The Podcast Review

this is one of the most under-listened to podcasts out there.

Basically, it presents the talks of writers and thinkers that have released a new book  recently.  The talks take place in Philadelphia in front of a live audience, and questions are answered towards the end of the the 1 hour allotted.  There are very candid answers.

This talk by David Plouffe (Obama’s campaign manager) is especially insightful and revealing.

audio quality is very good for a live recording, and the range of guests is just exceptional.

add to your listening list now.

rss feed
itunes link
show page

the book has been the mainstay of western learning ever since the printed press first began operation more than 500 years ago.  It has been cherished, worshiped, slaved-over, and passed from hand to hand.  The Book is in the DNA of our history.  So where to now?

in an internet age, what role does the printed book play?  a site like amazon continues to push out content to readers around the world; best-sellers still sell in the millions.  Dan Brown and J.K. Rowling have certainly made their fortunes via the printed word.  So the economics seem sound … at least for now.

what is more at stake is the place and reputation of the book.  Libraries once were the sole repositories of a cities’ information; today, all you need is a laptop and a wi-fi connection to plug into Knowledge.  The bookshelf used to be the pride and centerpiece of any cultured home; now we have throwaway, biodegradable paperbacks.  The glamor of the Book has most certainly declined.

This podcast, Beyond the Book, aims to investigate these pressing issues re the Book and it’s meaning.  Hosted by Chris Kenneally, it is a weekly show that has a rotating suite of topics.  Issues such as copyright, Google Books, and digital sales feature prominently.   Expert voices are interviewed to give you the straight up analysis.  Check out this recent show on the Frankfurt Book Fair.

the show has been running since Sep 2006, and one applauds the commitment and energy on the part of Chris and his team.  The information is presented dispassionately, and full archives are available at the website.  Much like a well-bound book, this podcast is neatly packaged, well edited, and earnestly valuable.  A quality production.

rss feed
itunes link (most recent 20 shows)
website (get full archives)

this long-running podcast has just notched up its 4th year anniversary, with 179 epic episodes.  The show began all the way back in 2005, when the second to last Potter book had just been released.  Fast forward to now, and the last Potter film is deep in production, and the saga is coming to a close.  What a journey!

MuggleCast has been a hit since its very first appearance on iTunes.  Riding on the back of its parent site MuggleNet, it had an instant and rabid audience.  The passion makes the show work.

the weekly podcasts feature a rotating panel of 3-5 hosts, talking about all the latest Potter news.  Info on movie production, casting, gossip and controversy is all fair game.  There are also some live shows featuring audience participation; these are quite fun.  The Wall of Fame lists their fifteen best episodes.

I only recently jumped on the Harry Potter bandwagon; listening to all the audiobooks in a short span of time.  I can truly appreciate this epic achievement now; a work of wonder, imagination, the triumph of spirit and love.  A journey into who we truly are.  Listening to the MuggleCast has fleshed out my understanding of fandom and dedication; inspirational.

rss feed (all episodes)
iTunes link (recent 10 episodes)

are you a member of a book club?  if you are, it is most likely that you are of the female persuasion; not that guys DON’T read books, but rather they are less social about their activities.  Book Club Girl is a podcast that is devoted to the interview; bringing the author into your earspace.

the whole enterprise is run by Jennifer Hart; an avid book club member hoping to share her love.  Each interview features a prominent author; spotlighting a recent work that has ‘book club’ potential.  Shows run for about 45 minutes, and go into meaty depth about how the book was conceived, plotted, and executed.  A true stepping stone into the author’s mind.

itunes link
rss feed
home (blogtalk radio)