The Pod Piper

1. Reply All - "Past, Present, Future 2 (#84)" Reply All takes the seemingly bland but responsible step of following up on stories in their final episode of 2016.  It's the journalistic equivalent of conducting research on a theory that has already been "proven" in the scientific field - necessary but hardly sexy.  This episode, however, turns the exercise on its head and yields an incredibly compact review of the exhilarating stories produced by the Gimlet juggernaut this year.  There is a lot of new content that undoubtedly took quite a while to pull together, and some of it is kind of deep. Yet the brisk pace of the show endowed it with mirth that tempers the gravitas for the winning combination so often found on Reply All . 2. Homecoming - "OPTIMISTS (#6)" Homecoming may be the most captivating new show in the 2016 podcast landscape.  It's serialized audio fiction at it's finest, and the last two episodes sunk particularly salient ho...

1. This American Life - "20 Years Later (#604)" Touted by Ira as one of the best radio pieces produced in 2016, "20 Years Later" is an incredible piece of documentary podcasting.  Samantha Broun revisits a truly terrifying day in her mother's life, when a stranger held her hostage and assaulted her in various ways over the course of five hours.  The retelling of the story on it's own would make for required listening, as Broun interviews her mother and opens some incredibly deep wounds to the world.  But the reporting goes on to investigate the long-lasting ramifications of legislation that was spurred by the case.  It is certainly not a comfortable experience and could be overwhelming depressing, but the sincerity redeems us from the depths of sorrow and turns the story into a larger probe into how our personal trials affect the complexities inherent in pursuing the greater good.  On top of all the stunning narrative qualities, it is quite evident that th...

1. Undone -  "The Ancient One (#2)" Undone is quickly becoming a must-listen podcast for me.  Part of the thrill is that I haven't heard about the stories that are being re-investigated, so the episodes unfold with a really satisfying narrative arc.  "The Ancient One" follows a battle between scientific progress and the upholding of traditions - things that need not always be at odds but that so often are.  Without putting an editorial spin on the debate, Undone sets up the controversy of old before delving into the details that make the story relevant to us today. 2.  Startup - "Part 1: Labels" The name Dov Charney did not sound familiar to me before listening to this episode, and I can't say that I was aware of any kind of issues surrounding American Apparel.  This series of episodes from Startup dissects the rise, fall, and apparent rebirth of the man who built one of the trendiest American clothing operations in my lifetime.  It's partia...

1. Placemakers - "When Good Placemakers Go Bad" While no actual collaboration took place, this episode comes across as a mix between 99% Invisible and Placemakers , and what an incredible combo it turned out to be.  This installment focuses on a man whose life reads like a legend: born into a wealthy Midwestern family only to lose his fortune before moving to New York to regain it all...whilst dabbling in the shadier side of society.  And as incredible as the narrative is, the larger theme of break-ins violating the sacredness of space-making made this an easy choice for my top episode this week. 2. Planet Money - "Russian Cowboys (#738)" Planet Money has done a lot of excellent reporting that has transported listeners to various places all over the globe.  But following the path of exporting an American cowboy to Russia, along with providing a glimpse of the faux-Western culture that has blossomed in Siberia?  This is going to be tough to beat.  "Russia...

1. Reply All - "Hello? (#82)" Channeling the ethos of a radio call-in show, PJ and Alex decide to open up a hotline and accept calls from listeners for 48 straight hours without sleeping.  It's a simple premise and may likely sound quite boring, yet I found it to be utterly compelling. Granted, the audio was cut down to a small fraction of the total experiment and surely underwent some painstaking editing.  Even still, I was more taken with the romance of the episode's scope than with any of the things the listeners had to say. 2.  The Cracked Podcast - "Why A Second Civil War Is Frighteningly Possible" The title of this episode may seem alarmist and conspiratorial in nature, and the conversation is rooted in a theory about America being divided into 11 nations that may appear to teeter on the brink of irrationality.  Make no mistake, the tone is somber and it's no coincidence that the show was originally released on the day before the election. ...

