a brand. More so than any marketing channel available. When you get your brand’s up and running, let us know.

The post Why Every Company Needs a Branded Podcast appeared first on Discover the Best Podcasts | Discover Pods.

Once down the rabbit hole, after podcast consumption is podcast creation. The types you can create are limitless and the barriers of entry are pretty low. 

While you don’t need much, one of the first and most important is a reliable podcast host. The best host that gives you flexibility and encourages your creative endeavors. Well, and gets your creation into people’s earholes with minimal friction. That’s a big one.

We’re going to take at two major contenders and break down what makes each unique. Today, it’s Podbean vs. Anchor for the title of the best podcast host.

Podbean

If you’ve been around podcasting for any amount of time, you’ve heard the name Podbean. They’ve been at it since 2006, and in that entire time, their name has been near the top of everyone’s best of lists.

It’s not hard to see why. Their free plan is a nice offering.  

Podbean Always Free

That free plan buys you 5 hours of audio storage along with 100GB of bandwidth each month. You get basic statistics on audience listenership and episode downloads. As well a free companion website that gives your podcast an accompanying blog.

This companion website might be Podbean’s killer app. Most people are multimodal learners. This means they learn by some combination of audio, visual, or written.

A companion blog with expanded commentary and show notes sets your show apart from the competition and does so seamlessly.

You don’t need to be any kind of techie to make any of Podbean’s services work for you either. Their podcaster first philosophy means they make the process transparent and get out of your way.

The basic plan also covers all of your distribution bases. Your show’s RSS feed is widely distributed to ensure listeners can find you on all major Android and iOS podcatchers. Your show will also be included in Podbean’s native apps as well.

Podbean Unlimited Audio: Unlimited Storage and Downloads, Plus Comprehensive Analytics and Customizable Monetization

While the free offering is nice, most hobbyists and beyond will want to look at their $9 a month plan. $9 a month is 30 cents a day… so, for all intents and purposes, that’s a very low bar.

Unlimited storage and bandwidth starts with the $9 plan. That’s true unlimited as well, so if an episode goes viral, you don’t have to worry about it costing you anything or going over budget. For someone with OCD about metered pay as you go versus unlimited, having unlimited available for $9 is a real comfort. I wouldn’t have thought you could put a price on peace of mind, but it turns out you can, and it’s nine bucks. 

Bandwidth and storage just isn’t something I want to spend time worrying about. I want to focus on growing my show’s reach and getting it to make money.

When it comes to monetization and reach Podbean really shines. The $9 tier is where you get true unlimited creative control. You get access to “pro” themes, comprehensive listener statistics, a mappable custom domain for your show. And, this is a biggie, access to the advertising marketplace and their dynamic ad insertion tool called PodAds (to run your own ad campaigns). That whole bundle is unlocked at the $9 tier. 

I actually had to double check that one twice. Four checks, because that’s just a tremendous value. All paid plans come with IAB-certified comprehensive statistics and Podbean offers easy-to-understand graphs that help you better analyze how your podcast is performing. Not only that, but Podbean also helps you tap into listener support to monetize. They have a built-in Patron program for ongoing listener support, where you can provide special Patrons-only content and you can also sell premium content directly through their app.

Podbean also has a $29 per month plan that is best for video podcasts. At that level you’re able to provide audio, written, and video content to your listeners that’s widely distributed and easily monetized. 

New features, like Podbean Live and their Podbean app for recording on the go have only made the service richer. Adding new features onto an already robust podcaster only platform.

Podbean has sought to be an all-in-one solution for every level of podcaster, and they’ve adhered to that philosophy since 2006.

Anchor.fm

Anchor is all about being the free solution for podcasters of all walks. Create, distribute, and monetize for free. That’s the deal. Which is, pretty much true. Once Anchor.fm became Anchor.fm by Spotify’s acquisition in 2019, there were some concerns about what would happen to the service. Thus far it seems to be on the up and up. 

There was a bit of uproar about who actually owned your content in early drafts of the Spotify TOS, but that seems to have been worked out. It does leave open questions about a long term relationship with Spotify. Your mileage and comfort level is going to vary. 

Recording a podcast with Anchor is pretty straightforward. You can use the website with your desktop setup as you normally would. That’s what we tend to recommend ensuring the audio quality is the highest possible. 

You can also record right from their native app. Recently our writer Tal gave that a spin and it worked well enough. He ran into some issues with plosives when he was holding the microphone away from his face while looking at the screen.

The app fared much better when you held your phone like, well, like a phone. As if you were having a conversation. This isn’t a deal breaker, but it’s worth noting.

Again you can record audio and upload it however you’d like, so the app wouldn’t be our go-to interaction anyway.

Anchor Unlimited Hosting, Analytics, and Monetization

Anchor offers unlimited storage and unlimited bandwidth. That sets them apart from other free podcast hosts and is likely the biggest reason new podcasters start out with Anchor. As I mentioned, metering OCD is a real phenomenon and a big selling point. 

Once you’ve created your episode, added your cover art and descriptive write up, it’s distribution time.  Anchor distributes to almost every podcast outlet under the sun. Which is handy, in getting your show out there.

Anchor’s plan also comes with some useful analytics tools to see where your listenership is coming from. The IAB 2.0 certified analytics dashboard will also tell you where and when you’re losing listenership over time. That helps figure out how to retain an audience and what segments or features may not be working.

Monetization works well on Anchor, but your monetization is where they’re monetizing their platform as well. Which is perfectly fine, as long as you know that going in. 

Monetization on Anchor works in two basic ways. First is a patreon type model called Anchor Listener Support where hosts can ask their fans for donations ranging from $.99 to $10. Anchor takes 4.5% of whatever is donated and Stripe has their 3% processing fee. This leaves hosts netting roughly 90% of their listener donations.

Which isn’t terrible, considering what you’re getting, but it isn’t exactly “monetizing for free” either. Who are we to split hairs? 

If your Anchor hosted show has 50 or more unique listeners it is eligible for Anchor sponsorships.

The second model will see Anchor match your show with appropriate advertisers from their database. They’re doing the legwork here on making the relationships, acting as an in house broker. And they’ll take a 30% brokerage fee based on a CPM (Cost per 1,000 listens) model. 

But everything else is free, so you have to expect them to monetize somewhere.

Conclusion

Which host is ultimately right for you, the nascent podcaster? If you’re going to dabble around and not take it too seriously, you might be okay with Anchor. But after testing and evaluating the offers, it’s hard not to like everything you’re getting with Podbean’s Unlimited Audio plan. 

