NOW that there are more than three million podcasts around the world, the audio landscape has never been more varied. Among this vast number, one can find many limited-edition podcasts. They are like orange KitKats. They might accompany a book such as Philippa Gregory’s fabulous, feminist Normal Women, or go alongside a popular TV series such as The Traitors: Uncloaked.
Other shows stand out not just for their dynamic content, but their frequency. For example, the format of airing twice weekly has proven effective for many popular podcasts, including a number that begin with the phrase The Rest is . . . In one firm favourite of mine, The Rest is Entertainment (Goalhanger Productions), the hosts, Richard Osman and Marina Hyde, deliver a mix of wisdom, wit, and well-informed commentary on television, publishing, streaming, and the personalities that shape our entertainment world.
If you want to listen to a regular podcast made by an independent creator without the backing of a studio or sponsorship, they may not be able to compete with the frequency of some, but they can still turn out a quality product.
One of the joys of podcasting is its flexibility in episode length, allowing for both long form and concise content. Longer shows, such as the listener-supported Nomad Podcast (nomadpodcast.co.uk) (Radio, 29 April 2022), cater to the curious, whether they are exploring theology and/or in the middle of a faith transition. A recent outstanding episode features the theologian Dr Karen O’Donnell (Interview, 24 May 2019), discussing her new book on radical rituals, Survival (SCM Press). One, in particular, might make your eyes water: consider yourself warned.
I have also recently discovered the Deeper Thinking podcast, a philosophy series featuring episodes that range from five to 15 minutes. Each episode is a digest of big ideas in contemporary society. One episode reflects on the controversial “telepathy tapes”, which claim that some non-verbal individuals can intuitively and accurately pick up on the thoughts and feelings of their caregivers.
While these assertions lack scientific validation, the popularity of the podcast The Telepathy Tapes (thetelepathytapes.com) identifies a yearning in many for beliefs that extend beyond the rational. As a sceptic, I approach the The Telepathy Tapes with one eyebrow arched; the Deeper Thinking podcast, however, encourages an open mind, prompting listeners to consider Hamlet’s words: “There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.”
The podcast is also voiced by a digital narrator, Holly, named after the ship’s computer in the 1990s comedy sci-fi TV series Red Dwarf. The digital voicing is in itself fascinating. The host is choosing an interesting and intriguing audio mask, which appears to be more than just a gimmick.