1. Kurt Vonneguys - "Player Piano" I love Cracked and I love Kurt Vonnegut.  I honestly don't think any other podcast in my stable of regulars could have been a better fit to discuss one of my favorite authors.  Player Piano is a flawed book, but it is such a great intro to Vonnegut and hosts Michael Swaim and Alex Schmidt strike the perfect balance of deference and humor in their analysis. 2. Millenial - "You Can't Go Home Again (#29)" Right now my future seems a little uncertain.  Many things are up in the air, but one of the foremost is where I want to settle down and live for the rest of my life.  The tension I face isn't the same as that of the host in this podcast, but there are similar themes and I found this to be a timely and semi-comforting listen. 3. This American Life - "The Sun Comes Up (#602)" Another wonderful This American Life episode centered around the election.  This edition of the show tackles public opinion in the ...

1. Radiolab - "One Vote" In the wake of an election where the losing candidate received more individual votes, I'm less sure than ever about the power a single vote has to make a difference.  The title alone of this episode earned an eye roll and a near-skip from me, but I had a craving for something election themed that ventured beyond explicit commentary and prediction.  Never doubt Radiolab .  The team came through with this episode, first acknowledging that in practice the importance of a single vote is over-hyped and often mis-mythologized.  Then the producers proceeded to report stories that pay homage to the metaphorical and uber-realistic importance of voting in a democracy.  It's worth a listen after the week we've had and seen and, honestly, pretty much just read about on Facebook. 2. This American Life - "Master of Her Domain...Name (#601)" Ira and company dig into the email scandal with a refreshing angle, thoughtfully interrogating the in...

1. The Cracked Podcast - "Trump Country: What the Media Doesn't Want You To Know" The title of this episode may sound conspiratorial, and I'll admit that Cracked does traffic in some stories that skirt around the fringes of popular opinion.  But this podcast blows open a hard truth that many tend to forget around election time: people supporting a movement are, at their root, still people.  From incidents like the "basket of deplorables" comment on the left, and any number of exclamations about a rigged election on the right, it's evident that our capacity for incremental criticism is fairly low. It's hard to give any ground to someone you perceive opposing your own ideals, and it's much easier to submit to an all-or-nothing mentality.  Cracked sets out to debunk the fact that all Trump supporters are dumb rednecks, appealing to the possibility that environment and circumstance shape opinions more than inherent moral character.  This essential re...

1. The Room Where It's Happening - "Kristin Chenoweth: My Shot" From the first notes of Travon Free singing 'Popular' in the shower to the moment when he and Kristin Chenoweth are poised to take on the establishment in some kind of crusade for social justice, this episode is full of gleeful moments both Hamilton related and simply delightful to hear.  Chenoweth brings an amiable earnestness to the table that encapsulates the average fan of the hit musical.  No doubt she is in awe of the genius required to pen such a work, but you can tell she isn't a die-hard fangirl...and in a way that's rather comforting. It's just an absolute joy to listen to this bubbly person gush and dissect the musical in a way that is at turns both insightful and silly. 2. Hang Up and Listen - "The Joy Is Retroactively Applied Edition" Hang Up and Listen is one of the must-listen shows in my ever-growing stable of podcast thoroughbreds, delivering the best ...

1.  Love and Radio -  "The Enemy Within" Love and Radio is one of the most consistently challenging podcasts I've encountered, presenting intimate stories of people maligned in some part of society.  "The Enemy Within" digs into the life of one of the most enigmatic people I've ever encountered.  The phrase 'black conservative intellectual' is as good of an introduction phrase I can give for this episode, and I think it's just a good reminder of how varied the American (and human) scale of opinion and emotion can be - especially in this contentious election season in the U.S. 2.  Reply All -  "Boy in Photo (#79)" Reply All always has some tie to culture on the internet, but the element of humanity almost always shines through.  "Boy in Photo" is a shining exemplar of hitting both marks brilliantly, telling the story of human quirkiness that is so readily manifested on the internet.  If you ever put together an elaborat...

