A Radio Talk Show, But Cooler. Blog #4
My first experience with a podcast was one similar to a lot of girls my age. It was something called “Call Her Daddy.” Looking back, listening to this podcast at the impressionable age of 18 was most likely very toxic; however, my podcast journey had to start somewhere.
My role models at the age of 18: Alex Cooper and Sofia Franklyn
Fast forward a few years, and now I listen to a whole new genre of podcasts: crime podcasts. I have always been easily frightened by horror movies, so I was reluctant to listen to crime story podcasts thinking they would heighten my anxiety. Weirdly, the opposite happened. For some odd reason, I find listening to crime/horror stories to be rather relaxing? Relaxing isn’t the perfect word to describe this, because some crimes are deeply disturbing, but I am able to listen to it while doing other tasks and not feel afraid at all. Why could this be? Crime and horror movies/documentaries have me awake for days, but the same stories via podcasts have me coloring on my iPad while I unwind from the day. Yes, I am an iPad kid.
For starters, I think I find it very relaxing to hear people talk casually about not-so-casual topics. When two friends banter back and forth about a serious topic, it keeps me engaged while also keeping me from literally peeing my pants. Additionally, the lack of visuals is definitely helpful in this case. Usually, I am a visual person and become bored when there’s no pictures. I know, I sound 5-years-old but I am just being honest. However, the lack of visuals in this case helps tremendously. When I am seeing a crime take place while also hearing about it and having the scary background music enhancing the experience, my senses get freaked out. Horror movies tend to do this. They put all your senses in overdrive, and in return I end up with a blanket over my head and tears in my eyes. Not even being dramatic. The Conjuring was one of the worst cinematic experiences of my life.
Now, how do podcasts differ from the radio? For starters, I find the commercials on the radio to be so annoying. I know that has little to do with the story-telling aspect, but it really gets under my skin. I also feel as though podcasts have more of an outlined story-line to it, while also combining that casual back and forth talk. I find myself doing tasks around the house, coloring on my iPad (my favorite), or even taking a walk while listening to these podcasts. Even though I am multitasking, I am still able to digest the story better than a radio show. I don’t know exactly why this is, but it is probably a combination of factors beginning with the lengthy, cheesy commercial breaks involved in a radio show.
I respect podcasts a lot. I feel like the first person to make a podcast thought to themselves, “What if I made a radio talk show but like, cooler?” And honestly, I agree. A radio talk show, but cooler.
