This a Sunday feature here where we discuss specific topics related to books and the blogosphere.
Let’s talk podcasts!
Over the past couple of months, I’ve seen many references to podcasts in blog posts and friends’ reviews. I read a lot of mysteries and thrillers and apparently there are quite a few popular ones focused on those genres, especially true crime. I’ve not given them a second thought about them until recently as I have my hands, eyes and ears full of eBooks, audiobooks and television series waiting to binge watch. I’m not the only one with these time constraints and everyone else seems to be able to fit in a regular podcast or two.
So, what am I missing? Why have podcasts suddenly become so popular? What distinguishes them from all the other wonderful media we have to consume?
I just finished a book where the Serial podcast was prominently featured. And, I keep seeing My Favorite Murder show up in online conversations and reviews. Again, these are in the same genre and I’m interested in learning about more in other topics (entertainment, news, fiction, etc.).
Why podcasts?
What are some of your favorite podcasts and why?
Blue Mood Café 
I have the attention span of a gnat so anything I have to actively listen to, is just wasted on me. I’ll go off and do something and realise I missed a whole chunk. Podcasts, audiobooks, not for me. But I do sometimes feel I miss out on some cool things where podcasts are concerned.
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That is not unusual, Eva, and I get that a lot from others who struggle with audiobooks. Myself, I need to be a captive audience when I’ve got my headphones on so I’ve got to be doing something mindless like the dishes or vacuuming. I do feel like I’m missing out on something when it comes to podcasts. I just don’t know where or why to start.
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I love podcasts, they’re now my time filler my time while exercising, cooking, cleaning, any housework like ironing, shopping, etc. But I haven’t gotten into audiobooks yet, so that may be why I can find the time for them! I don’t have to drive but I think lots of people manage to fit so many in thanks to driving.
The true crime ones are my favorites (big surprise, I’m sure!) I used to love My Favorite Murder above anything else and although my affection for it has waned with some of their recent episodes, it’s still pretty great. You have to be ok with things being a little less researched and a lot of personal banter but one of them is a comedy writer so it’s usually very entertaining.
The first season of Serial is also wildly popular for good reason, and I like Real Crime Profile, with a former FBI agent and a Scotland Yard behavioral analyst discussing cases, Hollywood and Crime is a more scripted/acted out way of storytelling but did a fantastic season on the Black Dahlia and related murders, The Teacher’s Pet is a bizarre story about a missing wife and the schoolgirl that took her place (this one went on a little long in my opinion but still interesting), Casefile does some thoroughly researched crime stories, In the Dark and Someone Knows Something are both good missing persons ones, Lore tells fascinating folklore/true scary stories, and I love Zealot for discussions about cults that also manages to be hilarious.
That was longer than I planned but those are my recommendations…you definitely have to give different hosts a try and see if you like their style, you’ll figure out pretty quickly what you like. Let me know what you find, I’m always looking for new ones (while never having time to keep up with the ones I already follow, but still!)
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Thank you so much for your input!
I knew if you listened to podcasts they would be related to true crime so I was hoping you’d weigh in. I’m going to check out Serial as it’s rated so highly and you recommend the first season. I love the idea of the FBI & Scotland Yard collaboration so I’ll check out Real Crime Profile, too. I’ll come back to your other suggestions as they are appealing.
I’m still wondering how these podcasts will compete with my audiobook listening. I actually listen to more books now than I read. I’ll let you know how it works out.
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That’s so interesting that you’ve transitioned to mostly audiobooks. I can see the appeal because I love listening to podcasts but I also find I space out a bit more than when reading something, so I kind of worry I might miss too much.
But give it a try, I think if you find one you like you’ll find ways to make time to listen to it, especially if you’re already doing audiobooks. There are so many addictive podcasts!
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This is a great question, Jonetta, because I’ve often wondered about podcasts too!
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And I was so sure you listened to them. I’m not alone🙂
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I’ve not tried listening to podcasts before either, but I know a lot of my coworkers love them. One of these days I’m going to have to try one just to see what I’m missing.
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See, that was my thing…am I missing something? That’s driving my interest.
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My favorite podcasts are from Bookriot, specially ANNOTATED and BOOKRIOT-THE PODCAST
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Thanks, Carol! What’s the focus of the podcast?
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Anything book related, from publishing news to book releases, book and publisher-related news, literary awards, etc.
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I was hoping for that! Thanks for the recommendation and I’ll also check it out.
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I have only listened to podcasts that are like talk shows. The host does a bit of a monologue and then there is an interview. I haven’t tried any of the storytelling. From what I’ve heard about Serial, it is basically an audiobook that comes out week by week, but I could be wrong. I’ve thought about it, but I’ve got so many audiobooks, I’m not sure I have time to add another format.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
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Thanks, Melanie!
The talk show podcasts are the only ones where I’ve had any experience of or knowledge about. I’ve not explored them more because most are those that I typically watch.
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