It's been a whirlwind of a couple (ok, three) weeks, and I've not had the time needed to dive into the usual wealth of podcasts.  Here is a list, more or less in order, of all the shows that passed through my ears from September 25 - October 15, 2016.  Cheers! Show Ep Hidden Brain What Are The Odds? (#45) Love and Radio A Girl of Ivory 99% Invisible Project Cybersyn Sampler Ladies of Flavor' (#30) Criminal Money Tree (#51) Placemakers Placetaking: Squatting for House and Home Strangers Blue Astringent Blues Reply All Very Quickly to the Drill (#78) Slate's Culture Gabfest Darkness On The Edge Of Reason Edition Song Exploder Phantogram - You Don't Get me High Anymore Pop, Race, and the '60s Bob Dylan and Sam Cooke (#1) The Room Where It's Happening Tracy Clayton: Hamilton Privilege The Cracked Podcast Screw Sully: 7 True Stories That Would Mak...

1. Radiolab - "Update: Eye In the Sky" This story originally aired last year and gave me the creeps.  I'm all for crime prevention, and probably more in favor than most for compromising my individual liberties in favor of increased safety for all.  But implementing a large surveillance system ripe with possibilities for corruption without first meticulously evaluating the implications of this technology seems worrisome at best. On the other hand, the narrative example from Juarez, Mexico clearly demonstrates the life saving potential of such a system.  Shouldn't a decrease in death make this new world of crime prevention worth exploring, regardless of any hypothetical consequences? The update provides some info on a pilot program getting traction in Baltimore, thanks to the underwriting of funds from wealthy donors who heard about the story after it was initially aired on Radiolab .  If this doesn't speak to the growing societal influence of podcasts, I don't...

1. Reply All -  "Lost in a Cab (#76)" Reply All  regularly puts out episodes of their show under the theme of 'Super Tech Support.'  Just as the name implies, the Reply All team tackle an internet-related problem submitted by a listener.  Not only do these shows unravel stories worth following, but they typically resolve in a way that empowers the average person and speaks truth to shadiness on the web.  In "Lost in a Cab" we hear about a man who treads a thin line between being a forward thinking businessman and a conniving scam artist. Host Alex Goldman seeks out justice for a customer/victim and in the process sheds light on a whole world of commerce operating in a misleading manner. 2. The Cracked Podcast -  "How Evolution Made Us Unfit For The Modern World" Cracked operates on a frequency that is both down to earth and incredibly thought provoking.  This episode takes that ethos to a new level and speaks in earnest to the burgeoning pre...

1. 99% Invisible -  On Average (#226) Every once in a while a podcast produces an episode that perfectly encapsulates the ethos of the show.  For 99% Invisible, 'On Average' is that episode. Hidden forces of design that dictate untold amounts of things in your life?  Check.  Rich and quirky evolution of said forces?  Check.  A contemplative takeaway that will make you rethink your surroundings?  Check.  It's all here, delivered in Roman Mar's signature purr. 2. Our National Conversation About Conversations About Race -  Cold Empathy For Nate Parker My recollection of the show (which has been on hiatus for 6 months or so) was conflated with the excellent NPR podcast "Codeswitch" - both tackle stories in the media surrounding issues of race and identity, after all.  While both are nearly always must-listen, "About Race" does a little better with playing devil's advocate or at least presenting ideas from multiple perspectives.  The r...

1. Radiolab -  The Girl Who Doesn't Exist Many people fleeing their home in this world scarred by war must face the perils of finding documentation in their new country.  But what happens when a person who was born in the United States suddenly realizes their existence has never been officially documented?  Radiolab tackles this existential question faced in reality by a young woman whose parents were inspired by the sovereign citizen movement .  In addition to being a compelling mystery, this episode dredged up questions about what exactly parents should be able to foist upon their children and how long any such decisions should affect the child. 2. Reply All -  Making Friends (#74) Reply All does it again, turning over a stone that uncovers some previously unknown niche of internet-reliant culture.  'Tulpas' are apparently like imaginary friends that are more real than not real, and this episode follows the tragic story of a woman who finds a commun...

