As I’ve gotten older and my friends have started going out less, we’ve begun to swap boozy nights out for increasingly bizarre murder mystery parties. Usually, an industrious volunteer will choose a theme (space cowboys, the set of a 1970s porn film, a 1950s office party, that sort of thing…) and proceed to write a murder mystery plot line so nutty and so ridiculous that the group will spend the evening in fits of laughter. At the start of the night, we’ll usually gather in one room as the writer reads out a painstakingly detailed opening narrative as the rest of us wait in giddy anticipation for the clues that will form the night’s plotline.

I had that same feeling – of giddy anticipation – when I listened to the first episode of COLD TAPES: Winter Over from Free Turn. A murder mystery set against the backdrop of Antarctica’s six-month Winter Over, COLD TAPES centres around the suspicious death of a 33-year-old behavioural scientist Andrew Fairfield. The story is told through a series of ‘found’ tapes including phone calls, police interviews and personal recordings. We start with the moment DCI Tessa McCallister of the Met Police is invited to investigate a murder 9,000 miles away due to the ‘jurisdictional nightmare’ created by The Arctic Treaty. As the story unfolds, the listener becomes privy to the intertwined lives of a small group of international scientists and crew stationed on a remote research base, Bowers Wilson.

A nice idea for a fictional true crime podcast, sure. But what makes this show all the more interesting is the chance for audience participation. Inquisitive listeners are given the chance to win a £10,000 cash prize as well as earning the esteemed title of British Super Sleuth 2024 at Crime Con London 2024, described as ‘the ultimate True Crime event.’

To win the prize, participating detectives will need to explore up to 20 hours of audio content including the victim’s audio diaries, police interviews and other evidence. They’ll also need to demonstrate their ability to notice subtle clues, discrepancies and anomalies as well as showing their critical thinking skills. At a time when internet sleuthing is at an all time high (to a point where it’s even begun to hamper the investigation of real murders) COLD TAPES: Winter Over seems like the perfect outlet for a population hooked on true crime.

As I begin to make my way through the ‘found’ tapes, I find myself wanting to scribble down clues in a tiny policeman’s notebook. The victim’s finger appears to be fractured, there’s an untranslated tattoo written in Chinese script on the victim’s body, an inkling of a love triangle between crew mates… I’m in. To make the series, Free Turn worked with police officers, polar adventurers, and researchers to ensure the experience was as authentic as possible. And, even a casual listener would be able to tell they’ve taken the same meticulous approach to all elements of the show, including the immersive sound design. We hear phone calls cut in and out due to the poor Antarctic internet signal, latex gloves rustle their way through the autopsy and a body bag shuffle as the victim’s body is moved onto a gurney.

Also helping to bolster the show’s believability is an incredible performance from the actor behind DCI Tessa McCallister. Her persistent yet firm approach helps guide the listener through a number of difficult conversations with begrudging scientists, each with an acute case of cabin fever and many of whom are growing increasingly suspicious of the ominous sounding ‘Keony Industries’ funding the entire Antarctic mission. This story, which dances between unexplained mysterious psychotic events, interpersonal drama and strange global conspiracy theories clearly wants to be more than your average fiction podcast.

In fact, Gemma Batterby, COO and Founder of Free Turn, describes COLD TAPES as ‘a cerebral challenge and an intricate puzzle’ and that’s definitely what this is. So much so that the lengthier episodes, made to sound unedited, occasionally leave too much room for the listener to lose the thread. 20 hours of content will no doubt prove too much of an undertaking for some. But, then again, there’s nothing like the promise of £10,000 to keep people listening. A truly creative way to increase your listen-through rate.

Even more innovative than the £10k prize pot, though, is the podcast’s exclusivity model. A £5 ticket to enter the competition gives listeners the chance to binge the series ad-free, as well as giving them access to exclusive additional content. The only question that remains is how many listeners will actually be hooked enough to pay the £5 entry fee?

No matter what the outcome, Free Turn is clearly thinking of creative ways to incentivise listeners to pay for podcasting. Which, in such a turbulent time for industry, feels desperately needed.

COLD TAPES: Winter Over is out April 15th. The competition to solve the case closes on Friday 6th September, 2024. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps >>

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Beth Watson is a freelance writer and full-time podcast enthusiast, currently working as a Content Discovery Manager for BBC Sounds. Prior to the BBC, she was Marketing Lead at Message Heard where she worked on launching and growing impactful podcasts such as Conflicted, Power Lines and Who Robs a Banksy.

The post REVIEW // COLD TAPES: Winter Over appeared first on POD BIBLE.

Welcome to Podshop, your go to destination for professional podcast production services. We offer a comprehensive range of solutions, from audio editing to end-to-end launch strategies, all designed to elevate your content and amplify your message. With access to cutting-edge equipment and our state-of-the-art London Podcast Studio, we’re dedicated to bringing your vision to life.

In this article we’ll run you through what we do and how it changes the podcast game. To focus in, we’ll guide you through one of our latest clients and how we’ve turned their lockdown project into a comprehensive podcast.

Join the Docs: Empowering Healthcare Conversations

Into: Join the Docs, a podcast brought to you by Podshop, hosted by Professor Jonathan Sackier and Doctor Nigel Guest, seasoned medical professionals with a knack for storytelling with a slice of old school humour. With informative discussions and some very bad jokes along the way, Jonathan and Nigel, our valued clients, aim to empower their listeners with details they can use to seek the best healthcare.

But, Join the Docs isn’t just about medical jargon and diagnoses; it’s a journey into the heart of holistic health. Health, for them, transcends mere absence of disease; it encompasses mental, emotional, and social well-being. As doctors who trained together and are dear friends, they believe in the power of laughter as the best medicine. Their podcast delves into topics impacting all facets of health, offering insights and clarity on complex issues while sharing the joy of their profession. It’s like being privy to a conversation behind the curtains of healthcare, where they aim to empower listeners with knowledge and a dash of humour to navigate their own well-being journeys.

So what can you expect from Join the Docs as they release weekly episodes over the coming months?

Weekly Doodles

At the heart of Join the Docs’ branding lies their in-house illustrator, Robin Gott. The doodles are there to draw connection to the docs’ unique humour which have been incorporated into each episode, setting us apart from the usual podcasting format.

Weird and Wonderful Episode Topics

Join The Docs offer episodes covering everything like unusual objects in unexpected places, sausages in Botox, the complexities of auto-vampirism and many more. Trust us, the Docs will have you laughing! And with our studio hosting a diverse array of guests, like Glenn Hoddle and John Oates, we’ll add a captivating dimension to the podcast with insights from individuals spanning various fields of interest.

Podshop’s Impact

Our journey with Join the Docs stands out thanks to the meticulous attention to detail we’ve put into every aspect. From strategy sessions with The Docs, to recording sessions in our studio and right thorough editing, we’ve worked hard to ensure each episode is top-quality. Behind the scenes, our marketing efforts have been equally strong, with targeted campaigns aimed at introducing Jonathan, Nigel, and their unique humour to the world.