Their commitment to ease of use and companion website is hard to beat. 

The post Anchor vs. Podbean Podcast Host Review 2021 appeared first on Discover the Best Podcasts | Discover Pods.

Podcasting is more than just the latest trend in media and has moved well beyond celebrity chat shows, fiction, and an alternative to AM Radio. Podcasts have become a go-to communication/training solution. Not only for consumers but for human resource and legal departments at some of the biggest companies on the planet.

They’ve also become an integral part of maintaining a company culture when a team is forced out of the office and into their homes.

It’s for these reasons the enterprise sector of the podcast industry as a whole has seen a 230% year over year growth rate. It’s why organizations as different as JP Morgan and the University of Virginia turned to podcasting to solidify their brands.

Since podcasting works across organizations of all types and sizes, it begs the question. What are some tangible benefits and how does your company get started?

Benefits of Podcasting for Businesses

Creating and maintaining a tight company culture is a very different proposition in 2021 than it was in 2019. More than a year of quarantine nixed the weekly team happy hour and ensured that team members kept a minimum of six feet of separation.

In reality, this meant teams were scattered like sticks in the wind.

Employees are expected, more so than ever, to be informed brand ambassadors for their firm. This means being up to speed on what is coming out of employee communications. Or having the firm’s best interest at heart on what information comes out of public relations.

Podcasting is a demonstrable way for company leadership to stay in direct communication with their team. They can do so in a less formal format, and friendly setting, for an attractive cost.

Effectiveness

Podcasts, as an audio format, are more effective communicators than even the most well crafted email blast. What you say matters, but how you say it, your tone and inflection, matter more. As a writer this pains me, but we know human beings are experts at picking up on signals. Podcasting is a medium that understands and takes advantage of this quality we have.

Engagement

As companies and teams experiment with remote work, either in a fully remote environment, or perhaps more importantly, a hybrid environment, podcasts are dominant tools in keeping a community together. In just the same way a celebrity podcast can engage a worldwide audience, a well crafted company podcast can maintain a company culture.

Furthermore, podcasts come complete with metrics of who is downloading and who is listening. Managers can tell who’s engaged passively by viewing the metrics and not infringe on remote employees’ sense of independence.

Training

An overlooked benefit of enterprise podcasting is as a low cost training tool to supplement or replace reading only material. Podcasts are a controlled messaging environment with high engagement. Perfect for HR, Compliance, Legal, and Internal Communication departments. 

Why the Need for Private

In sales, there’s an old adage. Macy’s doesn’t tell Gimbels what their strategy is. If you look at the ratio of Macy’s department stores to Gimbels department stores, the reason why is pretty clear.

Your IP is yours. It’s hard won and expensive to develop. You want a safe space for long form communication that can be transparent, honest. Where anyone can discuss issues that may be sensitive to the public image or stock price.

Your organization’s podcast is no different. This is one time you don’t want your data going viral.

How to Get Started with a Private Podcast

The barrier to entry in podcasting is very low compared to other forms of marketing and outreach.

There are a few serious concerns when setting up a podcast, consumer or enterprise. We’ve done quite a few primers on building a successful podcast, but it boils down to:

• Talent/Content
• Equipment
• Host/Distribution

Talent/Content

Whether you stay in house, hire an agency, or freelance, whomever is behind the microphone needs to be engaging. And be delivering top-notch content. Lean on your communications team for the heavy lifting.

Experiment to get this right. There’s always a learning curve, but you’ve got a captive audience in a secure space.

Equipment

Podcast studios are simple and cheap to set up and take down, should you need the space.

You’ll need quality microphones, headphones, a mixer, and a computer or dedicated recorder to round out your studio.

It can also be done on the go. Podcasting is a pretty forgiving setup.

Host/Distribution

Here’s where the path diverges a bit from a consumer or public facing podcast. Security and audience control are paramount concerns for any enterprise level messaging.

Just as your office has swipe badges to get in or VPNs to log into servers, your podcast host needs to have the same quality assurance in mind.

Which is why we love Podbean so much for this application. Not only are they consistently at the top of podcast host lists, their enterprise product pairs simplicity with security.

Their enterprise suite features

• Premium CDN Network
• 99.9% Uptime Guarantee
• Single Sign-on(SSO) Integration
• Unlimited Storage and Bandwidth
• Granular podcast management

Depending on the size of your organizations, you can make sure only the team members who should hear a podcast, can hear a podcast. Multiple podcast channels mean you create a podcast for public consumption, or just a three member C-Suite.

Podbean’s philosophy is complete creative control.

Podbean has been a leader in the industry since its inception. You would be hard-pressed to find a solution that’s easier to use or plug into your organization’s ecosystem. You want as shallow a learning curve as possible. Enter Podbean’s corporate podcast solution.

Conclusion

Your team members are already listening to podcasts. Is your organization taking advantage of an opportunity to beam a message directly into the space between their ears? It’s never been easier or more cost effective to maintain that organization culture at any distance.

The post How to Create a Private Podcast for Your Company appeared first on Discover the Best Podcasts | Discover Pods.

Since its founding in 2010 Spreaker has developed a suite of solutions aimed at all levels of podcasters, from beginners to established publishers looking to make a move. In the last decade-plus, they’ve established themselves as the unrivaled leader in monetization through programmatic advertising.

And Spreaker has been investing quite a bit into making sure podcasters of all walks can focus more on creation and less on the nuts and bolts of bringing money through the door.

They were recently acquired by iHeartMedia, so I’m not the only one excited about what they’re doing. So, what sets this podcast host apart?

Let’s get under the hood and see what makes Spreaker tick.

Read more: best podcast hosting solutions

What is Spreaker

Spreaker consists of two complementary, but standalone offerings.

First is the content management system (CMS) where you’ll handle the majority of your back-end work. Your analytics, distribution, and revenue generation all take place within the CMS dashboard. 

The second is the Spreaker studio app. Spreaker’s companion app is designed to help content creators record, publish, distribute and analyze their podcast, whenever and wherever, easily. In fact, the unique in-app features give you total flexibility at your fingertips, making it ideal for podcasting on-the-go. 

Read more: Record an Interview With The 8 Best Affordable Mobile Podcast Microphones

While you don’t need to use the studio app, I did find it added a good deal of value and was a unique offering among podcast hosts that further sets Spreaker apart. 

