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Wired News Podcast

Category: Business

Host, Lore Sjoberg, provides commentary from Wired News Magazine columnists about recent articles. This is not clearly stated at the beginning of each episode, but is should be because it is difficult to understand the purpose of the show without this information. The magazine is “off beat” and so is this podcast. A never ending variety of topics are eligible to be discussed, including, but obviously not limited to, video games, music, cooking, politics, and technology. In each episode Lore Sjoberg makes use of satire and sarcasm. Virtually all discussion is actually a sarcastic view of the topic, which is usually pretty funny. At times we felt as though Mr. Sjoberg was looking down on the listeners. Other times we found ourselves laughing along with Lore as if sharing an inside joke. The length of each episode is brief which works to the advantage of the podcast because one can only take small doses of Lore. Wired News Podcast publishes new content consistently, produced weekly, and has good sound quality. No doubt, being a part of “Wired” magazine has advantages for Wired News Podcast, but the show does well not to take itself too seriously.

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The Mac Attack

Category: Software How-To

This podcast is hosted by Steve Stanger. The Mac Attack is a show that helps listeners find Mac tips, tricks, and hints to use in day to day computing. The show began in August 2005 making Steve Stanger a staple in the world of podcasting. Various topics are discussed each episode, including tutorials, answering listener questions, and reporting about Apple news and events. The Mac Attack is geared toward “recent switchers” and Apple enthusiast looking to get more out of their purchases. Steve is an informative host who creates a very hospitable atmosphere. He has give-a-ways for his audience and even plays listener reviews during his shows. The podcast has some issues in regard to consistency. However, The Mac Attack manages to publish two shows a month even if only days apart. This is a 20 minute show that is informative and listener friendly with transitional bumpers. There is a reason Mr. Stanger is well-known in the podcasting industry and we can in no way argue the reasons behind that.

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Windows Week in Review

Category: Tech News

This podcast serves as a another publishing medium for the site searchwinit.com. Windows Week in Review recaps the most important stories dealing with Microsoft Windows for the week. This is a very important show for all Windows users. The latest patches and solutions to problems encountered with the Windows platform are discussed, thus helping users have a better experience. Various editors or writers for the site serve as hosts for the show. Unfortunately, the vocals are often monotone and certain hosts have a tendency to talk away from the microphone. Windows Week in Review reports the latest news in Windows without reverting to snide remarks and “we are better than” discussions often heard in Apple-devoted podcasts. We hope more podcasts are created to cover even more influential elements in technology such as Linux, Sun, and others. Windows Week in Review is a short show (8 to 11 minutes) and a lot of information is crammed into each episode, but listeners are directed to their website for more information. Overall, the show is consistent and helpful thus appealing to many computer users.

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Time Entertainment Podcast

Category: Literature

Josh Tyrangial hosts this podcast about all things entertainment, from TV shows to books. In each episode, Josh is joined by a critic from Time Magazine. For example, when the episode is about a theater actor, the cohost is a theater critic. After listening to a few shows it is clear Time Entertainment brings the tools and resources from their various publications to podcasting. Sound bites and trailers are also used in each episode. Time Entertainment Podcast has very entertaining guest to complement Josh. The sound quality per episode varied. Some episodes were well mixed and the vocals were leveled while others had background hums and the levels were unbalanced. This podcast is an excellent source for the latest information and gossip presented in a unique style.

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OurFirstMarriage

Category: Kids and Family

Tanel and Tom Andry talk about many aspects of their marriage, from the importance of honesty to surviving potty training two year olds. The theme of the show is “Listen to your children”, which is heard on the outro of each podcast. OurFirstMarriage is unique. It pulls the curtain back so listeners can learn from a couple that have been married for seven years with two children. We are encouraged that a couple with children take the time and forge a podcast. It was fun learning about the Andry’s two children, who’s nicknames are Punkalicious and Captain Evil. These two say the funniest things and challenge Tom and Tanel to think on their feet. Unfortunately, Tom is the more dominant of the two which effects the chemistry of the hosts. The lack of an introduction explaining what the podcast is about left us very confused. It took us several episodes before we understood OurFirstMarriage’s purpose. OurFirstMarriage has a solid sound production giving a tone of professionalism to the podcast.

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Good Dog

Category: Kids & Family

Joanne Greene hosts this tail-wagging show. The weekly podcast answers questions about all types of dogs and strives to advise the audience on all dog-related matters. Good Dog is an excellent resource for dog owners and those looking to be a dog owner. Each episode is packed full of information and includes Joanne interviewing well-informed and entertaining experts. Guests have included veterinarians, dog toy manufacturers, dog trainers, and many more. The interviews are recorded over the phone and the sound quality is very good. Joanne came across as very sharp and well educated but has a tendency to interrupt guest while talking. The variety of topics Good Dog offers is staggering. Good Dog is a well produced podcast that has a lot to offer listeners and those getting acquainted with podcasting.