Insights from Jonathan and Nigel

In a recent interview, Jonathan and Nigel shared their perspectives on Join the Docs:

What inspired Join the Docs, and what overarching message do you aspire to impart to your audience through each episode?

Nigel: Join the docs was inspired as an extension of the conversations held naturally between two close friends who have been so from the first few days at Medical School until present day.

We have had diverse medical career pathways and yet share a love of medicine, it’s complexities, challenges and the privilege of shared experiences with our patients. We cannot help but mine the wealth of humour in medicine, sharing our experiences from the sublime to the ridiculous and our occasional incredulity at some human behaviours.

Our aspiration is to share our enthusiasm, to entertain and amuse but also to educate with the information we share and the golden thread running through our podcasts of when to seek professional medical advice.

Join the Docs has an eclectic array of topics. Could you shed light on your process for selecting these subjects?

Jonathan: Join the Docs certainly looks to see what people are searching for online, what topics are in the news and patients have asked us questions about over the years. And of course, selfishly, things that fascinate and entertain us….and we hope, the audience! We also really want to make a difference, to help people find the right approaches and avoid the wrong ones. Just today we have received two “thank you’s” from people who took action as a direct result of listening to Join the Docs.

Join the Docs is a prime example of the teamwork between Podshop and our clients, showcasing our significant contribution to the podcast’s success. With Podshop’s dedication to high quality podcast production, we’ve boosted the end product of Join the Docs and made a real impact on its audience. As staunch believers in powerful storytelling, we welcome aspiring podcasters to team up with Podshop, where our attention to detail ensures every episode hits home with listeners.

Listen to Join The Docs now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other popular podcast apps >>

Ready to take your podcast to the next level? Partner with Podshop for a seamless B2B podcasting experience. Our skilled team of video editors will seamlessly blend your audio and filmed content with captivating visuals. With YouTube’s boundless possibilities for growth and discovery, don’t miss out on the chance to captivate your target audience and stand out from the competition.

No matter the origin of your raw footage – whether recorded remotely, in a professional studio, or within the confines of your own office – our distinguished video editing will put your podcast above the rest.

Need a place to record? We’ve just launched Podshop Studios, an audio and video production studio with the best podcast equipment to help make your journey with us as smooth as possible. We won’t just deck you out and transform your online footprint, but we’ll give you a place to film your fantastic content and be with you every step of the way.

So if you’re ready to take the next step with Podshop, get in touch now!

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This article was produced as part of a paid advertising package. To enquire about advertising with Pod Bible email info@podbiblemag.com

The post Join The Docs: Isn’t it time you saw your doctor? appeared first on POD BIBLE.

Described as a ‘sonic scrapbook and a passport to roam’ Lowlines follows Petra Barran as she travels solo through the Americas. What pulled me to listen to the series was the production process – the original audio was recorded on the fly by Petra, who’s described as a ‘novice presenter and producer… without an itinerary to record’. It was only in post-production that Social Broadcasts and Scenery Studios used the (sometimes very) raw tape to pull together a narrative.

Producer Lucia Scazzocchio, Host Petra Barran and Executive producer Lina Prestwood

This style of production was sold as unusual, but it’s something a lot of novice presenters/producers – myself included – will recognise, particularly when it comes to travelling through your headphones. The resulting mix of musings, field recordings, original music and conversation is a style we find in a lot of travel podcasts. But if I draw comparisons to a more intentionally crafted production – such as QCODE’s Thru series, which has a similar ‘journey of discovery’ premise – Lowlines feels more like a reflection on a trip rather than a story of a trip. Whilst thru-hiker, Cody Hofmockel, went into his journey as a journalist wanting a narrative, Petra set out to find a narrative after her journey.

I recognise this need to seek understanding after the process, rather than letting the recording process add a shape to your trip itself. The result with Lowlines is that Petra’s recordings do invite escapism to the Americas, but not the type of escapism that allows the listener to forget the world. Instead, it asks us to imagine ourselves in the location as a whole: in the first episode ‘Second Line’ we don’t just get the tourist view of New Orleans with the Jazz parades, we get the reminder from a resident that this is a funeral procession. We get to really hear the heart of the city with a conversation in someones’ living room.

Despite the focus on soundscapes, the moments that stick in my mind are the parts with very little noise: it is Petra’s description of New Orleans from the air as ‘a mass of tiny little scabs’ – something that could be offensive but paints the image perfectly; it is the man working on a Louisiana levee who sounds slightly defeated as the almost unspoken threat of a Katrina-level disaster lingers in the conversation.

It’s the weight to these kinds of conversations that stops the listener from sinking into the soundscapes too deeply. Host Petra does acknowledge this heaviness to the content: at the end of the second episode, she ends an audio diary by going to watch The Kardashians in her hotel room. It’s a needed moment, because I found certain layers of sound and conversation quite intense.

Overall, the description of a sonic scrapbook feels like an apt one – listening to the series as a whole could be a bombardment of too much to take in, and there’s pieces that I found more interesting that others. But we get a collage of moments that are important to Petra. Listeners might not find resonance in everything they are offered, but everyone would be able to take something away.

The first episode of Lowlines, ‘Second Line (New Orleans)’, is available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other popular podcast apps >> 

The post REVIEW // Lowlines appeared first on POD BIBLE.

Deciding what counts as a ‘best’ podcast is always tricky. A tried-and-tested format taking on a new subject will always be appealing; an in-depth investigation of a scandal will keep us glued to headphones; a favourite comedian talking about something that resonates is sure to entertain.

Once again, we’ve asked some of our writers to help us whittle down some new shows, and help us decide – what are the best new podcasts of Autumn 2023? Read on to see if you agree!

The Missing Madonna
Recommended by Tom Nicholson

A good art heist is always podcasting gold dust, and when Leonardo da Vinci’s Madonna of the Yarnwinder was snatched from Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfries and Galloway in 2003, it looked like an exceptionally good art heist. Until, that is, details started to emerge: the thieves had dressed up as tourists and simply walked out with the painting, put in their VW Golf and made off with it. The police were on the trail quickly, and all sorts of capers ensue: ransom money, missed drop-offs, and a temperamental Jaguar. Host Olivia Graham’s dad was one of the cops involved, and adds layers of peppy personal detail. Listen now on your podcast app >>

If This Food Could Talk
Recommended by Zainab Amer

Claudia Hanna – lifestyle expert – serves up her debut podcast. Each episode uncovers a common food and why it remains popular today. Claudia and guests traverse histories and empires to discover why. The ice-cream episode is a must-listen, brimming with historical facts that go unrecognised. Learn how slavery innovated and brought famous dishes to the masses. Why did the US Navy ransom ice-cream in rescuing soldiers during WW2? The inaugural launch is packed with stories, recipes, and tips. Claudia is a natural. A refreshing and uplifting take on our most favoured foods. Listen now on your podcast app >>