Creating a Podcast in Spreaker

Starting a podcast on Spreaker is simple. It does feel like home in that respect. After creating your account and confirming your email you can jump right into creating a podcast. There are several spots on their website to create the podcast container that houses your episodes.

Clicking on the menu in the top left of the page, the account context menu, gives you a drop down of several features. Clicking on “My Podcasts” will load Spreaker’s Content Management System (CMS) dashboard. It’s here you can get an overview of your storage, shows, and episodes. 

From here you click “Create a New Podcast” which brings up a page where you can specify the title and description of your show, along with your show’s artwork. 

All in all, a very straightforward process, as you’d expect from an industry leader like Spreaker.

The Spreaker Content Management System

The heart and soul of Spreaker is the CMS. This is where you’ll handle the bulk of your podcast work.

If you don’t want (or don’t have the need) to use the Spreaker Studio app to publish your show, you can do it from the CMS dashboard. But you can do quite a bit more than publish individual episodes.

Spreaker CMS Features

Podcasts

The CMS dashboard gives you an overview of your storage limit, measured in terms of hours, not file size, as well as your episode limit. A “free speech” account starts with 5 hours of storage and 10 episodes. 

Paying accounts have quite a bit more; even on plans starting at $6 a month.

Spreaker includes a basic website with each show you create which is a nice touch if you don’t have your own web presence. It also has a customizable embedded player where you can feature different episodes as you see fit.

It’s especially helpful when you’re testing the waters on a new show before you go all in.

RSS

Spreaker takes the lead on ensuring your show is properly distributed with robust RSS feed customization features.

It is important to note that if you are coming to Spreaker from another host, you can import your show’s RSS feed here in the Podcasts tab of the CMS dashboard. 

Scheduling

Spreaker does focus on leveraging a podcast creator’s time so they can focus the majority of their time on the content and not worry so much about the back end administration. 

To this end, Spreaker allows you to schedule multiple shows simultaneously into the queue.  

Statistics

Spreaker hosts are treated to robust statistical reporting for their shows. Standard time filters apply here and you can dig into the following categories on paid accounts.

• Downloads
• Likes
• Geography
• Referral Sources
• Devices
• Number of Followers
• Episode Evolution
  Starting with the Anchorman Plan (covered below) the episode evolution feature will help content creators track an episode’s progress over the first 30 critical days.

Paying accounts are also able to export all of this data as a comma-separated values file. That comes in handy when you’re going shopping for show sponsors. 

Spreaker has a couple more tricks up its sleeve that really set it apart from other podcast hosts. Let’s take a look.

Spreaker Add On Store

Also within the Spreaker Studio app you’ll notice there’s a menu item called “Royalty Free Library.” Part of Spreaker’s corporate philosophy is that there will be no hidden fees. That does not mean, however, that there aren’t some upsells.

Clicking that link takes you to the Spreaker Store where there are several add ons that can take your show to the next level.

These include:

• Epidemic Sound Royalty Free Music and Effects Library
• Jamendo Royalty Free Music Library
• Podcast Host Academy
• Show Transcription
• Professional Voice Overs

Are any of these add ons necessary to produce a great show on Spreaker? Of course not. But these add-ons provide podcasters all the tools they need to succeed in their podcasting journey – all in one place. 

If you don’t have to leave the Spreaker ecosystem to chase down royalty-free music to import into your show, all the better. Your mileage will vary on these features, but they seem to be reasonably priced for a new Spreaker host.

Read more: 5 Ways To Deal With An Unexpected Drop In Podcast Listenership

Spreaker’s Monetization Features

If you’d rather create than sell, paying Spreaker hosts can take advantage of Spreaker’s integrated ad network. If you’re noticing an integration theme at Spreaker, that’s on purpose.

Spreaker is well out in front in terms of podcast monetization, specifically programmatic advertising. There isn’t a comparable platform when it comes to income-generating potential for hosts.

Not a company to rest on its laurels, Spreaker’s ad network has the highest performance in terms of revenue and it consistently brings innovative features to the table. Features, it seems, that are unmatched in the podcasting market. 

For example, as someone with a background in audio editing, Spreaker’s silence detection tool is an invaluable bit of leverage. Spreaker developed a system that analyzes your podcast episodes and finds specific moments of silence. It then ranks all of these based on the duration, the distance between each silent spot, and its position within the episode. Silence detection is a game-changer in programmatic ad insertion. It means that content is completely undisturbed, the listener’s experience is superb and podcasters can earn money from their content with peace of mind. 

But let’s talk quickly about programmatic advertising and how Spreaker is leading the way in programmatic. 

Read more: Buzzsprout vs. Libsyn vs. Spreaker

Programmatic Advertising & Dynamic Ad Insertion

Programmatic advertising refers to the marketplace where the automatic buying and selling of podcast advertisements occur. Programmatic advertising allows you, the podcaster, to take the guesswork out of making money with your podcast. Instead of seeking your own sponsors or advertisers, with Spreaker, you are able to use their built-in programmatic marketplace. Their marketplace is full of advertisers who are ready and willing to automatically deliver targeted and relevant ads on your podcast. It is as simple as flipping a switch.

How is this possible? Through Spreaker’s dynamic ad insertion. 

Once you’ve opted in, Spreaker’s dynamic ad insertion allows you to insert an ad anywhere in a podcast episode – pre-roll (beginning), mid-roll (middle), or post-roll (end). Spreaker makes this so easy with their ad software as you can either manually choose points in the episode where you want your ads inserted or you can simply click a switch that auto-optimizes all ads in a particular episode. It also makes sure that you, the podcaster, has full control of this process.

Dynamic, relevant, and timely ads inserted into your back catalog is an enormous boost for show creators. Programmatic advertising is a game changer because it allows hosts to leverage and monetize their entire catalog. 

The Spreaker Studio App

Remember how I mentioned that Spreaker’s lineage is in live radio broadcasting? This history is readily apparent in Spreaker’s studio application.. 

The Spreaker Studio App Overview

It is a basic software reproduction of a live studio console. It’s a well done piece of software, designed with simplicity and functionality front and center.

Because creators don’t need to create their podcast in Spreaker Studio to use the Spreaker content management system, they can use a full digital audio workstation (DAW), or any software they feel comfortable with if they need a bit more power. But for recording on the go or recording live, Spreaker Studio is intuitive and well appointed.

But for recording on the go or recording live, Spreaker Studio is intuitive and well appointed.

