(I posted this on Facebook, and think it would be appropriate to post it in this blog--sorry for the screwy font that doesn't match the rest of the blog):
I thought I'd do another "Favorites of
2019" list, this one about podcasts. I listen to many podcasts (maybe TOO
MANY) while working, running, walking, washing dishes, etc. So here are my top
20 of 2019 (listed in the order they appear in my Stitcher favorites):
WTF WITH MARC MARON: The granddaddy of
podcasts and still one of the best. No matter the guest, the conversations are
almost always engaging.
SLATE CULTURE GABFEST: Dana Stevens,
Stephen Metcalf, and Julia Turner discuss the current week's notable films,
music, books, etc. Sometimes veers into precious East Coast elitism (perhaps
unintentionally) but is always an enjoyable listen and about the smartest
podcast out there.
BEST PICK: This is a British podcast that
each week randomly selects an Academy Award year and discusses in great detail
the nominees and winner--and then decide if the winner was "the best
pick" for that year. Lots of dry British humor throughout.
THE PRESS BOX: Bryan Curtis and David
Shoemaker of The Ringer talk about the week in news from a journalistic
perspective, and they are quite funny. Weekly feature is "The Overused
Twitter Joke of the Week."
ARMCHAIR EXPERT: The quality of this
podcast took me by surprise. Actor Dax Shepherd interviews a different guest
each week in discussions that are frequently about 90 minutes to two hours
long. Dax is a smart and perceptive guy. In somewhat the same vein as WTF.
THE BIG PICTURE: Another in the Ringer
stable of podcasts. The always articulate and congenial Sean Fennessey (often
joined by Ringer staffer Amanda Dobbins) talks about recent movies. Often
features interviews with actors and directors.
LARRY WILMORE: BLACK ON THE AIR: Comedian,
actor and television writer Wilmore talks about whatever is happening in this
crazy world. Often venturing into politics, Wilmore is astute and practical in
his views. Frequently features guests from all walks of life.
SCREW IT, WE'RE JUST GONNA TALK ABOUT THE
BEATLES: Several UCB comedians, who also happen to be Beatles fans, do exactly
what the podcast name indicates.
ROCK SOLID: Host Pat Francis takes a
humorous approach to music fandom, and features guests (Pat's friends or
Patreon donors) to talk about a different subject each week. There are deep
dives into artist catalogs (i.e. "The Stones in the '70s," "Nick
Lowe," etc.) or shows built on a theme (Songs that mention "rain"
in the title).
ROCKIN' THE SUBURBS: One of my absolute
favorite podcasts and one that has developed a great online community of music
fans/nerds. Jim Lenahan and Patrick Foster post a new episode almost every day
on a wide-ranging array of musical topics. Often features guests (musicians,
music writers, and Patreon donors who choose a topic).
THE REWATCHABLES: Bill Simmons of The
Ringer and a revolving panel (Sean Fennessey, Chris Ryan, Mallory Rubin, Amanda
Dobbins, etc) talk about a different "rewatchable" movie each week. A
rewatchable is generally a movie that, if you catch it on cable TV, you will
watch no matter what. Each episode plays like a late night dorm room bull
session (if the participants were all funny and smart). Each episode also has
categories ("What's aged the worst," "Dion Waiters Award"
for best performance in limited screen time, "Joey Pants/that guy"
award for character actors, "Apex Mountain" for whose career peaked
with that film, and a few others).
1001 ALBUM CLUB: A revolving panel discuss
each and every album featured in the book "1001 Albums You Must Hear
Before You Die." Two albums/two eps per week. Episodes are about 15-20
minutes long.
THE BILL SIMMONS PODCAST: The Ringer's Bill
Simmons (unapologetic Boston sports fanboy formerly of ESPN and Grantland)
talks sports, culture, movies, politics, being a dad, or whatever is on his
mind. Often features famous guests (or his friends). Usually a fun listen.
THE WATCH: The Ringer's Chris Ryan and Andy
Greenwald talk about current movies and television.
YO, IS THIS RACIST?: Hosts Andrew Ti and
Tawny Newsome talk--in an often humorous way--about racism in America. Sadly,
they never run out of racism news in the headlines. Often features a special
guest host.
THE HUSTLE: Host Jon Lamoreaux takes a
different spin on the music podcast, interviewing musicians who maybe have been
out of the limelight for awhile but have fascinating stories to tell. Jon is
enthusiastic and a good interviewer.
SLATE POLITICAL GABFEST: Hosts Emily
Bazelon, David Plotz, and John Dickerson talk about the week in politics--which
in the last few years has veered between depressing and crazy (or both). Always
an intelligent discussion.
THE LAST PODCAST ON THE LEFT: An
uproariously funny podcast about bizarre crimes, murder, UFOs, alien encounters
and all manner of weirdness.
SOUND OPINIONS: I think of Chicago's Jim
DeRogatis and Greg Kot as the Siskel and Ebert of music criticism. This podcast
features deep dives into artists and albums, music news, and guest interviews.
Jim and Greg disagree more often than they agree on music.
UNSPOOLED: Last but not least, this great
movie podcast. Film critic Amy Nicholson and actor Paul Scheer have been
methodically going through the AFI 100 films with these incredibly detailed
looks at each film.