Sara & Cariad’s Weirdos Book Club
Recommended by Catherine Renton

If you want to join a book club but don’t like wine, nibbles or other people, Sara Pascoe and Cariad Lloyd’s podcast is just what you need. The hosts bring their own brand of humour to the podcast, which features writers and comedians talking about zeitgeisty books like Really Good, Actually by Monica Heisey and Death of a Bookseller by Alice Slater. Pascoe, Lloyd and their guests have great insights into their book choices, often picking out themes or discussions you may not have thought of. The opening episode featuring Nish Kumar, who brings I’m a Fan by Sheena Patel, features great conversations about Instagram, ‘wet’ boyfriends and race issues. Listen now on your podcast app >>

Your Mama’s Kitchen
Recommended by Katie Stokes

Michele Norris presents a menu of celebrity guests across entertainment, sports and culinary arts, opening with none other than Michelle Obama. They welcome you into the kitchens across their lives and send you home with a recipe close to their hearts. The show traces the habits, lessons, and beliefs of some of the most successful people on the planet back to the heart of the home. Considering the conversations are centred around the power of maternal and community influence, at points, the interviews lacked the perspective and contribution of the people being discussed. Nevertheless, ‘Your Mama’s Kitchen’ delivers a sweet, hearty, and nourishing take on the places and people that shape us. Listen now on your podcast app >>

Eerie
Recommended by Francesca Turauskis

One that I found via our magazine, this is the perfect show for the spookiest month. Eerie is a series of original audio horror stories, and whilst it’s hosted and produced by Anna Bogutskaya – of The Final Girls – each episode is written by someone different. I love anthology shows like this, each providing a little something different. The acting and production of the second episode in particular hits enough realistic touch-points through the ‘found-footage’ (or ‘found-audio’?) to make me marginally terrified to listen to voicenotes from now on… Listen now on your podcast app >>

Other recommendations:

Hooked On Freddie

Podcasts based on scandals are commonplace, but Wondery have really found one with a unique hook – the true story of a dolphin sex scandal set in a sleepy English town in the late 1980s. It’s a ridiculous story that you wouldn’t imagine having lifetime consequences, but the ripple effects add a layer of tragedy. The episodes may have a heavy subject matter but feature real moments of genuine levity to break the tension. Read our full review here or listen now on your podcast app >>

The Rest Is Football

Goalhanger Podcasts – the company behind The Rest Is History, The Rest is Politics and the also new The Rest Is Money – have added another show to their winning-format. Gary Lineker (one of Goalhanger founders) is joined by Micah Richards and Alan Shearer to bring opinions and inside knowledge on the world of football, both past and present. We highlighted an episode in Issue #029 and like many listeners, we’re glad to hear Gary himself on one of the Goalhanger podcasts – and of course it was going to be a football one! Listen now on your podcast app >>

Noted

A new entry to the news podcast genre, Noted is aimed at a younger audience. Mary Mandefield helps listeners make sense of the biggest talking points, and meets the people who really know their stuff and the ones who have lived it too.. with a Whatsapp for listener questions and feedback, this should grow a community following quickly. Listen now on your podcast app >>

Wrestling Is Too Much Fun

A new fighter has entered the ring – this new show is all about the love of professional wrestling. Created by AJ Thee Visionary it is the first UK-based wrestling podcast created by Black women, so there is of course lots of unique perspectives, laugh-out-loud humour, pop culture references and random banter. Listen now on your podcast app >>

Uncharted with Hannah Fry

Behind every line on a graph, there lies an extraordinary human story. Mathematician Hannah Fry is here to tell us ten of them. The first episode explores the idea of the ‘returning soldier effect’ where more boys tend to be born after periods of war. The fact that the effect is real is interesting, and the reasons behind it are well worth a listen. Listen now on your podcast app >>

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The post The best new pods of AUTUMN 2023 appeared first on POD BIBLE.

Podcasts based on scandals are so ubiquitous that it takes a juicy story to stand out nowadays. Thankfully, Wondery has really upped the ante with Hooked on Freddie, the true story of a dolphin sex scandal set in a sleepy English town in the late 1980s.

The podcast tells the story of animal rights activist Alan Cooper, who developed a close friendship with a wild bottlenose dolphin (nicknamed Freddie by locals) when the mammal appeared in Amble Harbour in Northumberland. The quiet town was concrete and grey before Freddie turned up but soon became a vibrant tourist trap, with B&Bs selling out for the first time in years and everyone from New Age digeridoo players to the Blue Peter team turning up to get a look at Freddie.

As well as the friendship with Freddie, we hear about Cooper’s rivalry with Peter Bloom, dolphinarium manager and head trainer at Flamingo Land in North Yorkshire. Both men claim to be animal lovers, but Cooper rails against the idea of exotic animals in captivity and hates everything Bloom stands for. The feud will threaten one of the men’s livelihoods and destroy the other’s life.

The six-part podcast series is hosted by Becky Milligan, who first covered Freddie’s appearance in the North Sea as a student journalist. Milligan, who once reluctantly swam with Freddie herself, draws on original interviews from the late 1980s and early 1990s and new reporting — including interviews with Cooper and the Bloom — to tell the tale.

I had family local to Northumberland who lived through the scandal, so I’d heard about the “man who loved a dolphin a little too much”, as my older cousin tried to describe the story. However, I knew little beyond the tabloid headlines and nothing of what happened next. Hooked on Freddie is a podcast that benefits from knowing as little as possible, so I suggest you don’t Google the case before diving in.

But it is worth saying that Cooper became the subject of nasty rumours about potentially inappropriate behaviour with Freddie in 1990. Cooper laughed these off, but by 1991, the animal rights activist faced criminal charges of sexually assaulting a dolphin — setting off a tabloid storm.

The first unfounded accusation changed the course of Cooper’s life, and the series details the aftermath of his arrest for, as a police officer couldn’t bring himself to say without laughing, “wanking off a dolphin.”

The accusation seems barely credible to Cooper’s friends, but the case goes to the crown court, where the animal lover faces a deeply humiliating trial. The charges could hardly be more disgusting for a vegan animal rights activist. And however unbelievable the accusations are, they cause other activists to distance themselves for fear of guilt by association.

Wondery is known for its incredible range of true crime podcasts, including Dirty John, Dr. Death, and The Shrink Next Door, and Hooked on Freddie features the same levels of suspense, intrigue and twists we’ve come to expect from the network. With vivid soundscapes scoring the story and Milligan’s excellent reporting, the episodes (clocking in at under 40 minutes) whiz by. I greedily gobbled up the first three episodes and now face the prospect of waiting weeks for the story’s conclusion.

It’s a ridiculous story that you wouldn’t imagine having lifetime consequences, but the ripple effect on Cooper’s life after the accusations add a layer of tragedy. The episodes may have a heavy subject matter but feature real moments of genuine levity to break the tension. Milligan gets some great quotes from her interviewees, and her delivery is full of wit. Hooked on Freddie is a great and sometimes tragic story of love and rivalry, truth and rumour and the relationship between humans and the natural world. I can’t wait to see how it all plays out.

