PODCAST DISCIPLE

Kemah Bob: “My opinion isn’t being held back”

Published on April 5, 2024

In every issue of the Pod Bible magazine, we ask a podcast disciple five questions about their love for podcasts and podcasting. For Issue #024 we were joined by Kemah Bob, Comedian, Writer and Host of the FOC It Up podcast!

WHY DO YOU LOVE PODCASTS?

I love podcasts for the autonomy they offer both consumers and creators. As a podcaster I appreciate the freedom to discuss what I want to, how I want to. My opinion isn’t being held back by a board of trustees or behind walls of compliance. My creativity isn’t held back by prescribed structure, or what people are used to listening to at 10 am. I’m not saying people should go around saying and doing what they want without consequences. There’s an old saying in the Black American community: f*ck around and find out. I just think the world is more fun when folks have the freedom to f*ck around.

WHAT WAS THE FIRST POD YOU EVER LISTENED TO?

The first podcast I had ever heard was WTF with Marc Maron. This was back in the day before I was a comedian, before I ever aspired to be a guest (pretty please Mr. Maron with a microphone on top). What delighted me about it was its simplicity and spirit. It was just a hilarious man talking to his guests about life, which often led to Marc using humour to navigate quite tender things. Not to be a wimp, but that’s quite an important life skill.

WHICH PODCASTER MAKES YOU LAUGH THE MOST?

Oh, this is definitely a tie between Helen Bauer and Josh Jones. Listening to Helen and Josh makes me wonder if I’ve lived a life – because if I have then why don’t I have a zillion incredible stories on tap? Listening to them makes me both concerned that childhood trauma has robbed me of my memory, and concerned for their safety. Maniacs. Helen can be heard on her pod Trusty Hogs and her old pod Daddy Look at Me, Josh can be heard on his new pod Hard Sell and his old new pod Chatting with Cherubs.

WHICH PODCAST HAS EDUCATED YOU THE MOST?

Hands down, The Guilty Feminist podcast. I don’t think I truly understood what being a feminist meant before I encountered it. I knew how I felt, what I believed. I knew that something was wrong with Texas. I knew that there were forces working to hold women back and weigh us down, but I didn’t have the language to express it.

I have had the privilege of co-hosting The Guilty Feminist, and sitting next to Deborah Francis-White over the past 4 years while we meet activists has taught me so much about myself and the world.

CAN YOU RECOMMEND A SHOW OUR READERS MAY NOT HAVE HEARD OF YET?

The Homecoming Podcast with Dr. Thema. Before I go on, I want you to know I do realize that none of these answers have been funny. This one won’t be either – it’s gunna be sincere and earnest. For that I’m sorry. The show’s purpose is to “facilitate your journey home to yourself” using psychology, spirituality and artistic practice. I’m an incredibly spiritual person but you don’t have to be to connect to this offering. You just need to be curious about yourself, your needs, your healing and living your (wait for it…) best life.

Over the past few years, when I’ve found myself feeling hurt, lost or far from myself, this podcast has been a beautiful resource. It features 30 minute episodes on topics ranging from addressing self abandonment, overcoming perfectionism, even dealing with racial trauma. It’s an incredibly important resource and I’m honoured to recommend it.