1. On the Media -  Define Normal It's easy to write off ethical boundaries when discussing the current presidential campaign in the U.S., but I was very engaged by the opposing views among American psychiatrists on the 'Goldwater Rule.'  The discussion embodies my conflicting methodologies when it comes to ignoring Trump.  Do we ignore him in an effort to cut off the attention on which he thrives, or do we ignore him and then risk being left with the moral weight of the innocent bystander after a tragic event?  There's also a compelling segment of the show on the South African track star Caster Semenya, dealing with gender politics and the Olympics that mixes morality with sport.  How do we act justly to the individual and to the field of competition?  Lots of tough questions and not a lot of clear answers, the very reason to listen to OTM! 2. Planet Money -  Oil #5: Imagine A World Without Oil The leader in investigatory economic journalis...

1. Criminal -  Eight Years (#48) Criminal has the potential to be quite dark.  Sometimes this manifests itself in a description of a grizzly crime, but I think the most affecting stories are those that have an element of mystery.  Such is the case in 'Eight Years,' which captures the unbelievably long-running story of a woman who was stalked by a fan of her blog.  I don't mean to downplay the seriousness of the crime - it is indeed an unfathomable violation that no person should ever have to endure - but the ambiguity of prosecuting cybercrime perpetrated across international borders lends an air of intrigue that tempers the typical sense of disgust that tends to accompany true-crime narratives. 2. Flash Forward-  Revenge of the Retweet Do you ever worry about your cheeky social media presence getting in the way of your future job prospects?  It's hard to think so far down the road when you are at your most impressionable age and when you have the mos...

1. More Perfect -  The Imperfect Plaintiffs Radiolab has a spin-off podcast, and it is all about the mysterious role the Supreme Court plays in the shaping of policy and discourse in America.  This is the first episode I've heard, though all 6 episodes in the first season have now been released.  It seems like this could be a good entry point for those not necessarily interested in politics to see the deep reaching impact of legislation on daily life. 2. Placemakers -  The Cheerful Hurly-Burly When Rebecca Sheir signed off Metro Connection for the final time last year, I was distraught.  There was promise of a revamped show after some time off for reflection, but I knew deep down that it would never be back.  Imagine my delight when I found that Sheir is now at the helm of a new Slate podcast about the people who shape communities from a planning perspective.  Of course the first episode is about urbanist hero Jane Jacobs, and I think it does a go...

1. Invisibilia -  Flip the Script Pacifists are often challenged with hypothetical situations about using a gun to defend their family from imminent danger.  But when confronted with a situation of unplanned agression, do any of us know how we would truly react in the moment?  This excellent episode of Invisibilia speaks to the perhaps surprising effects a non-aggressive response may bring to bare on a hostile circumstance. The anecdotal example of a dinner party with an unexpected guest and the more systematic approach Denmark is taking to fight extremism with love make the old adage about fighting fire with fire seem woefully outdated. 2. Reply All -  Stolen Valor (#70) As the show often accomplishes, this edition of Reply All brought into the light a corner of internet subculture I have neither heard of nor understand.  This week: soldier imposter shaming videos. While revelation didn't flow freely (who are those people who pose as soldiers, and...

1. The Cracked Podcast -  Modern Cults (Are Scarier Than Jonestown) Cracked is the perfect place to talk about cults.  I'm sure there are other podcasts that cover similar subject matter, but I doubt that any show would match the comically tinged interviewing style and level of quality sources that defines the Cracked ethos. Other than being entertained and informed by and about a previously unknown world, the biggest take away from this particular episode was that intelligent people who are entrenched in their beliefs and identity are more susceptible to falling prey to a cult.  This made me consider what we believe without question and the fine line between religions and cults.  It also made me thankful that my interests are so widely spread - the lack of specification I sometimes crave could save my life! 2. Reply All -  Disappeared (#69) Due to an error in divvying up shows between Stitcher and Podcast Addict, I inadvertently left Reply All off ...