Listen to Hooked On Freddie on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps >>

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Catherine Renton is a freelance journalist specialising in lifestyle and culture. Her work has been featured in the likes of The Guardian, the i, Metro, Vogue, Refinery29, PodPod and Empire Magazine. She regularly appears on live radio and as a guest on BBC Radio podcasts, including Woman’s Hour and the Digital Human. When she’s not writing, she will likely be walking her dog while listening to one of the hundreds of podcast episodes she refuses to delete from her phone. Find out more about Catherine >>

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For this New Pods, we are bringing you some recommendations from some new writers. We’re looking forward to sharing some more from these writers on the Pod Bible website in the coming months. But for now, check out the new podcasts they think are worthy to grace your headphones…

Digging With Flo
Recommended by Isabella McDonnell, Xeno podcast

Digging with Flo is a new weekly podcast from NTS Radio hosted by the station’s Breakfast Show presenter, Flo Dill. Flo shares her love of gardening by interviewing guests as they do gardening tasks together on her allotment. Music artists, from rappers to post-punk musicians, get their hands dirty with mulch and compost, while listeners explore the roots of their creative lives. Being on Flo’s allotment transforms the interview environment. Metaphors powerfully emerge around ideas of creativity and cultivation, and listeners get deeper conversations that unveil the artists’ nurturing and surreptitious sides. Listen on your podcast app >>

Session Zero
Recommended by Joshua Watson, Freelance Video/Audio Editor

Session Zero is a role-playing podcast with a therapeutic twist. Hosted by Ben (an experienced game master) and Mike (a therapist and avid player) the show isn’t afraid to tackle topics like imposter syndrome or using role-playing as a form of therapy. That being said, it sometimes strays into the realm of a regular DnD podcast, focusing more on the game than therapy. With engaging hosts and a strong premise, I believe Session Zero just needs to more consistently focus on this unique idea to be a “natural twenty” of a podcast. Listen on your podcast app >>

Shiny Bob: The Devil’s Advocate
Recommended by Zainab Amer, Freelance Writer

Scotland during the late 1980s and early 90s was gripped with rumours of a conspiracy – that gay lawyers and judges were perverting the course of justice – and Shiny Bob had the “list” of their names. Award-winning journalist, Myles Bonnar, unravels a news story that threatened the Scottish legal system, and wiped out reputations along with it. His sensitive commentary provides a powerful listen, as well as insight into a time where homophobia and fear were used as cover-ups. It transpires that a master manipulator was using this fear as a diversion tactic from his own horrific crimes. Listen on your podcast app >>

Objeks & Tings
Recommended by Jelena Sofronijevic, EMPIRE LINES podcast and freelance journalist

With its first release on Windrush Day, Objeks & Tings is perfectly timed to celebrate 75 years of Caribbean people, culture, and their contributions in the UK. Each episode explores the story behind an object deeply cherished by an individual, from dutch pots to hot combs. But listeners also get to enjoy personal stories from Catherine and Lynda – the mother-daughter duo behind both the podcast and Museumand, The National Caribbean Heritage Museum. Their bickering over sound systems and who is doing the cooking gives the listener as much food for thought as their fascinating conversations about Black histories and contemporary experiences. Listen on your podcast app >>

The Louis Theroux Podcast
Recommended by Mimi Jones (they/them), Young City Laureate

When I tell you that I never expected to care so deeply about Shania Twain’s personal history, believe me. But after listening to Louis Theroux so gently exploring her past on his new podcast, I couldn’t help but get invested. Theroux is sitting down with some of the world’s most ‘fascinating figures’ and you can’t miss it. With all the same care and genuine interest from his documentaries, the podcast brings a mix of heart-wrenching, deep, and hilarious interviews. So far, seven celebs have taken the dive into their lives with Theroux and it looks like things will only get more interesting from here! Listen on Spotify >>

Perfect Pitch
Recommended by Sara Essa, Freelance Writer

Ever wondered what goes into creating the perfect advert you hear on the radio? If yes, then this could be the new release for you! Each episode, host Hunter March takes us through a fun game-show style programme. After hearing the brief from big brands such as Doritos, Indeed and Athletics Greens, two creatives battle it out by pitching their ideas for the perfect ad. Perfect Pitch is the perfect pod to learn from their ingenuity to perfect your next pitch. It’s the type of podcast I’d enjoy on a walk when I’m taking a midday break from work to re-energise, and I’m quickly adding it to my “need inspiration” playlist for those days I’m lacking creativity. Listen on your podcast app >>

Witch
Recommended by Katie Stokes, Freelance Producer

Following the hit 28ish Days Later, India Rakusen brings us another deeply feminist, investigative docuseries. Rakusen unravels what we think we know about witchcraft through lessons in history, science, self-discovery, and a gathering of witches – perfectly balancing the hard evidence against pure, unexplainable magic. The show captures the modern gravity and relevance of witch trials, taking us through Europe, Africa and the Americas (though disappointingly missing the prevalence of witchcraft around Asia). This is a personal, eye-opening, bewitching journey tempting the listener to question, could you be a witch? Listen on your podcast app >>

A Black History of Art Presents: A Shared Gaze
Recommended by J.A.Lovelock, Podcast Creator and Host

Want to know what’s happening in the world of Black artistry? Then tune in to A Shared Gaze. Hosted by Cambridge grad Alayo Akinkugbe this podcast is a conversation, between her and too often overlooked Black contemporary artists and creatives and their work. It introduces you to names and artwork that you have most likely never heard of but wish you did. This podcast is freshly minted and so brand new that only three episodes have so far been published. Listen in if only to savour Akinkugbe’s authoritative, dulcet tones. Listen on your podcast app >>

This Is Awkward
Recommended by Suze Cooper, Big Tent Media

In a world filled with pleasantries, This Is Awkward dives into the heart of difficult conversations. In the first episode, hosts Lyanne Nicholl and Kristy Macleod interview Cate Sevilla, author of How To Work Without Losing Your Mind. They explore giving and receiving feedback, and the balance between boundaries and authenticity at work. The series promises insights into those chats you would rather not have, from talking money with your partner to discussing embarrassing health issues. This is a fresh and empowering perspective on the impact of language and how our words shape our relationships.  Listen on your podcast app >>

History’s Secret Heroes
Recommended by Katherine Collins, Freelance Writer

History’s Secret Heroes is a brand new BBC podcast presented by the talented actress Helena Bonham Carter, and consists of ten 30 minute episodes. Each episode focuses on people throughout history who for whatever reason, have been overlooked. Examples of those include Bela Hazan who went undercover to fight the Nazis in WW2, as well as George Takei (Star Trek) who was a Japanese American imprisoned without trial during the same war. I have a lifelong love of history and am already learning so much from this podcast. Helena is a fantastic presenter. Listen on your podcast app >>

The Retrievals
Recommended by Oli Seymour, Producer 

The Retrievals takes us inside a fertility clinic at Yale, where a procedure is causing patients unbearable pain. We discover that this is due to a nurse stealing the facility’s fentanyl. Journalist Susan Burton takes us through the ensuing investigation and trial with sensitivity and tact,
examining how women are listened to when it comes to their pain – if they’re listened to at all. The Retrievals feels important to me. In the fast paced world of print media, this story might get lost, but the podcast takes the time to help victims’ voices be heard. Listen on your podcast app >>

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The post The best new podcasts of SUMMER 2023 appeared first on POD BIBLE.