Once I got over the hurdle of what I was working with a workflow that made a lot of sense began to unfold. What you’ll want to do as a host, even if you’re planning on broadcasting your show live, is have all of your segment pieces completely finished beforehand. You’ll do this outside of the Spreaker Studio App in a DAW of your choice and import them as audio segments.

Then when you go to record the final version of the show you’re going to release, either live or in “offline mode” you can add spontaneity in the app. The same way a radio DJ would take requests while a song is playing, you can have a live twitter chat or take calls. Then you can respond in real time, between segments should you so choose.

The emphasis on live recording gives the Spreaker host a leg up over some of the other  podcast hosting solutions.

Recording With the Spreaker Studio App

Aside from not being a DAW, the app has a tremendous amount of versatility. For starters, the Spreaker Studio App is available for Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS. Spreaker was also the first podcast solution to natively support Chrome OS thanks to Play Store integration.

That’s a lot of platform synergy.

I was able to test both the Windows desktop and Android versions of the Spreaker Studio app. Both were adequate for recording a live show pre-recorded tracks. The desktop version of the app is by far the better solution for recording live audio.

Playlist Tab

The playlist tab allows you to queue up pre recorded audio that can be played in sequence.

Tracks Tab

The heart of the desktop mixer is the “Tracks” tab. This is where you’ll find the two channel mixer. On the desktop version of the app you can simply drag your pre recorded audio tracks into either channel to play them. You’ll then sequence your audio in real time, fade between channels to play your next pre recorded audio segment.

Effects Tab

The effects tab contains 9 “soft buttons” that can be loaded with any sound effect or audio track you’d like. The defaults are common ones like applause, lighting, and laughter. But, again, you can put whatever you want to have at your fingertips. This is the most morning drive time element of the software and would be inseparable from Spreaker’s roots.

Chat Tab

If you are recording and broadcasting your show live, whomever is listening can interact via chat while you’re doing so. This feature isn’t available with a free account, but it’s another aspect that feels more like doing a digital radio show than a podcast.

The wheels in my head are already turning with how to use this.

In addition to the two mixer channels, you can also record live audio via the “Microphone & Sources” section under the Tracks tab.

Here, unlike the mobile app, you can use whatever outboard gear you’d like. If you have a physical mixer and mic setup, you can use those in the app. I was able to use my Zoom R8 without incident. 

Auto-Ducking settings that automatically balance the volume between live and recorded tracks. You’ve got enough on your plate without having to worry about manually adjusting those levels.

At the bottom is the master output. You can map this to wherever you want the audio output to go. Normally that’s wherever your headphones are, but if you’re not using the mic feature, you could conceivably have this go to some speakers. 

Every audio input, no matter what tab it’s under, has its own monitoring and mute buttons. The former allows you to solo just what that channel is doing so you can check the levels. The mute button allows you to cut that track’s signal to the audience feed so they will never know it is there. That way you can queue up exactly what you want to come in. Mute also comes in handy as a cough button.

All things considered, a Spreaker host has a lot of flexibility and tools at their disposal when putting together a live feed. 

Post Recording With Spreaker Studio

Once you’re happy with your track, it’s time to publish. Publishing is done from inside the studio app if you should so choose.

The Drafts and Uploads menu brings up a screen where you can drop your canned shows that are ready to publish. This screen also is where you’ll find the live tracks you just finished recording above.

Spreaker Studio gives you the option to add artwork before you decide to delete or publish. If you’re a paying Spreaker host you also have the option to export the audio file you just recorded. If there were some glaring errors, you can take that into your DAW of choice to polish before bringing it back for publishing.

Once you hit publish, your show goes live in all the necessary haunts. Apple, Spotify, Google, Podchaser, etc. 

Record Interviews With Skype

As a medium, the interview podcast exploded in 2020. Even if you were lucky enough to have a fancy home studio to record in during lockdown, there was nobody coming over for an interview. The entirety of the format moved online.

The beautiful opportunity for small and independent podcasters was a lower barrier of entry. All of a sudden the playing field was more level because everyone was in their home doing this online.

Which brings me to my favorite Spreaker host feature for new podcasters. Skype integration right inside Spreaker Studio.

This means that one of your tracks within the mixer is the feed from your Skype session. That’s slick.

There’s no free lunch of course. The drivers take a little bit of work to install and it only works on the desktop iteration of the app, but it’s a game-changer. For creators who aren’t the most tech-savvy, this integration is a boon.

Spreaker Studio Software Conclusions 

As a stand-alone piece of live podcasting software, Spreaker Studio is impressive. The mobile versions of the app lack some of the professional bells and whistles. You’re limited to your device’s onboard microphone for example, but even Spreaker Studio “lite” is nice to work with.

Spreaker Host Pricing Tiers

First and foremost, Spreaker has committed to always having a free podcast hosting plan so long as they are around. It’s part of their operating philosophy that creators should have access to the means to broadcast.

Spreaker host plans are as follows:

On-Air Talent

$7 Per Month or $6 Per Month (Billed Annually)

On-Air Talent is Spreaker’s entry-level paid tier that brings with it some of the professional features like programmatic advertising and customizable RSS feeds for better distribution.

Broadcaster

$20 Per Month or $18 Per Month (Billed Annually)

The Broadcaster tier opens up some of Spreaker’s advanced analytics as well as limited access podcasts to add additional value.

Anchorman

$50 Per Month or $45 Per Month (Billed Annually)

Spreaker’s professional Anchorman tier grants access to the full suite of granular analytics as well as additional branding options like customizable player colors.

Conclusion

In 2021 there are a ton of outlets to host your podcast. If you’re just starting out and don’t want to jump around too much as you grow, there’s a lot to like about being a Spreaker host. Why? Let’s break it down. 

First and foremost, as mentioned before, Spreaker offers a free plan that you can test out. Although the features are limited, podcasters can really get a real feel for the platform before they decide to invest in a particular plan. 

And when you do decide to switch to a paid plan, there is something for everyone. From their on-air talent to anchorman, podcasters can take advantage of Spreaker’s ease of use, and numerous features, including monetization and one-click distribution (to name just a few).

And as we are on the topic of monetization, there is in fact, no other platform with an equal offering and revenue generation potential for programmatic out there on the podcast market today. It you want to make money off of your podcast, then Speaker is the perfect home for you.

Finally, the Spreaker Studio software is truly impressive. If your show conception is heavy on interviews, I can’t think of a better host to start. 

