Another year, another International Podcast Day. As with last year, we’re here to help celebrate the day by suggesting five great shows that you need in your ears. Unlike last years line-up, these suggestions are going to skew more towards pop-culture than anything else.
Waiting to X-Hale
From the ashes of the greatly missed Pop Rocket comes Waiting to X-Hale – a Gen X-themed show that has Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh and Karen Tongson discussing everything Generation X. If you were already addicted to Pop Rocket, then you’ll know that both Wynter and Karen and knowledgeable, entertaining, and engaging hosts. And, if you hadn’t listened to Pop Rocket, then you can still go back and listen to all those great episodes. Either way, you’re not too late to jump on board their new show, Waiting to X-Hale, a show where Wynter and Karen explore everything that made Generation X what it was. But, don’t fear if you’re not part of that generation, as there’s a great inclusive vibe to this show, exploring old and new pop culture, alongside a bunch of social issues, as well as welcome break downs of ‘nuo lingo’ (aka, modern slang and their meanings). The energy that Wynter and Karen bring to the podcast sphere is addictive and exciting, making Waiting to X-Hale the kind of show that you simply must listen to as soon as a new episode is out.
Episodes to Start Off With:
Ep 4: YouTubin’ with Generation X: Mentos vs. Diet Pepsi
Ep. 10: On Becoming Kirsten Dunst: 1990s KD vs. 2000s KD
The Cinematologists
There’s a few film podcasts that I’m addicted to, and right at the top of the pile is The Cinematologists. Run by film academics Dr Dario Llinares and Dr Neil Fox, The Cinematologists explores all aspects of cinema in an exceptional level of depth. Episodes have covered the gamut of film discussion, with live Q&A’s, interviews, film breakdowns, and more, all providing a huge array of topics that’ll have your mind thinking about film for days. For me, part of the reason I love The Cinematologists is Dario and Neil’s dedication to exploring what modern film criticism and discussion can be, and their enthusiasm for digging into those discussions. Honestly, if you are at all interested in the future of film criticism, then The Cinematologists is the show that you need to be listening to.
Episodes to Start Off With:
Ep56 Contemporary Film Criticism
Take My Tone
Consider this one a mild cheat of an inclusion, because I’m lucky enough to have been a guest on Take My Tone twice. But, even if host, Simon Blackburn (he of the great Apple Slice Podcast) hadn’t had me on, I’d still have Take My Tone on this list. The concept is simple – Simon has a guest onto the show, and they both present each other with a song. A discussion about the song takes place, and then the question is asked… will you, take my tone? This is a superb concept that has created some truly brilliant discussions about music, and as a listener, I’ve had my ears opened up to a wealth of great music from around the world that I had no idea existed. Hopefully you have the same world opened up for you.
Episodes to Start Off With:
29 – The Sate of… Aussie Hip-Hop – Feat. Downsyde
1 – The Kite String Tangle vs Slipknot
9 – D’angelo & The Vanguard vs Karnivool
A Podcast Directed by
Coming from the pedigree of podcasting talent that created War Machine vs War Horse and Pop Culture Case Study (RIP) is A Podcast Directed by. Hosts Michael Denniston and David Giannini examine the best directors in cinema, explore their filmography and then discuss their films, finally deciding on a favourite entry once their catalogue is complete. With directors like Sophia Coppola, Martin Scorsese, and John Ford, all being discussed, with more to come, this is a joyous, entertaining, and unique film podcast. Look, I’ve known Mike and Dave for years, and have always enjoyed what they’ve done podcast wise, but this might be their crown jewel. It’s ridiculously entertaining.
Episodes to Start Off With:
Starship Troopers and Hollow Man
Martin Scorsese and Mean Streets
Critically Acclaimed
If The Cinematologists is your first ‘go to’ podcast for film discussion and theories, then Critically Acclaimed is your next stop. Hosted by Witney Seibold and William Bibbiani, Critically Acclaimed is, quite simply, one of the most exhaustive podcast experiences out there. I have no idea how Witney and William watch the level of content that they do, but, they do, and they then record long, deep dive podcasts about the films they watch. Their discussions are always in depth, always informed, always completely open and knowledgeable, and are always some of the most on point, thought provoking discussions about cinema, entertainment, and pop culture, that you’ll ever find. Another essential podcast.
Episodes to Start Off With:
Critically Acclaimed #88: Hobbs and Shaw, The Nightingale and Fan Mail!
Critically Acclaimed #85: Spider-Man: Far From Home, Midsommar and The Best Movies of 2019 So Far!
That’s it for 2019! Let me know what your podcast picks are below!