In each episode, Philip and his co-host Liam Billingham analyse a different action film that has some kind of connection to Die Hard – be it through premise, personnel or otherwise. Some of these movies involve classic ‘Die Hard on a blank’ scenarios, like the boarding-school based Toy Soldiers, the U.S. Battleship-based Under Siege and plane-based Passenger 57. But others have more subtle and surprising connections to the original 1988 classic, such as Road House, Ricochet and Harrison Ford thriller The Fugitive.

An LA-based podcast, Die Hard on a Blank is produced by Sugar23 and Michael Sugar (the Oscar-winning producer of 2016’s Spotlight) and it’s already attracting some stellar guests. We talked to Philip when the podcast first launched, but now that the show is really gathering steam, we asked him to reflect on his favourite episodes so far…

Die Hard (Episode 1A and 1B)

We kicked off the show with a two-part double-header on the daddy of the genre: Die Hard. First, we talked through the entire movie scene by scene, discussing moments, creative choices and characters that we love. In the second part we talked about the origins of the film, which was based on a terrific novel called Nothing Lasts Forever and was influenced by earlier movies such as The Taking of Pelham 123, The Towering Inferno and First Blood. I’d only met Liam twice before recording the episode (and never in person) but we just clicked instantly, so I love this ep on a personal level because it also captured the beginning of our friendship.

Licence to Kill (Episode 3)

It’s Die Hard in a Bond movie! I took my research for this episode very seriously because I know how much James Bond means to people, especially in the UK, where 007 is arguably our greatest pop-cultural export. The links to Die Hard might not be immediately obvious, but they are there, and it was also a really fun experience for me and Liam to unpack this film, and its context within the wider Bond canon, from our differing cultural perspectives (I’m British, Liam’s American). Liam grew up on Sean Connery, whereas I was weaned on Roger Moore, but we both love what Timothy Dalton did with the role. Although it’s not necessarily “the best”, this is actually my favourite Bond movie!

The Last Boy Scout (Episode 9)

It’s Die Hard in an LA noir! This is one of the episodes I’m most proud of, and it was also the most vulnerable for me, because the director of the film – the late, great Tony Scott – is one of my biggest heroes, so I got a little emotional talking about him. It led to a wide-ranging, deep dive discussion that encompassed film noir, American distraction and the dark history of Los Angeles. We also talked about (gridiron) football, as I’m obsessed with the NFL, so much so that Kyle Brandt (the effervescent host of ‘Good Morning Football’ on the NFL Network) will be guesting on the pod for our Hard Target episode (out August 2nd). In my first interview with you guys, I said that Kyle would be my dream guest for the show, so to get him was an incredible coup!

Hard Boiled (Episode 10)

It’s Die Hard in a hospital! We were so excited to talk about this incredible movie that we went into a state of hyperactive mania! I absolutely love John Woo and Chow Yun-fat and I just cannot get over how astonishing this movie is to watch. For me, Hard Boiled is like this magnificent, exotic, phantasmagoric vision that was beamed to us from another world – it’s exuberant action cinema at its absolute zenith. By this point we were pretty dialed in to our format, that also includes the ‘Die Hard Oscars’ (with categories such as The Dick Thornberg award for ‘Dick of the Movie’) and our ‘Double Jeopardy’ trivia quiz. We were just having a blast.

Cliffhanger (Episode 14)

It’s Die Hard on a mountain! This was a particularly cool episode as we were joined by Jamelle Bouie, a brilliant and highly influential opinion writer for The New York Times. Jamelle also co-hosts a fantastic podcast called Unclear and Present Danger, where he analyses the action movies of the 1990s through a political lens, and he’s just an incredibly smart, yet completely unpretentious, person. Cliffhanger is one of the more obvious ‘Die Hard on blank’ films, in that it directly replicates the classic ‘Die Hard formula’ (i.e. ‘bad guys take over a blank and it’s up to one person to fight back’) in a different setting, but that setting is a really interesting and unusual one here. We also talked about Sylvester Stallone, Michael Rooker, John Lithgow and the director Renny Harlin, whose background in horror may have influenced this surprisingly gory movie!

Listen to Die Hard on a Blank now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all other popular podcast apps >>

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We spoke to the team behind the show – Tash and Adam from Aunt Nell, and Executive Producer Dale Taylor-Gentles from The Love Tank – to find out a bit more about how it came to be…

What was your introduction to podcasting as a listener?

Aunt Nell: At Aunt Nell we all started listening to podcasts years ago. Some of long-time favs are Short Cuts, Bad Gays, Dreamboy, You’re Wrong About, Making Gay History. We’ve always been drawn in by the stories that aren’t being told elsewhere and by voices you rarely hear.

Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?

Aunt Nell: This is such a difficult question, because our podcasts take inspiration from different sources, probably because each podcast series we make has its own unique combination of features. For sound design and storytelling we are constantly inspired by the work of Axel Kacoutié, Falling Tree Productions, a one-off series years ago called Dreamboy, and immersive BBC series like Ecstasy: The Battle Of Rave and Acid Dream: The Great LSD Plot.

For documentary work, it’s things like Making Gay History, some of the Tortoise Media series, some of the stuff Pushkin — and a new series on housing called Dwelling.

What would you like to see more of in the podcast space?

Aunt Nell: It would be great to see more opportunity to make original content in the podcast space, with the closing of the Audio Content Fund it is harder and harder for independent podcasters to be truly creative and focus on the stories that they want to share outside of the celebrity stratosphere.

Why did you decide that audio was right for sharing these stories?

Dale: I think the idea to do a podcast came about through spending time with the people you hear in the episodes. As the lead for the overall project that researches the health and wellbeing needs of queer migrant men and queer men of colour, I was fortunate enough to spend time both individually and in groups with them all in other outputs of the project, such as our day of workshops and events, and this allowed me to hear their stories of their joys, struggles and successes.

Each of their stories taught me something meaningful and resonated with me in ways unexpected. This planted a seed for me and my colleagues that we should create a space in which all these amazing people could talk about their experiences as queer migrants and queer people of colour navigating the city. From there we came together with those same people and built upon this idea to what eventually became our podcast.

What have you enjoyed most in making this podcast?

Dale: What I have enjoyed most is all the collaboration between myself, the Aunt Nell team and all the people who shaped the podcast and appeared on the episodes. Throughout the creative process, many interesting and important questions of identity and what connects were raised. It forced us to reflect on our place in the world and set the foundations for the rich conversations you hear within the episodes. I think we all came away from the experience prouder and taller than when we started this journey.

Where can the Pod Bible readers find out more about you?

More information on the collective and the project of Queer Roots and Routes can be found here. All our podcasts at Aunt Nell here and more on The Love Tank here.

