In the past, I published a list of my favorite marketing and PR podcasts, mostly related to marketing, social media and PR. But I neglected to mention the other podcasts--you know, the ones I listen to for fun. The ones that motivate me to do the 45-minute elliptical workout because I can listen to the story unfold.
Since 2005, I've enjoyed listening to narrative fiction and human interest stories and queries via podcast. I don't have as much time to read as I'd like, but, like most marketers, I really enjoy a good story. If it makes me think, so much the better.
So here is the other list--the podcasts that bring me so much joy that they are guilty pleasures for me:
I'll admit that with novels, I'm a creature of habit. I find authors I like and tend towards reading through their entire oeuvre rather than trying something new every day of the week. Escape Pod short story science fiction podcast exposes me to a variety of authors and even genres I might never have discovered on my own. Some of the authors I've grown to love, and I'm sure I'm not the only fan that gets excited when she hears a Union Dues story is upcoming. I've known the founder Steve Eley since the early days of podcasting, and I was a bit skeptical when he announced he was stepping down. Who else could do such a wonderful job choosing, narrating and providing insights on sci fi stories? Mur Lafferty, that's who. Might Mur made a seamless transition as host, and I've never stopped listening. Not every story is a hit, but the variety is amazing, and you will find new authors whose other works you'll want to track down.
Chris Lester is a genius of worldmaking, and I was always amazed at the extent to which Metamor City and the rules governing it seemed so very real. Not quite a novel and not quite a short story, Metamor City is instead a podcast magazine, a series of sci-fi/fantasy short stories, novellas and novels that all take place in the same environment with an overarching story arc. He's publishing less since his move to California and laudable move to becoming a teacher, but go ahead and listen to the back catalog while you wait for more.
OK, this one isn't exactly narrative fiction. But it's always a good story and always fascinating. Many of you are probably already fans of this show. I've downloaded the iPhone app for $1.99, which gives instant access to all the archives. I'll treat myself during an elliptical or bike workout by pulling up an old show (from pre-2005, when I started listening) and luxuriating in the fascinating stories. Ira Glass and the team tell stories based on a weekly theme, sometimes funny, sometimes political, always human. My favorites? Squirrel Cop, Testosterone, The House on Loon Lake.
Radio Lab
Again, this one isn't really fiction, but it's always such a fascinating exploration that I feel like I'm listening to a fascinating, well-constructed story... that just happens to cover a scientific or philosophical question. Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich host this science-for-not-so-dummies podcast that puts scientific queries and explorations in an irresistable, imaginative context. More than hard science, they ask the broad, philosophical questions that are more often asked in science-fiction. But these guys have answers.