1. Revisionist History -  Carlos Doesn't Remember Malcolm Gladwell now has a podcast.  If you're like me, that sentence sells the product - each episode is like listening to a chapter of one of his audiobooks, but with interviews sprinkled in. "Carlos Doesn't Remember" appears not to have much in common with the larger theme of the series as the topic is more current, but it follows the idea that historically America has failed to fully capitalize on the learning potential of it's youth.  Is the system of higher education in bringing the minds best suited for each field of work to the forefront of the requisite industries, or is the timing of reaching out to youth from minority communities not conducive to successful entry into elite institutions? 2. 99% Invisible -  Unpleasant Design (#219) Typically the word 'design' conjures positive and beautiful mental images, much in the way that episodes of 99PI tend to be pleasing to the ear and intellect al...

I've been traveling a lot in the last month, and haven't had the time to write up anything for the shows I've listened to in the previous fortnight.  In order to preserve some kind of continuity with posting, here is the ranked list of all the podcast episodes to hit my ears in the previous two weeks: 1. Flash Forward - Bot For Teacher 2. Invisibilia - The Personality Myth 3. Planet Money - The Future Of Work Looks Like A UPS Truck (#563) 4. Hang Up and Listen - The Kevin Durant Just Broke The NBA Edition 5. Code Switch - "I'm Not Black, I'm OJ!" 6. Startup - 2680 Madison Road 7. Planet Money - Brexit (#707) 8. Criminal - Tiger (#46) 9. 99% Invisible - Remembering Stonewall (#218) 10. Planet Money - Bitcoin Divided (#708) 11. Slate's Culture Gabfest - Independence Duh Edition 12. The Cracked Podcast - 20 Things Sci-Fi Promised Us That We Want Now 13....

1. Invisibilia - The New Norm Invisibilia is back and didn't miss a beat.  This is, in my opinion, is the pinnacle of podcasting excellence, hitting all the notes that hook me in and create an hour's worth of content that breezes by in what feels like an instant.  "The New Norm" features stories delving into the emotional scaffolding behind the spread of a massive fast food chain and the masculine underpinnings that caused a high rate of accidents on an oil rig...until someone picked in apart.  The multi-cultural angle on this episode made me think that this show has endless subject matter and could run infinitely.  May we all be so lucky to have it do so. 2. This American Life -  Tell Me I'm Fat (#589)  As the show is wont to do, this episode of TAL provoked thought on perceptions that American culture may take for granted. "Tell Me I'm Fat" focuses in on how we view beauty and weight, daring to ask the question 'Is it OK to be fat?'  I ...

1. The Cracked Podcast -  How NASA Was Born Out of Magic Loving, Orgy Having Nerds (#126) I'll admit that at times I listen to podcasts peripherally, multitasking and inevitably not catching the finer nuances of a given episode.  Generally the medium lends itself well to this kind of behavior, but some shows are better suited than others.  The Cracked Podcast, for instance, is great to have on while accomplishing other things because it is discussion based where each story tends to be pretty brief.  But far from being trite, the formula for this show (funny people researching and discussing widely unheard of topics) produces highly entertaining bits of listening on a theme that is usually far reaching.  This week, the morsel of thought gleaned from discussion of the frankly insane NASA origin story is that sci-fi literature often begets new technology.  #126 is Cracked at it's best - meeting at the pinnacle of wit and "What?!" 2. Code Switch -  ...

1. Strangers -  The Son, The Goddess, and Leopoldo Any podcast that opens with "I was born into a coven of lesbian witches" is bound to hold ones attention.  But that salient salvo of a lead in is bland in comparison to much of what unravels in this enthralling episode of Strangers.  It may go without saying that this is one of the more disturbing podcasts I've heard, and as such is only suited for listeners with a tolerance for some graphic and disturbing details. Joshua Safran gives a harrowing first person account of growing up in a mightily unstable environment of transient Luddite hippies, and the remarkable story of how he managed to pull himself out into an adult existence of relative normalcy.  The horror of the first part of the show is balanced out by the incredible story of exoneration when Safran connects with an imprisoned woman whose circumstances closely relate with his own volatile upbringing.  One of the finest episodes of the year to date...