In the end, I don’t know where else you’d want to be.

The post Spreaker Podcast Host Review appeared first on Discover the Best Podcasts | Discover Pods.

The Worst Gig of My Life is a good show.

It has the seeds of a great show. Growing out of the rich fecal landscape that was 2020. A year we will begin to refer to with a collective audible “ugh.” That vomit burp of a year.

Whatever.

Joe Lucas hosts the show from his little studio in Australia. When I first heard the show I assumed it was remote. After discovering it was in Australia I delighted in knowing the host and guest were in the same room.

Safely. Distanced. But together. It made me wistful. And so the Worst Gig of My Life was off on a good foot already. But what was it that Lucas is delivering in these forty minute chunks?

The Best Premise

The idea of the show is that we’ll get a bunch of comedians and musicians together and reminisce about the worst gig of their lives. You don’t have to be either of those things to appreciate what it is to be vulnerable and then get shut down. Hard.

Shut down with all the subtlety, tact, and grace of a drunk toddler.

That’s the premise. Some people, some situations and some experiences are rough. They’re the fucking worst. But, with enough time, they make the best stories. Those crap experiences are the foundation for the stories you end up telling later.

Success isn’t relatable. A success story isn’t reciprocal. Nobody cares outside business school how big your draw is, because nobody cares how monetizable you are. After the year we’ve all had, we can all relate to the stories the artists on Lucas’s couch share.

The Redemptive Format

The Worst Gig of My Life is still a young show. Having only put its first episode in the can in November of 2020, the format still feels well established. At least applied to the premise.

It’s simple and feels exactly like what we should have been doing during quarantine all along. Just, with microphones present.

Lucas invites one guest on each episode (all recorded during COVID after all — safety first) to talk about their worst gig. It differs slightly if the guest is a musician, comedian, or some other type of performer, but the gist is the same.

Less an interview than it is a free flowing conversation orbiting the worst gig that guest has ever had. I say loose because sticking to just the one “worst” gig is a tough ask. It’s either difficult to tell which was worse, or, more often than not, there’s just a plethora of horrendous gigs.

As a result the shows tend to feature a few tales of woe that allow the guest to warm up and divulge more. Which is nice since so many of these stories happened in the absence of the ubiquity of smartphones.

At the end of each conversation, the artist who bared their soul is offered a chance at performative redemption. This part of the show feels the most familiar to the talk show format.

Cathartic conversation and set. What more could you want by way of pandemic entertainment?

What Works About The Worst Gig of My Life

As I mentioned earlier, this is a newer podcast, but it already has the makings of a great podcast. One that should hold up long after the pandemic is over, and we’re back to packing into bars and ruining new gigs.

Episode 4 with Kerryn Fields is an excellent example of what makes this show endearing.

Her stories may not be, strictly speaking, universal, but the themes are. You may not have lit up a joint in front of a cop in a foreign country, but you know the instant shock that lets you know you crossed the mistake threshold.

But the stories are light-hearted. They’re the worst gigs ever. Not the worst diagnosis ever. They’re the worst, mortifying, instances of failure for a person who has found their passion. That’s not awful.

A healthy dose of perspective buffer The stories on The Worst Gig of My Life. Devastating at the time, I’m sure, but empowering now that these artists have come out the other side.

And then, if you’re still feeling sorry for them, don’t worry, the live performances at the end will give you all the feels. After the year we’ve all had, it’s nice to live with someone who has got knocked down and gotten back up. If we’re only living like that for a half an hour at a time.

What doesn’t work

There isn’t much that doesn’t work about the show, but the sample size is still pretty small. It still feels like a show that is finding its legs and it plays like a show that is a very small operation. That could be a product of its production during COVID where a barebones operation is a necessity. 

The conversation is loose to a degree that may not work with another genre of guest. Guests aren’t there to promote anything specific and it doesn’t feel like there’s any kind of outline.

Lucas mentions during various interviews that “these things usually last” for 20 or so minutes. Guests question the boundaries of the conversation at times that make it feel unprepared.

The only stated structure of the show is right in the title, so it might do with a bit of guest prep ahead of time.

It works because you’re dealing with entertainers of various stripes and a large part of their job is entertaining on the fly. After all, if you don’t have a large capacity for spontaneity, you don’t end up with a few discrete stories of bad gigs.

No, that means you’re a bad entertainer. Not fully formed. You need to work more on your craft.

And so the premise of the show actually saves this from even approaching an actual problem. But I could see the odd guest not being up to the task of keeping the conversational ball in the air.

Where it Goes From Here

The Worst Gig of My Life was one of my favorite late pandemic finds. It’s a comfort that, even on the other side of the planet, the stories are visceral and relatable.

It feels spontaneous and natural. A conversation you’d have with wood under your elbows at the local bar if such places were open.

They’re actively producing episodes at present though the show has yet to pick up much polish from the earliest episodes. I do hope this one sticks around post pandemic. Because it is a pleasure to escape to Australia for 45 minutes. To know that I wasn’t the only one to light up in front of a cop or spend the night on the cold floor of a stranger’s shed.

I felt warmer when I took the earbuds out of my ears.

See kids, pick up a guitar. That’s what you have to look forward to. Until you can get sweaty in a bar again, take a listen to The Worst Gig of My Life.

(Editor’s note: This article was edited on 4/13/2021 to remove the name of a co-host who is no longer present on the podcast to respect their anonymity.)

The post Out of the Bar and Onto the Couch: The Worst Gig of My Life appeared first on Discover the Best Podcasts | Discover Pods.

You manufacture a problem to solve.

That’s what Homeland Insecurity, a podcast from RAICES, is about. A solution, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in search of a problem. Well, it starts that way anyway. It’s bigger than that.

To even attempt to make sense of any of this, you have to go back to 2001. As host Erika Andiola reminds us listeners several times throughout the series, 2001 was a scant 20 years ago. In the grand scheme of a nation, that isn’t all that long. It’s only been as long as I’ve been able to vote.

At the time, 9/11 felt radically different. And it was enormous. It felt like “we” had to do something. There was a visceral attitude that this could not be allowed to happen again.

But what “this” was, wasn’t clearly defined. We needed a story. We needed a them.

Wait. I thought we had a story?

The story of America is liberty, freedom, and opportunity for all, right? That’s the story of America. If all you’ve seen are television exports of School House Rock and speeches from rhetorically gifted politicians, it sounds grand. 