Listen to Queer Roots and Routes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps >>

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This F1 season, P1 with Matt and Tommy is the go-to podcast for all your track reactions, pre-race predictions and exclusive access into the world of Formula 1. Renowned F1 fans Matt and Tommy have joined the Stak network (makers of Football Ramble and Abroad in Japan) to bring you their biggest podcast yet, as they dive into every single race with the infectious enthusiasm of two Formula 1 fanatics.

Matt & Tommy are renowned in the F1 world, having formed an impressive following while working at Formula 1 outlet, WTF1. With over a million followers between them, they are now embarking on their new adventure of P1, and their fandom remains as strong as ever. But this isn’t purely a podcast Matt and Tommy are creating a new platform for the sport, bringing fans YouTube race reviews, live Twitch watch – alongs, and news bursts as and when they happen. You’ll never miss an F1 moment again!

The reaction to P1 has been electric (…in a petrol – head kind of way). In its first month, P1 with Matt and Tommy amassed a following of half a million across the podcast’s social channels and over 1 million podcast listeners already. This led to P1 climbing the podcasting charts, and taking #1 spot in Apple and Spotify’s top UK charts, showcasing its global podcasting reach.

“The thing I have always loved most is sharing the sport I love with other like minded fans, and this is not going to change with P1.” explains Matt “Whether it’s a podcast, a livestream, a YouTube video or a social media post, we’ll be there every step of the way throughout the 2023 F1 seas on and beyond. I’m also really excited to work alongside Stak to take the P1 podcast to another level now the season is up and running!

To finish, we quickly asked Matt & Tommy for their pole positions in each of these topics, F1-related or otherwise!

P1…FORMULA 1 DRIVER (OF ALL TIME!)

Matt: Michael Schumacher. He will forever have a special place in my heart, perhaps I loved him so much when I was a kid purely because I was a glory supporter, who knows. He certainly cemented my love for Ferrari till the day I die!

Tommy: Fernando Alonso. I have supported lots of different drivers over the years watching F1 but I’m an Alonso fanboy now and I was back in the mid-2000s too.

P1… BREAKFAST FOOD

T: It’s difficult to pick just one as I’m a big foodie but I’d have to go with pancakes. American style with maple syrup on!

M: I’m usually jus a standard cereal person, but that’s because I’m too lazy to sort anything else out in the morning. My ideal breakfast would a e Full English though.

P1… RACE TRACK

M: Interlagos. How can anyone not love this track? It delivers racing action times and time again. Whether it be an incredibly close qualifying, changeable weather conditions or just pure chaos unfolding, you just know that when it’s time for the Brazilian Grand Prix, you’re going to be entertained.

T: Spa. It may not have produced the best races recently but it’s a classic that belongs on the calendar. It’s old school, has an amazing flow and it’s always the track I’d pick to do laps on in a racing game.

P1… SPORT OUTSIDE OF F1

M: Tennis. Not a lot of people know that I’m a complete tennis nut when I’m not thinking about my one true love, Formula 1. I try to play tennis at least 3 times a week and watch it whenever I can. My best shot has got to be my topspin forehand…

T: Football. My team is Leeds United so it’s a very different experience following them than it is supporting Max Verstappen in F1!

Listen to P1 with Matt and Tommy on Apple Podcast, Spotify and other popular podcast apps >>

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Stak produces podcasts that entertain and inform, including some of the UK’s biggest and most popular shows – boasting a combined 4 million monthly listens and over 45 years of podcasting experience. Whether recording remotely or in their broadcast-grade London studio, they specialise in every stage of the podcasting process. To find out more or get in touch, visit stak.london! 

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A couple of weeks ago, I suggested Pilot Season 2023 as the ‘New Pod of the Week’ in our newsletter. But it’s not quite accurate to call it a ‘pod’ given that Pilot Season 2023 is launching 5 separate productions into the world. The new show by Unedited is showcasing five ‘pilot episodes’ of shows that cover a wide range of topics, from hidden statistics of curry houses, to Reading Festival, and sneakers.

I was so intrigued by the idea, that when Unedited got in touch to offer an interview with Bernard P. Achampong (Founder of Unedited and genius behind Pilot Season) I HAD to say yes, and find out how it was behind the scenes on this new style of format…

Pod Bible: It seems like there are more and more worthy podcast ideas vying for funding and attention. Was that part of the reasoning behind Pilot Season?

Bernard P. Achampong: Pilot Season was a response to the question of how do we, as a production company, stand out. The challenge with a lot of industries is that they’re quite rigid and there’s little flexibility across genres. So if you come in as a comedy producer, the tendency is you’re looked at as a comedy producer only throughout your career – unless you then make a breakout hit in True Crime, for instance, and then you become the True Crime, and maybe Comedy guys. For Unedited, we came in, after May 2020, when the agenda was strongly steered towards diversity and inclusion. What that doesn’t do is give us a clear editorial or genre identity. So we become the diversity guys, but not the immersive sound design guys or the social history guys.

With Pilot Season, we wanted to give a more distinctive voice to Unedited rather than just being the Black-owned company that does ‘black’ stuff. Unedited is a company that does great stuff and just happens to have a culturally diverse team.

PB: How important is it for podcasts to have this kind of development space?

Bernard: With so many content options, it’s becoming more and more important for audio companies to have their own unique voice. With the devices that we all have in front of us, like our mobile phones, smart TVs and other connected devices, the democracy around consuming content is a lot flatter. You can as easily watch a Netflix series as you can listen to a BBC Sounds show. So for production companies, that distinctiveness is becoming more and more important. It’s like a badge of authenticity. Back in the day, we would talk about NPR and listeners knew what NPR stood for in terms of its values. I think production companies like Gimlet, Somethin’ Else or Unedited, need to have that distinctiveness in order to be able to cut through to audiences on all platforms.

PB: How did these shows come to Unedited? Were they pitched to you or were these in- house ideas?

Bernard: All of these are ideas that have originated in-house. Most have been through the journey with different commissioners, a couple received some development funding – we backed ourselves with the others.

PB: I certainly want to hear more of these shows! What would be the process now to getting a series made? How soon might we hear them?

Bernard: The pilots are available for commissioning, licensing and fund partnerships. We are offering these to broadcasters or streaming platforms, or for funders to come directly to us to create them. We’re still limited by the amount of resources we have to create these series’ and that takes us back to speaking to the BBC, Apple, Spotify and Audible. However, what we have done is the proof of concept stage. Once you get to hear it, you go, “Okay, I know what I want to change” or “I know what I want to do and I know where it’s going to live”, rather than having to do that off a sheet of paper and work a bit in the dark.

PB: How can listeners support the podcasts?

Bernard: Listen and share. Share it with people that you know, comment and like on podcast platforms and give us feedback about the things that work for you. As we go into series production, God willing and fingers crossed, all of that feedback, we’ll have a lot of insights from listeners, which will help to shape the ideas.

PB: Anything else you’d like readers to know?