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Israelisms

Category: News & Politics

This show is hosted by Charlie and Carol who discuss their lives in Israel and give listeners insight into the politics there. We enjoyed how Charlie and Carol went after the hard hitting issues affecting Israel. While the news and political portions of this show are interesting, hearing about Charlie and Carol’s daily lives is not always entertaining. Luckily, the hosts periodically disagree on certain issues and a debate ensues. This adds texture and personalization to Israelisms while better informing listeners about how the conflict in Israel affects its citizens. On the down side, the sound quality of this podcast is lacking. Post editing would help solve many of Israelism’s production difficulties. We congratulate Israelisms for podcasting for three years, but it sounds like they still have a long way to go.

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The Movie Blog Uncut

Category: TV & Film

John Campea and Doug Nagy, are the hosts for this edgy, “in your face” podcasts. The hosts describe the show as angry, opinionated, and funny as hell (certainly not for all ages). The Movie Blog includes discussions about movies and news as well as movie trailers, music, fan films, and film festivals. Consistency, longevity, and solid 30 minute episodes give this podcast an edge. Listeners should know, however, that the language is really bad. Additionally, this show is very difficult to listen to. John, Doug, and Darren (who occasionally hosts as well) have no problem screaming into the microphone, which results in incredible distortion. This also results in the microphone going “quite” in an attempt to recover from the assault. Unfortunately, the hosts’ volumes are rarely level. We found ourselves adjusting the volume knob between high and low in an attempt to comfortably hear what was being said. The hosts themselves admit that listeners will either love their show or hate it. Listen for yourself to decide into which category you fall.

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Madness Radio

Category: Alternative & Health

Madness Radio is hosted by Will Hall. This podcast brings hope for recovery to those diagnosed with major mental health problems, such as Bipolar Disorder or Schizophrenia.. In each episode, Will interviews people who are making a difference in the mental health field. Madness Radio reinforces the need for podcasting because it is more than a show for entertainment or informative purposes. Madness Radio has the feel of a crusade for a part of society that often goes unnoticed: the mentally ill. Whether interviewing someone in person or at a remote distance, the quality of production is stellar. Sound quality is above the norm, and Will kept us interested with each episode we listened to. Madness Radio would be enhanced by the addition of an introduction at the beginning of each episode and transitional “bumpers” throughout. Decreasing the length of each episode to 30 to 45 minutes would also be helpful.

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Philosophy Bites

Category: Philosophy

David Edmonds and Nigel Warburton are the hosts of Philosophy Bites. They interview top philosophers who specialize in a wide range of topics and variances that make up philosophy. A new guest is interviewed in each episode about either a particular philosopher or a particular philosophic theme. Like many of their guests, the hosts are university professors. Most likely due to the hosts’ professions, it does feel as though listeners are sitting through a lecture in college during this show; the information is good but not very entertaining. As with learning anything new, it would be helpful if the hosts gave a short summary at the end of each episode, instead of ending the show so abruptly. The length is excellent as it would be difficult to “digest” much more information should the show be longer. The volume levels are good and make the show easy to listen to. This podcast is also produced consistently on a weekly basis.

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TudorCast

Category: History

TudorCast is hosted by Lara Eakins. We were pleasantly surprised at the monthly podcasts dedicated to Tudor History. Lara is pleasing to listen to and is passionate about all aspects of the Tudor dynasty. Each episode comes in a nice package that begins with era-appropriate music followed by Tudor news, events that occurred during the current month in Tudor time, and several additional segments. With the releases of Showtime’s hit The Tudors as well as the movies The Other Boleyn Girl, and Elizabeth: The Golden Age, this podcast is in line with popular media. This podcast stands out amongst other history shows because the host uses primary sources, such as actual letters and diaries, to tell of the royal happenings. Listeners are given detailed descriptions of individuals, such as King Henry VIII and his wives. We enjoyed the structure of the show except for the times when Lara is reading from a text. It restricts her from conveying the passion she expresses through the rest of the show. As far as sound quality, there is noticeable compression artifacts with buzzing noise in the background as Lara is speaking. The volume levels are acceptable however. If this part of history interest you, then you will do well to listen to TudorCast.

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Girls Night In

Category: TV & Film

Girls Night In hosts include Kim, Rachel, Maggie and Jaime. These ladies get together twice a month to share their honest thoughts on movies and other topics. Many topics. In a mostly male dominated industry, it is refreshing to hear an all girls show. The podcasts are highly interactive and go where few other podcasts dare: live radio. The hosts post the topics for their next episode in advance so listeners are ready to interact. The show takes advantage of the services offered through TalkShoe. The ladies are fairly successful at using this hard-to-manage service which allows listeners to call in and interact with the hosts. We liked the inclusion of “quarks” about each movie, such as discrepancies between scenes, and the use of funny bumpers. Unfortunately, after going to the trouble of getting TalkShoe to work correctly, the show is interrupted by a host’s toddler in the back ground. The child is frequently heard talking and screaming. This is extremely distracting. We would highly recommend the use of the “mute” button for this situation. Girls Night In also falls victim to long show lengths (many of the episodes over an hour). We are hoping Girls Night In stays in the market and can turn its weaknesses into strengths. We will be keeping our eye on Girls Night In.

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