That’s the story of America we want to project. The ideal we ought to live up to. That’s the story that acts as a beacon for migrant families like Andiola’s in the first place. But does that story bear out in reality? Is America the land of opportunity for all?

Our story, it would seem, is really about those who seize opportunity. And in the chaos that enveloped a nation jolted awake, there was opportunity.

Read more: Six Podcast Episodes About The American Immigrant Experience

The Structure of Homeland Insecurity

The first (so far) season of Homeland Insecurity is broken up into 8 episodes. Each goes to great length to paint a detailed picture of the facts, as they were at the time, and give us some insight into the post 9/11 mindset.

The narrative format layers history with accounts from government officials, reporters, and lawyers. As well as advocates, and immigrants themselves.

Andiola’s own story, as a migrant child with her mother, serves as the thread that ties the disparate parts of the story together. It’s the host’s story that makes this podcast work in ways another might not.

RAICES is an advocacy group, and Erika Andiola is their Chief Advocacy Officer, so the podcast comes to the table with a transparent agenda. Homeland Insecurity is not bound by any pretense of objectivity that might allow it to stray into a dry recitation of facts about DHS. 

As the pod lays out, for being a bureaucracy employing almost a quarter million people, it does seem to be set up like a shell company. Replete with innocuous sounding policy names and facilities in the middle of nowhere, DHS is designed to sound mundane. To not attract attention. To be omnipresent, yet invisible.

But it is a department with unlimited budget and even less oversight. It’s ripe for abuse.

Or again… opportunity. It depends on who you are and what your motives are.

The Nature of Opportunity

All opportunity is not created equal.

I grew up in San Diego, California. San Diego, along with Tijuana, Mexico, make up the largest binational metropolitan region on the planet. I spent a lot of my youth in Baja California. For us, Mexico wasn’t a foreign country and Spanish isn’t a foreign language. Mexicans were not a threat. Mexicans were us.

On the morning of 9/11 I was 18, about to start my freshman year of college and working as the assistant manager of a multiplex movie theater. On the morning of September 9th, I said goodbye to my girlfriend with an obnoxious public display of affection. I then waived her off at the gate while she boarded her plane.

At. The. Gate. Let that sink in a minute.

By the 17th of September, I was reading an email from our general manager. Word had come from our district manager outlining our new policy that backpacks were no longer allowed into the theaters. For safety reasons we’d hold them, in a giant pile, in the box office.

This made perfect sense in the mind of a rattled 18 year old kid. We had to do something. This was our part. It was safety first. This was until another manager, one of the old guys chuckled and pulled me aside.

“Going to be a lot tougher to bring in those snacks, won’t it?” It had been all of 9 seconds. Tom didn’t skip a beat.

That was the opportunity. Movie theaters make money on concessions, not the box office. Concessions are where the margins are. They had the policy… they needed an opportunity.

Concessions and margins. That’s what DHS is all about. We make concessions in the name of security and those on the margins suffer. That’s Andiola’s story.

The Price of Unintended Consequences

I don’t want to give too much away. I won’t do the narrative justice. You need to go listen.

Homeland Insecurity cajoles the listener into reevaluating their own actions over the past 20 years.

America’s news cycle has a tendency to careen between crises. A tendency that was only accelerated over the past four years.

You don’t get the Trump Administration’s Child Separation Policy without the Obama Administration. Obama’s concessions to a Republican-controlled congress laid the legal framework.

The result was horrific.

The Obama administration turned local police departments into arms of immigration control. The message of “Yes We Can” devolved into deporting more people than any other President.

And that served as the foundation for family separation.

Once the genie is out of the bottle, it’s difficult to stuff back in. I mean, it’s a genie. It was hard to begin with, but genies are magical. That’s a whole other level of difficulty. 

Spurring Action

There’s a lot of my story in this post. Much more than I thought there would be when I sat down to write it. A good podcast bounces around your head for a long time after you hit stop. It doesn’t let go until the gray matter physically changes. This is such a podcast.

The storytelling in Homeland Insecurity is evocative. And I think it’s what they were going for. I’m a straight white cis man in the United States. Due to blind luck, I am not marginalized. Quite the contrary: I am supremely privileged. I have a hard time seeing anything other than through that lens.

We all have a default. Andiola and her team, in just 8 episodes thus far, hold up a mirror and redirect some light into your lens. It’s not preachy. It isn’t radical. I thought I knew what I’d be getting when I sat down to listen to this pod.

I was wrong. I was surprised.

Read more: The story behind the founding and creation of International Podcast Day

We All Become The Enemy

The final episode of the season, without giving too much away, looks at what DHS did this past summer. It looks at the Black Lives Matter protests and the DHS response.

Homeland Insecurity takes its name from DHS, granted. It’s a clever play on words and the first season is framed by DHS’ creation. America has had and continues to have a pathological inability to reconcile the ideals we pay lip service to with the consequentialism of our collective actions. We jail little kids.

The Department of Homeland Security, in spirit and function existed before 9/11. It was in a binder, on a shelf, waiting for the opportunity. The security rationale for militarizing the border was asinine. The hijackers had visas and flew in commercially.

Those who wanted to profit saw an opportunity and took it. The motivation of those who sought to increase their bottom line is American. It isn’t all that different from the motivation of our district manager who wanted to put in place his bag ban to increase his bonus. He was waiting for the right time, and under the 25 foot American flag we hung in the lobby, he could do almost anything.

The scale is what is radically different. Nobody’s family was destroyed because they couldn’t bring in outside snacks.

It feels trite, but I think we’re supposed to see ourselves in Andiola’s story. Not to compare or feel some personal outrage, but to make the connection. I think that’s what spurs us to action and helps her advance the cause.

Where Does Homeland Security Go From Here?

So where does the show go from here? I don’t know. It ends on a cliffhanger. One we’re all living. What happens next is, in no small way, up to us. That’s the point. This story is larger than DHS. Larger than Andiola. Certainly larger than me.

Listen to Homeland Insecurity. It’s only 8 episodes, each around 40 minutes. Do it in a day. Do it over a week walking the dog. Budget some extra time to make some calls. Take some action.

After listening, you’ll need to scratch that itch. I know I did.

The post Homeland Insecurity Tells the Real Stories of American Immigration Policies appeared first on Discover the Best Podcasts | Discover Pods.

Dark in a way that should render it obscure. Related to the far corners of the internet where their subjects would congregate. If those subjects were so inclined.