Bernard: I feel that Pilot Season should give the industry permission to be bolder. The audio industry, especially in the UK, has lived in the shadow of the behemoth of the BBC, which is not a bad thing. The BBC has been established for over 100 years in terms of industry standard, and sometimes above industry standard, for the craft of audio including scripting, writing and production performance. The BBC has created such a high bar, which is unnatural in most territories. It doesn’t exist in most territories. So other territories have had to be a lot more entrepreneurial. Now in the UK, we’ve got a space where other territories are opening up to us, and I still think that the UK is the best place to make audio in the world. For other production companies to exist, and attract business from other parts of the world, we have to become a lot more entrepreneurial. We have to embrace that spirit of selling and creating original ideas for not just broadcasters but also brands and other forms of funding. We’ve got to be really smart about how we attract people to our industry.

Listen to Pilot Season 2023 now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps >>

Connect with Bernard Achampong on LinkedIn. Thanks to Chris Mitchell for transcribing this interview.

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Tell us who you are and what your podcast is about – give us you elevator pitch!

Bitter/Sweet, is a six part podcast series, which explores how food connects us to our deepest memories. I introduce each episode with a personal story of my own before inviting the guests to share a profound moment in their lives, involving an evocative meal and share why it was so meaningful for them. They take us on an intimate journey into the fusion of flavours and layers of aroma, taste and texture that embrace that memory and brings their story alive. In one episode, restaurateur Jeremy King talks about how the generosity of an unexpected meal in France over 40 years ago had a profound effect on his life. In another episode, creative director Anna Burns recalls how a spicy bowl of noodles helped her to gain control over her life when she was a lost teenager in Cambodia.

Why did you decide to start podcasting in the first place?

I was excited by the medium, how intimate and immersive it could be and was inspired to create a podcast because of that. I was meeting people that I wanted to interview and this seemed like the ideal format for those conversations. I was also drawn to the idea that it could enable me to create something that represented how I saw and experienced the world, something that was unique to me.

This such a personal project, did having a team around you help bring the podcast together or was is difficult to share the work because of the personal connection?

It was a balance of both, sometimes it was tense and other times joyful! I love learning and I was privileged to work with people who have taught me a great deal about the craft of audio storytelling. I didn’t start with the intention of producing the project, in fact I did not know what a producer was or what they did. I became more involved in the process because it felt right to understand and shape the stories that I was a guardian of. My guests had entrusted me with their stories, given me time and offering up their vulnerabilities, the very least I could do was treat them with care, attention and tenderness. In terms of my personal stories the driving force for me was creating a body of work that was authentic, an opportunity for me to speak my truth and share that in the hope that someone could connect to it, feel it!

Were there any podcasts that inspired you?

I listen to a lot of podcasts but I was pretty adamant about not listening to food podcasts and any personal memoir or grief centred podcasts to avoid being influenced by their style and approach. It was important to me that I could hear my voice and remain authentic throughout and be guided by my intuition. I wanted to discover my style and remain true to that. There was a Transom episode with Micha Euceph that impressed me because of its insights about personal story narration and the space that was created with Arwen Nicks.

The revered music podcast Song Exploder is an inspiration for the project because it is deeply interrogative, immersive and compelling.  It is also focused on a single narrative.

Who’s your dream listener for the show?

Someone who is thoughtful, reflective, interested in going deeper and experiences the nuances of each episode. Someone who just enjoys and feels the episodes, that can be anyone!

This is essentially a branded podcast, how did you balance the brand with the storytelling?

The brand is a distillation of the things that excite me; food, emotions and memories, now more so than ever! So I view this project as a continuation of the brand but perhaps a more personal and intimate expression of Miller Libertine.

Listen to Bitter/Sweet now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps >>

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Guests so far include The Psychopath Test writer Jon Ronson, Cognitive Neuroscientist Professor Sophie Scott, British-Zimbabwean social media star Munya Chawawa, novelist Robert Harris, and impersonator extraordinaire Armando Iannucci.

From the man who took a 25% gender pay cut, reportedly yelled ‘Fuck the Tories’ at Glastonbury and apparently was tempted to shoot dictator Idi Amin himself, is there anyone else you would rather get your political and social commentary from? Jon kindly took time out from learning how to podcast and launching his new book, The State of Us, to answer a few of our questions.

How would you like listeners to react to the podcast?

I want people to learn something new but I also want them to enjoy themselves while listening. I want a podcast to be worth the investment, the time you’re going to give to it. I want it to be a joy to learn something that you never knew before.

Why podcasting? What is it about the format that appeals to you vs. television?

It’s just you. No director in your ear. When I was working in the news it was: “Three minutes Jon, that’s all you’ve got time for…Ten, nine, eight, seven…”  I want to go on talking…and now you can! I didn’t know podcasting could be so much fun: no clutter, no grumbling. I just want to wallow in the conversation. We get it all and we enjoy it. It’s sensational. And you get to meet people you never thought you would.

Will you be freer to be even more vocal now that you have, in your own words, ‘fewer rules’? What will you be able to say that you perhaps couldn’t previously?

I’m off the leash! No more prying and querying what I’m doing. “Have you seen the lawyer yet? Have you run this by them?”

Before, I spoke to a lawyer every single day. They were always sweeties but there were always things that legally I couldn’t say. Not any more. The great thing about podcasting is that you can say what you like, within reason. And I’d hope that I’m permanently within reason.

Do you have a dream guest for the podcast?

I’d love to interview the King. I hope that, around the Coronation, he’ll do a few interviews. And I’d love to be one of them. That would be wonderful.

Expectations are high for this podcast. What’s that pressure like?

I felt the pressure of learning a new format that I never dreamed of doing before. But I’m really enjoying it.

Have you got any other projects in the pipeline?

My new book has just come out, The State Of Us. Snowcast and the book are keeping me busy right now.

Finally, just how many ties do you have exactly?

I may have over 100 but I’m past counting. And I must start whittling them down.

Listen to Snowcast now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps >>

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When did you get involved in Great Mysteries of Physics and what drew you to this project?

At university I studied philosophy, hoping to glean answers to the big questions. But I soon discovered that the types of explanations I was looking for existed more in the realm of physics. After reading Stephen Hawking’s A Brief History of Time, I was hooked and eventually ended up embarking on a PhD in physics. While working in a lab wasn’t for me in the end, I still held a deep fascination with the more fundamental aspects of physics, which often intersect with philosophy. Having noticed that many of The Conversation’s readers also seem keen on this topic, I created the idea for this podcast last year. I am lucky to have very bright and supportive colleagues at The Conversation, with far superior podcasting skills to me, who are helping me make it happen.

Why is podcasting the right medium for this project?

Each mystery in the series is very broad and fluid, with lots of competing ideas. It can be hard to convert that into a specific article with a strict word count. I thought it would work better in conversational form, with some sound effects to help steer the mind when grappling with abstract concepts.

What was the first podcast you ever listened to?

I came to podcasts quite late – I think it was Hidden Brain. It’s brilliantly fun and accessible.

Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?

