I’ve discovered podcasts. I know, I know. About half of you are rolling your eyes and saying, “Welcome to the 21st century. Glad you joined us.” But really, I have an excuse!
When I first heard of podcasts, the only way I could listen to them was sitting at my computer. No way. I’ve got things to do; I don’t have time to just sit at my computer, twiddling my thumbs, listening to people talk. When I got my first SmartPhone … well, there was a reason why I called it my StupidPhone. I couldn’t load more than two apps on it at any given time, and either the apps or the phone was always crashing. My new SmartPhone (which still isn’t too bright, but at least it’s smarter than my old StupidPhone) also crashes all the time, but at least I can load more than two apps on it.
What dragged me into the 21st century? Mur Lafferty and Tony Pisculli. I’ve been hearing about Tony’s Magic Spreadsheet and I finally decided to try it out. But he doesn’t seem to have a web site of his own. I’ve only been able to find an interview on Mur’s I Should Be Writing podcast. I found a podcast app for my new SmartPhone and discovered that I could walk around with my phone in my pocket or my armband or plugged in to the car and I could listen to podcasts while I was being otherwise productive.
And now I’m a podcast slut. I’ve subscribed to maybe thirty or forty podcasts. The only reason I haven’t subscribed to more is because I haven’t had time to sit down with my phone and search for more.
My favorite podcasts so far:
I Should Be Writing – This is Mur Lafferty’s podcast about writing, the one that dragged me into the 21st century. The description from her web site is: “Winner of the Podcast Peer Award and the Parsec Award, this show is about a writer going from wanna-be to pro. Focusing on the emotional road blocks one finds in a writing career, this show speaks to over 8000 listeners every week.”
Writing Excuses – An excellent fifteen minute podcast with Mary Robinette Kowall, Brandon Sanderson, Howard Taylor, and Dan Wells. Their tagline is: “Fifteen minutes long, because you’re in a hurry, and we’re not that smart.” Every podcast includes, in addition to the topic, an audiobook pick-of-the-week and a writing prompt.
Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing – Mignon Fogarty is something of a language-geek celebrity both in print and in cyberspace. Her podcasts are fairly short and focus on a single topic about grammar, punctuation, word choice, style and better writing in general.
A Way With Words – For years, I listened to this show on NPR while driving to church, but things changed and I haven’t been able to hear the show on NPR for a few years now. It is hosted by lexicographers Martha Barnette and Grant Barrett. Their tagline is: “A public radio program about language examined through history, culture, and family.” But really, it’s not that boring. My kids even enjoyed it when they were eight and eleven years old. Every show includes tidbits about language and grammar, word games, and loads of fun.
Wait! Wait! Don’t Tell Me!- Speaking of NPR, I also miss Wait! Wait! Don’t Tell Me! This is “an hour-long weekly radio news panel show” that features games the panelists play, often on behalf of listeners. The panelists include actors, comedians, and other television personalities, and the games are based on news stories — some major news stories and some offbeat news stories.
What are your favorites? Because you know, I need more podcasts!