So why does the Last Podcast on the Left continue to pick up steam? How did it amass enough presence to warrant exclusivity on Spotify?

Why does this show work? Why is it so damned good despite being ostensibly about the worst of us?

The Chemistry Behind Last Podcast on the Left’s Comedic Cocktail

It’s the humor. What makes Last Podcast on the Left‘s (or LPOTL for those in the know) humor work is the host’s clear affinity for the subjects they’re talking about. The subjects aren’t funny. It’s the boys, Ben, Marcus, and Henry who we trust to see something in their subjects and sense something a little unmoored in the audience.

It makes you ask existential questions. Like would I  trust an optometrist who never wore glasses? Or why did Bill Cosby’s portrayal of Dr. Cliff Huxtable as a gynecologist never sit right? Ideas we took as sacrosanct demand exploration. You can trust LPOTL to thread the needle.

It’s uncomfortable. It takes you right up to the edge of disaster, flirts with it a bit, and doesn’t call for the second date. These subjects are exciting, reckless, one night stands for comedy. They’re an adaptive outlet for tendencies that might manifest somewhere else. Somewhere with less piercing hilarity.

How Can Comedy This Irreverent Be This Professional?

As the show matured it has added mid week, topical news story related shows that keep the audience engaged and LPOTL top of mind. Last Podcast on the Left works most of their best subjects into multi part, multi hour series. These deep dives draw the audience back again and again.

All the way round, The Last Podcast on the Left is a cipher for our darker thoughts that are bubbling under the surface. It’s funny. It’s relevant. It’s exceptionally well done and has an extensive back catalog worthy of a listen.

To get you started, here are 25 of the best Last Podcast on the Left episodes.

Last Podcast on the Left (LPOTL) #397 – Heaven’s Gate Part I – A Cabo or a Wabo

1/18/2020

“Maybe the question isn’t ‘How did one man convince 38 people to commit suicide?’ but rather, what was it about this world that made these people so God damned eager to leave it?” Followed immediately by “My question is, did any one of these people ever consider doing the Dew?

That sums it up right there. But this episode is also one of the best because it is revisiting a subject they covered before with more academic rigor because the hosts felt they didn’t do the celestial travelers justice. Nice work indeed.

LPOTL #392 – Sexual Liaisons with the Aliens

November 2019

To quote the late 20th century moral philosophers, Salt N’ Peppa, let’s talk about sex… baby. Specifically, the “out of this world” variety. Is it really just about mating aliens with the best breeding stock humanity’s males can produce? Does that say more about those who have been abducted or those doing the abducting? Does this cross into victim shaming? Is it funny? Yes. 

LPOTL #422 – The 1971 Manson Family Western Surplus Shootout

September 5, 2020

Charles Manson is a polarizing figure in Americana. And, to some extent, it’s all Brian Wilson’s fault. But once old Charlie was brought up on charges, a completely bonkers plot to rescue him unfolded, ending in a shootout with the local Hawthorne police department. There’s very little that could be considered “pro social” about Manson and his family, but this is one of the more outlandish, cartoonish, schemes they cooked up.

LPOTL Best of: Cannibalism

11/27/2020

Just in time for the best (no family gatherings) Thanksgiving in the weirdest year on record, the guys take a walk down memory lane. You might want to bring your own snacks for this one. Maybe veer away from jerky. Who knows what is in a processed meat stick anyway? Science? I doubt it.

LPOTL #419 – Jodi Arias Part I – WAP

8/8/2020

Only a fifth of the way through this century and already this murder is going to be vying for tippy top of the list. The first in the two part series looks at Jodi’s life before and upto the actual murder. Before she became something of a media darling with her made for TV true crime drama appeal. WIth more humor than should be allowed, the hosts paint a picture of a legitimately unhinged soul careening towards disaster.

LPOTL #378 – Mormonism Part I – When You’re Here You’re Family

8/17/2019

If you’re going to tackle a topic like Mormonism, on  a comedy podcast, especially one this dark, you’d better do your G-d damned homework. In the first of a five part series the guys take a hard look at the facts surrounding the birth of the church and some of the more colorful exploits of its founder, Joseph Smith. Hilarity, and learning, ensue.

LPOTL #359 – Illuminati Update

4/6/2019

Few conspiracies (or new world orders depending on your pill color of choice) are shrouded in as much mystery or are as well known as the illuminati. That’s why it’s good to check in on them every once in a while. If you’ve got things to do, and you should, you can rest easy knowing the guys from LPOTL are on the case. 

LPOTL #345 – Hangmen and Headsmen

12/22/2018

A comedic look at the people drawn to being the final, physical, arbiter of state justice. Who are these people? What sort of microwave dinners do they eat with their kids? What makes them tick? Is this the adaptive outlet of some pent up darkness? Is it the result of a good union gig? The questions abound. 

LPOTL #334 – Flat Earth

9/29/2018

Statistically speaking, you know someone who subscribes to the idea that the Earth is flat. It should be plain crazy, but, as the guys point out, it’s actually growing in popularity. By a lot. For something that should be an open and shut case, Ben, Henry, and Marcus give it more air than it deserves. Which, as it should, is entertaining as all get out. 

LPOTL #315 – The Assassination of John Lennon

5/4/2018

In an era before Instagram, Tik Tok, and Twitter, private security around mega celebrities wasn’t as tight as it might otherwise be today. Pair that with John’s revelation that he might face just such a gruesome end and you’ve got the fodder for a well researched look at the death of New York’s favorite (probably) Beatle. Assassin Mark David Chapman was coming up for parole again, so this story is perennially relevant. 

LPOTL Best of Roswell

7/21/2018

It would be patently difficult to have a show that covers crazy without talking about Roswell. Aliens tend to factor in, often, in these stories. And the boys indulge the Roswell story, many times, on Last Podcast on the Left for good reason. A best of compilation is a great place to dip your toe into the conspiratorial waters. 

LPOTL Side Stories – RIP Art Bell

4/19/2018 

Kicking off the mini midweek episodes, Ben and Henry eulogize the late night AM legend Art Bell. If you’re of a certain age, your grandma would recount wild tales of Chupacabra, the occult, and other inappropriate musings ripped straight from the man himself. Art pulled back the covers on a subset of culture that had, heretofore, been largely marginalized. Now they’re congressmen. Thanks Art.

