capsuleflings

The first time I ever heard a podcast I was a freshmen in college at North Central University living with three musicians. I don't remember the name of the podcast nor its exact subject matter. All I can recall is that it starred two other freshmen in college somewhere in the continental US that swore a lot and talked about Star Wars sometimes. I prompty decided that podcasting was probably the coolest thing ever, and that it was necessary for my moody/emo roommates and I to immediately begin recording our own internet downloadable program.

This thought was so ingrained in my head that even after my roommates completely disregarded it as yet another of Reed's passing fancies (like ceceding our dormroom from the union and then applying for foreign aid or else dropping out of school to reenact scenes from William Golding's "Lord of the Flies" in the Minnesota North Woods) yes, even after they disregarded me, I suggested it again one year later while I was living in yet another North Central dormroom to three other muscian roommates who also disregarded my fantasy, this time as simply being a stupid idea. Afraid of beginning this new project without at least one of my musician friends showing me how to operate a microphone or without an ounce of anything interesting to talk about, I have sat on the idea for two years until today.

No, I'm not announcing the commencement of my own podcast (that's just one of my stupid passing fancies). Instead, I would like to suggest for you three of my favorite downloadable audio programs. These intriguing and humorous podcasts fill the void in my car on long morning communtes downtown, and provide the soundtrack for the aimless hours I spend trying to breed Chocobos in Final Fantasy VII. All three can be found on iTunes.

It should be noted that all three podcasts actually originated as radio programs and are more regularly heard somewhere in the United States over the ole' AM/FM. This of course, just proves that all I really wanted to do was be on college radio all those years.



The Mischke Broadcast
"Good ole' St. Paul, Big Time Minneapolis."
http://mischke1500.blogspot.com/

Mischke has been on the air for a while in the Twin Cities and is a bit of a local celebrity/enigma. I suppose for more details about his antics and quirks just read his wikipedia entry. For my bit, all I can tell you is that I personally think he's hilarious and original. Not too political, not too high-brow, and surprisingly sophisticated, Mischke makes me proud to be a Minnesotan.



The Sound of Young America
"A show about things that are awesome."
http://www.maximumfun.org/

It's from San Francisco I believe. Host Jesse Thorn interviews various comedy/culture people about the different funny/relevant things that they do. They're ushering in the age of the 'new sincerity' (irony is dead apparently) which basically means it's cool to be a nice guy again. "The Sound of Young America" is humble and in-depth, which is surprising because it comes from California, and I suggest you check it out even if you are (like me) not necessarily always an advocate of young people from America.



This American Life
"from WBEZ in Chicago."
http://www.thislife.org/

Intriguing Public Radio. Great stories and very well produced, "This American Life" observes both on and offbeat aspects of our culture with dry humor and subtle superiority. It's enjoyed best with a glass of skeptcism and a pre-embargoed open-mind.