One of my favourite podcasts is called Flashback Forever, it is Swedish. It involves three female comedians going through threads of the forum Flashback, essentially the Swedish version of Reddit. The curious, friendly and non-judgmental atmosphere they create is something I think all podcast hosts should aspire to. I also like Sean Carrol’s Mindscape. These days, specialisation is at the heart of pretty much everything so I find the broadness and boldness of this show refreshing and rare – it certainly doesn’t shy away from complex topics.

Can you give us an interesting snippet of science you’ve learnt from making Great Mysteries in Physics?

That we shouldn’t write off an idea as completely unscientific just because we don’t yet have any evidence for it. The theory of atoms is ancient, but it took millenia before we actually had evidence for it. Oh, and that studying bubble formation at ultra-cold temperatures might teach us something about how universes form in a multiverse.

Where can readers find out more about you?

I recently wrote a book with Matt Warren about thinking, which has lots of information about me. It’s called Are You Thinking Clearly? 29 reasons you aren’t and what to do about it and was published by Hodder Studio last year. It looks at various factors that affect how you think, from genetics and culture to the bacteria in your gut and the signals from your body. I’m also on Twitter as @miriamfrankel.

Listen to The Great Mysteries of Physics on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps >>

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This article was produced as part of a paid advertising package. To enquire about advertising with Pod Bible email info@podbiblemag.com.

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Memories From The Dancefloor is a docu-series hosted by Journalist Damian Kerlin. Released during LGBTQ+ History Month, it celebrates LGBTQ+ venues and unravels the forgotten history behind queer nightlife across the UK. Damian speaks to founders, artists, promoters and patrons to unpack the expressions of queer identity after dark, colourfully told by the community that lived it.

We asked him more about his show, and how he found it podcasting for the first time…

What was your introduction to podcasting as a listener?

For me it was both I’m Grand Mam and Emma Gannon’s Ctrl, Alt, Delete.

I’m Grand Mam is the perfect example of how to get humour right in audio. Nothing feels forced. It is a conversation between two best friends and instead of it being about them, it is their reaction to the world around them. Ego in podcasting is rife and it turns me right off. I’m Grand Mam has hit the balance perfectly and their nuanced approach is why it is laugh-out-loud good. They are also Irish, but I’m not biased.

Ctrl, Alt, Delete was this phenomenon that was your typical interview podcast blueprint, but instead of relying on celebrities or big talent Emma spoke to people who genuinely inspired and interest her. It makes the whole experience really authentic and like most of us when talking to people we admire you can hear that 2OH MY GOD I CAN’T BLIEVE I’M SPEAKING TO YOU” in Emma’s voice, which makes it relatable. Emma has introduced me to some incredible people who I follow on socials and have reached out to too.

How have you found the process of podcasting compared to writing?

There are a lot of similarities, such as the research and setting up of interviews. For me what was different was the scripting and layering. When you write you take the reader on a journey, as wanky as that sounds, but you do. It is the same when scripting but suddenly it’s not just your voice or your style running through 1,800 words, it is quite literally others. You need to find balance in opinions, who compliments who and if not, why? Then there is the added layer of actual audio. People talking for 30+ minutes isn’t interesting. You need to create atmosphere and ambience. When should you introduce music, what should pop and when. I learned so much and I can’t wait to do more.

Did the show develop or change from your original application?

The premise very much remained the same, but I was flexible in our structure and approach. I wanted their story, but I didn’t know what these people were going to say. For instance, we delve into racism on the podcast, and once I started doing some digging, I knew I had to speak to Marc Thompson the founder of Black and Gay Back in the Day. Marc’s story was essential in ensuring balance in the narrative and that voices and perspectives were heard. This podcast is about being open and sharing experiences in a safe space. I refused to limit that as I wanted to hear them out, and the result has been incredible!

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt so far as a podcaster?

Be prepared and always have a back-up plan. You may have a vision of how you want an interview to go or what you would like to get from it but it’s not that simple. When reflecting or discussing people’s experiences or perspective it can be challenging for them or it can be totally different to what you have researched.

Give them time to go on their journey and bounce off their enthusiasm, and garner from them when is good to push for a point and when is best to back up and take a different route. It’s a conversation, not an interrogation. Also, gassing all day is a hoot but knackering.

What song will always get you on the dancefloor?

Girls Aloud – Sound of the Underground. That guitar intro has had me running out of toilets squealing since 2015.

What would you like to see more of in the podcast space?

I am a sucker for a narrative. It’s the writer in me. I want more podcasts that take me on a journey – there we are with that ‘journey’ again –  which tells a story and challenges my thinking. I want that light bulb moment. I adored Pandora Sykes’ Unreal: A Critical History of Reality TV and A Positive Life: HIV from Terrence Higgins to Today. Storytelling at its finest.

Do you have any tips or tricks for budding podcasters looking to apply for something like the Acast Amplifier programme?

Just do it! Sometimes you can ‘oh’ and ‘ah’ about something and then it never materialises because you kept putting it off. The time is now!

Listen to Memories From The Dancefloor on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular apps >>

Find out more about another Acast Amplifier project, Stacked, here >>

The post Introducing… Memories From The Dancefloor appeared first on POD BIBLE.

In this interview from Issue #024 Acast sat down with two of the hosts from Women’s Football Podcast Boots, Balls & Bras – Eartha Pond and Bex Smith to chat starting their podcast and success of women’s football this year.

EARTHA: I’ve always had ‘doing a Podcast’ on my ‘To Do List’ and wanted to start recording during the Euros (with the spotlight on Women’s Football in mind). However, post retiring Fara Williams (the third host) also expressed an interest in doing a podcast and she never stops talking – so it was a natural fit! Bex Smith is a player I’ve got to know off the pitch and also has similar passion for the game. Bex already has a portfolio around the game and great social commentary so it was a no brainer to get her as part of the dream team.

BEX: Yeah, after hosting The Players Podcast I was looking for different ways to drive conversation with my own take on the game in a broader and more unique kind of way. The initial reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Because the topics are not just ‘scores’ and ‘game analysis’ but touch on broader topics that anyone can relate to, we’ve received really positive feedback from non-traditional women’s football fans. And that’s the aim.

EARTHA: The main challenge we have found starting the pod I’d say, is scheduling time to physically be together to talk football and social issues, purely because we are all aspirational women in our own rights carving a career off the field now. However, long term goals are to continue having open and honest conversations around the game and the impact it can have socially. Where we can support positive change, through voices heard via our platform resulting in action.

BEX: We wanted to make sure Boots, Balls & Bras is a podcast touching on global issues and highlights in the game on and off the pitch. While there’s a tendency to look at football here in England, we try to hit the big topics globally as well. For our Half Time Team Talks we wanted to discuss subjects that resonate with us as well such as player well being, Black History Month, behaviour in the game etc. We’re open to listeners’ suggestions as well, since it’s important to listen to our audience and those who don’t have a platform to raise important topics.

Listen to Boots, Balls & Bras on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps.

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Want to join the UK’s BIGGEST podcast network, alongside Dane Baptiste, Jessie Ware and Adam Buxton? Start podcasting with Acast today! Use the code ACAST-POD-BIBLE for three months of their “Influencer” plan free at acast.com/start-podcasting. 

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