LPOTL #300 – Jonestown Part I – Everyone in the World is My Friend

1/12/2018

Jonestown. You don’t even have to know exactly what transpired to know the word. It’s in the zeitgeist. The same way little kids know how to make car noises before they know what a car is. That’s the level to which Jonestown is seared into our societal DNA. It took the guys 300 episodes to get to Jonestown, but by the time they did, this five piece series was devastating. Take a whole Saturday to binge this one.

LPOTL #261 – L. Ron Hubbard

3/9/2017

This is a big one. L. Ron Hubbard. It would be nigh impossible to find a larger organization founded on more outlandish lies than what L. Ron Hubbard built. In the first of a four part series Last Podcast on the Left looks at the early life of Scientology’s founder and finds that there are some deep seeded sympathies for what made him tick. His methods, effective. His motivations, questionable. Another example of the uncomfortable nature of the show making us look in the mirror and laughing at what we see. Make sure you have your Talk Space account paid up. There are going to be some questions.

LPOTL #335 – The West Memphis Three

10/5/2018

One of the strangest murder cases of the 20th century would have to find a home on The Last Podcast on the Left. It has all the trappings of bizzare death that is the bread and butter of this show. How the guys were able to tread new ground, make it funny, and stretch it out over a three part series is some masterful broadcasting. It makes for some compelling listening. Eddie Spaghetti would be proud. 

LPOTL #293 – Bill Cooper – The Granddaddy of Conspiracy

11/3/2017

You don’t have to be a conspiracy theory enthusiast to enjoy LOPTL. It’s not remotely necessary. But if you want to pull extra layers and threads of empathy out of these episodes… to feel better about laughing about these subjects, it helps to understand something about what makes these mental aberrations take hold. The story of Bill Cooper is just such an illuminating story.

LPOTL #265 – Chris Benoit

4/7/2017

As the guys are avid professional wrestling fans and this story surrounded some real life horrendous murders from an otherwise pretty fake industry, it makes for compelling listening. Conspiracies were rampant following Chris murdering his family. An audience is meant to suspend, perhaps, unhealthy levels of disbelief to make the business of wrestling function. LPOTL follows that to its logical conclusion in episode 265.

LPOTL #248 – Children of God Part I – Mother’s Peanut Butter

11/21/2016

Cultist David Berg was a magnificent manipulator of the hippies. It’s unclear if that had to do with their taking too many drugs and being susceptible already, or if he was really just that good. Well, since it begged an investigation, LPOTL took up the mantle and examined the profits of the prophet of the Children of God. This episode is gross. And raucous. And creepy. So creepy.

LPOTL #413 – Lobotomies

6/13/2020

I trust “the science.” I really do. It’s a good policy to “trust the science.” But you have to remember science is a process of testing hypotheses, and for a time, science thought physically separating the hemispheres of one’s brain was an adaptive treatment for certain antisocial proclivities. How did such a procedure gain popularity and acceptance? It’s worth exploring. And if you’re going to look at something so depressing, maybe mix in a bit of levity? Well, the guys brought their patent pending spin to this monstrous procedure.

LPOTL #358 – The Electric Chair

3/30/2019

Getting the chair. It’s an iconic piece of American jurisprudence. And a ghastly one. An inventive and progressive method of capital punishment that is as quintisentially American as the guillotine is French. That’s really American. Just ask Marie Antoinette… oh wait… you can’t. The electric chair was steampunk dystopia come to life and really says a lot about a society that thought this was progress. Quintessential fodder for a LPOTL episode.

LPOTL #285 – Norwegian Black Metal Part I – Chainsaw Gutsfuck

9/11/2017

From the outsider’s perspective, when you look at Black Metal, as a genre, the natural first reaction is to ask what the actual F is going on. That’s okay. That’s a natural reaction. It’s the reaction a lot of artists are going for. But for some… it goes much deeper. Last Podcast on the Left takes a gander at the origins of Black Metal, the roots in Norse myths, and how closely linked it is to a spate of murders.

LPOTL #323 – The Men in Black

6/29/2018

Did you know the Men in Black is kind of a real thing outside of Tommy Lee Jones and the comedic relief of Will Smith? I had no idea until I heard Ben, Marcus, and Henry get into the origins of this largely imagined organization. But… it’s those nuggets of truth that will evoke an uncomfortable chuckle. Are we really alone? We are. Right? I mean… right?

LPOTL #341 – The Order of the Solar Temple

11/17/2018

For my money, the best guardian of the Holy Grail was one Dr. Henry Jones Jr. One of the strangest might have been the Order of the Solar Temple who were a sect of mysterious followers of the Knights Templar. The Knights feature heavily in fringe Christian sects, which is why they make for a satisfying conclusion to one of the most beloved trilogies in cinematic history.

There’s no need for a fourth installment. A fourth installment would be an abomination. And so the guys kick off this three part look at the Order of the Solar Temple. 

LPOTL #344 – The Book of Revelation

12/15/2018

It’s hard to see how you get the cults and conspiracies we’ve been inundated with if you don’t have the Book of Revelation. You don’t get Jonestown. You don’t have Waco and the Branch Dividians. The entirety of end times prophecy that gives rise to temporal nihilism is because of the Book of Revelation. Where would we be without this fever dream? One hilarious podcast short. That’s for damned sure.

LPOTL #320 – Biggie and Tupac Part I – Sugar Bear

6/9/2018

Two of the biggest hip hop innovators and mega stars murdered back to back. There’s a connection. But how big a connection? It’s never been solved. Well, LPOTL dives deep into the evidence, and, more importantly, the non-evidence to kick off another of their stellar comedic series. 

Conclusion

Comedy only works when the observations made are relatable. That’s why the fact that the comedy works as well as it does is downright troubling. As the listener, you want the LPOTL material to be so farcical, so absurd, that any attempt to find reason fails. But that isn’t the case.

The guys have demonstrated, over the course of well over 400 episodes, how close we all might be to the edge. That’s scary. It’s dangerous. It’s relatable on a level deep enough to elicit chuckles we know full well shouldn’t have escaped our lips. 

Yet here we are. There’s a reason Spotify picked up Last Podcast on the Left’s exclusivity. There’s a reason the show has spawned a network of shows under the LPOTL banner.

It’s just that damned good. 

It might be free to listen to, but chances are you’re going to need to up your therapy budget after a while. 

There are too many excellent episodes of LPOTL to cover everything, but let me know what I left out on twitter (@discover_pods/@jamesjgriffin).

The post The 25 Best Last Podcast on the Left Episodes appeared first on Discover the Best Podcasts | Discover Pods.