If video killed the radio star, who did Podcasts annihilate?
Podcasts are internet radio shows created by anyone and everyone. Like blogs, anyone can have a podcast, all you need is recording and editing equipment and an iTunes account. These nuggets of entertainment and sometimes education have been my salvation from the drudgery that is the public radio. If you’re tired of listening to the same 5 songs on your local radio station like I did, here are some of my favorite daily listens.
The Black Guy Who Tips
This is a hilarious, smart, witty, informative, educational, ratchet comedy podcast hosted by a husband and wife team, Rod and Karen. The couple broadcasts from their North Carolina home from where they share their insightful points of view about news, politics, sports and random topics. They are adamantly against “Sword Ratchetness”, violent deeds using swords or knives, and live by the motto “Nothing’s wrong if it’s funny.” They were also featured in the Huffington Post.
They have recently updated the format of their show from a 3 hour format to a 1.5 hour show format. This greatly helped the show focus on the wonderful segments it provides like “Random Thoughts” and everyone’s favorite, “Guess the Race,” and created an even more thoughtful program that I deeply enjoy. They are also providing premium content at an ridiculously affordable price unveiling a host of new shows. I am crazy excited.
WM40A: Where’s My 40 Acres
This hip hop podcast is hosted by Brandon, Twan, and Xmike and Deirdre. This group of talented, proudly degree-having, individuals share their knowledge of the world of Hip Hop and current events.
“The show is built around broadly focused reflections on Hip-Hop-N-Life, infused with comedy, heated debates, infamous roasts *Deirdre, Drop Bombs!* and guest appearances from artists, comedians, twitter prodigies, and respected figures of the 40 Acres Community.”
They also have a sister podcast where Deirdre and Brandon host a recap of Love and Hip Hop Atlanta, my favorite reality show vice. It’s wonderful to hear them recap all the thoughts that ran through my mind the night before while watching the show. I find myself speaking back to them saying, “right!” and rolling with laughter at the ridiculous of aspects of the show and it’s cast. If you love ratchet reality tv, this is your kind of recap.
TWIB Radio: This Week In Blackness
For political news and events from the perspectives of a group of people who happen to be black, TWIB focuses on the more serious aspects of everyday life reporting on politics and news stories that may affect you. They have a host of shows that focus on various topics from serious political agendas to ratchet news. Explore and Enjoy.
“Whether it’s providing live coverage of the 2012 Selma to Montgomery march, the SEIU conference and subsequent march on Wells Fargo to the NAACP Leadership 500, Congressional Black Caucus Week and so much more. At the beginning of 2013 TWiB houses myriad original programming and a growing online radio network with TWIB.FM.”
This American Life
If you like hearing random personal stories from and about a specific theme, this is your home. Each show focuses on a theme with a variety of stories about that theme. Most of the stories are true and are by everyday people. Stories vary of course. I love this podcast because 99% of the times I listen to it, I am left with my jaw hanging from shock or disbelief that these stories actually happened to REAL people. Start with their favorites if you need a starting point.
The Wayward Irregular
A podcast I came upon when searching for a podcast about Graphic Design, this wonderful gem appeared before my eyes. I was engulfed in the author’s everyday trials through the design working world, freelance and office, through essays and short stories. These stories are HILARIOUS. I quickly felt a connection to his world as he illustrated with words my life right before my eyes. This is definitely worth a great listen if you love great story-telling and smart writing.
The Combat Jack Show
This show is entertaining, hilarious and educational. I learned some wonderful things about a lot of entertainers’ pasts and became a bigger fan through this show.
“The Combat Jack Show feat. Dallas is weekly online radio show comprised of a diverse array of personalities with an overall love and appreciation for hip hop culture, fashion, music, and current events. The show is helmed by Combat Jack and his co-host Dallas Penn, whose personalities add for an always entertaining show experience for the guests and listeners.”
Tincture, An Apocalyptic Short Story
Do you have a show which you JUST CAN’T WAIT for next week’s installment? This is that show for me. They can’t come fast enough. This is story I followed from The Wayward Irregular. This is a fast-paced, blind-turns story of which I do not have the time to explain at this moment. Please. Just. Listen.
“Tincture, An Apocalyptic Proposition is a “weird west” sci-fi adventure story.”
The Champs with Neal Brennan and Mosher Kasher
This is a comedy podcast where the three hosts, (the Champs), sit down with comedians and discuss their lives and careers. I was drawn to this podcast because the Champs only feature black comedians which I thought was quite commendable. Seeing that there is no real platform for black entertainment, (BET does NOT count), especially black comedians, it was a great place for me to learn more about these masters of laughter and further appreciate their work and lives.
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Take a listen and let me know what you think. They may not be all for you but I enjoy the diverse point of views and topics covered from ratchet to comedy, to politics, to blackness. These are all aspects of my personality and I appreciate the work these people (most with their own full time jobs) put in delivering some entertaining and informative content. And if you love the, support them, donate, tweet, like, share damnit!
~ Jambo
