Ah yes, another review as part of university. While the type of media is linear, the genres were up to us (thank you freedom of choice). For this piece of work, podcasts will be our test subjects.
Although this topic is basically "pick two and write 100 as to why they fit as a podcast", I, being the awkward soul, thought:
"Can I just do 100 words and add a bit more in my own time?"
Already knowing the answer is yes, time for me to waffle on for your reading pleasure (or discomfort, in which case sorry) about podcasts and two I have chosen in particular.
Note - For both podcasts I've listened to, I will be linking to their social media/where to listen to them so you can check them out too.
Now, we gotta start with the genre that is (supposedly) one of the themes of this blog - Gaming.
For this, I've actually gone to one that I've been aware of, but never thought of putting on...
It's these madlads, aka, The Besties.
Made up of four friends (Justin McElroy, Griffin McElroy, Chris Plante and Russ Frushtick), the quartet talk about their favourite games that they've played, as well as games coming up. Factual and engaging, they've been doing this for quite a while. Even on Youtube, there's videos of their podcasts (The channel is Polygon if you were curious), and I do remember listening to one or two when I was younger.
It was a surprise after all these years to find them again, and I'm happy to say they're still as bubbly as I remembered (if not more so). The guys just bounce off each other throughout the conversation, even when they're talking about the games they're most interested. As someone who has to have multiple stuff up at once, listening to this actually helped me to focus further.
For lockdown purposes, this is a godsend. You can listen to them in the background and feel as if you're in the room with them. Their bubbly energy, the banter, the fact that even if there's a slip up they can joke about it - All of it just brings a brightness that's hard to ignore. When I was listening to them, I was pleasantly surprised by their enthusiasm. It just made me feel as if it was a casual talk rather than a chore to listen to.
9/10 overall for me, need to listen to more (gonna be binging this while writing blogs from now on)
For my course, here's the summary -
"As a podcast, The Besties ticks all the boxes for how it functions. It's for a decent length of time, informs you about the specific topic, and is engaging to listen to. With it being part of a niche, it does allow for anyone who doesn't know it to happily hop in, even more so when they explain references to people. You don't feel the need to pay full attention, but still are able to engage with it, making it a good podcast to tune in to. It feels natural to listen to, making it an easy listen."
(98 words, kept to the limit)
For the second podcast I chose, I decided on travel. While I tried (and I mean tried) to find something that sounds different to what I would listen to...
But this was staring at me right in the face!
How could I not take a look at this?! It also came up multiple times on the chart I was checking, so it kept teasing me (nothing to do with willpower, noo.....). It counts as travel, so it technically counts as another genre! Hooray for logistics!
Hosted by Youtuber Chris Broad (You'd recognise the channel Abroad in Japan), and broadcaster Pete Donaldson, these two guys decide to talk about all things Japan. From food, to culture, to even reading out other people's stories, there's never a dull moment or a time where you're not learning.
While I have only listened to their most recent podcast (ironically, at the time it's about the dead woman in a guy's freezer for 10 years), I was able to engage with it fairly quickly. Like the last one, it feels like you're just having a nice chat with them, listening to what they say.
What is definitely different is the overall feel of the podcast. You hear more about areas, culture, experiences rather than reviewing. You learn quite a bit in the most casual manner, which is very relaxing. With the few words they use, you pick up the language in bitesize pieces. The fact they engage with their audience by letting them send in their experiences and discussing them adds to the experience too.
As we're not able to freely travel, listening to something like this, with not only funny hosts, but guests too (They've had CDawgVA on there too, and I am a big fan), it sticks with it being educational, and a great way to pass the time.
Overall 8.5/10 - Got me to not listen to something actually different to my interests, but I am also gonna binge this.
For my course's sake -
"Abroad In Japan is good as a podcast due to the fact it provides a source of not only entertainment, but education. The atmosphere for it is very relaxed, allowing for many people to pick it up and listen. Their content also provides a medium for those who can't travel, especially in these times, to experience and dream of outside. It also provides a source of knowledge, teaching anyone interested about Japanese culture, and hearing stories from other people's trips keeps their audience connected with each other too. The podcast does well as it provides more than just general chatter."
(100 words, what a stretch)
While writing this, it made me think about listening to more. While I do watch a few educational bits and listen to radio at times, I don't tend to just sit down and put something like a podcast on. Yes, a Youtube video about Minecraft, but not a podcast. I do think this has given me a new habit to at least try out (and maybe attempt myself once I can sort out a life balance).
For you, dear teacher, the work is done.
For you, dear reader, the views are here
While this may impact you none
At least my feelings are loud and clear
-R (11/02/2021)
The Besties Podcast on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5JFugv0GD68SZC0Cuh1wXi
Abroad in Japan podcast list - https://play.acast.com/s/abroadinjapan
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