Plunge Into...The Podcasts You're Listening To
The reader-generated podcast recommendation newsletter starts NOW
Hi Plungers,
Last week, I re-launched this newsletter. It’s now a reader-generated podcast recommendation engine. Each week, I’ll feature podcasts and episodes that you’ve recommended by way of the previous weeks’ comments on Substack.
In order for this to work, I need your (comment) help!
Shoutout to Melissa, Andreea, Lauren, Devin, Shreya, Joey, and Holly for commenting last week. Next week…could it be you?! Comment on this post to find out.
Here’s what you recommended:
Recommender: Melissa, host of Strong Sense of Place
Podcast: Proof
Episode: What’s On the Menu in 1906?
Why: It was inspired by the fantastic archive of vintage menus held at the New York Public Library. This episode focuses on a menu from one specific restaurant — Bristol's Dining Rooms — in Brooklyn, and how its offerings evolve over time as society and fortunes change in Brooklyn. It's well-written and the narration is broken up by mini radio plays of a fictional couple who eat at the restaurant over the years. It's a cute device that made the story a little more immersive. This episode convinced me I need to listen to more episodes of Proof.
Recommender: Andreea, Marketer at Tink Media
Podcast: Bodies
Episode: Early Birds
Why: It's becoming a classic and I can't stop talking about Bodies. One of my favorite episodes is "Early Birds.” Hearing from girls of all ages, getting to peek into their experiences and reflect on how they're related to a bigger story was so important. I especially love the storytelling and production! They were really the main characters and their voices shone! The host was there but more for guidance than for leading the story. And that's how it should be. Absolutely loved the mix of innocence, wisdom, and knowledge I got from this episode. 10/10 recommend!
Recommender: Shreya, Writer at Recordical’s Audio Currents &
Podcast: Butt Out, Baby!
Why: The podcast is, for the lack of a better term, a deep-dive into the movie “Dirty Dancing.” Now, we've seen many an awesome and nerdy movie deep-dive podcast, but Butt Out, Baby is different. Not only does the host break each scene to explain the significance of what's happening, but she also manages to weave in awesome historical and social lessons while doing it. From putting the costumes into context to explaining the significance of the gender pay gap, the podcast is a unique listen. I am obsessed with it and eagerly await every episode.
Recommender: Joey Held, host of Sports R Dumb and Good People, Cool Things
Podcast: What Was That Like
Episode: Fabiana won The Price is Right showcase
Why: I can't imagine a single person in the world (or at least the U.S.) that hasn't seen an episode of “The Price Is Right.” How cool would it be to come on down, yell out numbers to Bob Barker or Drew Carey, and then spin the giant wheel for a chance to win tens of thousands of dollars? In this episode, we hear from someone who's had probably the best success the show has ever seen. Whether you're planning to attend a future taping or not, you'll be riveted by the behind-the-scenes of a classic game show.
Recommender: Holly Brown, Marketer at Tink Media
Podcast: Wish I Knew
Episode: Steven Galanis: How the CEO of Cameo turned celebrity obsession into a unicorn business
Why: I have to admit, I've used Cameo more than once — for a birthday gift my sister still chokes up about two years later, a surprise gift for a bride at her themed bachelorette, so I was immediately curious how one of my new go-to gift ideas came to rise to prominence so quickly. Stories like Steven's made me feel like I could stumble upon the next game-changing idea effortlessly, just by following my instincts and embracing an organic, relaxed approach.
Recommender: Lauren Passell, founder of Tink Media and founder of
andPodcast: This is Uncomfortable
Episode: The price of eggs
Why: This episode totally shifted my thinking about egg donation. It's a side of the story we rarely hear. I hate thinking about money, it literally makes me uncomfortable. This show always makes money seem fascinating.
Now, for your recommendations! Here’s what you can do for this newsletter:
Comment on this post with a recommendation of your own. Here’s the format:
Your Name
Podcast Recommendation
Episode Link
Why You Recommend It
Comment on this post with your thoughts on one of the episodes I recommended
Like this post
Share it with a friend
FAQ:
Can I recommend my own podcast?
Within reason. I.e. if it makes sense.
Can my recommendations be selected week after week?
Honestly, yes. My goal would be to have many, many people replying to each issue, but if you’re a regular reply guy, then you’ll likely be selected a bunch.
Happy listening, y’all!
For more recommendations, subscribe to my weekly podcast recommendation newsletter in which each issue is curated by a different person. Anyone can curate a list. This week, we covered Music For Your 30s.
P.s. I’m speaking at Podcast Movement in Denver this August. Will you be there?
Name - Eric Johnson, founder of LightningPod.fm and writer of Follow Friday
Recommendation - Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out: "Ira Glass Part 3: The Best Advice"
Episode Link - https://pod.link/1515419751/episode/dc949d4324b63b3e9272c4a65ebaefbc
I highlighted this one in my newsletter because it *could* have just been two famous guys hanging out... that would have been fine, but I was delighted to get a lot more than I expected. Mike and Ira have collaborated many times before, and most of that work is hidden from public view. The last 20-30 minutes of this podcast are a live feedback session on a story Birbiglia has been working on for This American Life; it's a must-listen for anyone working in narrative nonfiction, particularly in audio. Before that, there's also a hilarious story about going to the theater together, and a fun bit where Ira audits the quotes that have been attributed to him online.
Name: Shira Moskowitz
Episode: "Speak Now" | Every Single Album: Taylor Swift
https://open.spotify.com/episode/68V1OdXZ0CSNLVmrUG9LLz?si=BCY0Pq5qREKab_okrmokyQ&nd=1
This Taylor Swift series may be old (it's from early 2021) but if you, like me, are experiencing post-Eras Tour depression - it's a perfect fix. The hosts, Nora and Nathan, go through each album, analyzing the songs, providing industry and historical context, and of course, sharing their favorite Taylor easter eggs. I chose the Speak Now episode because like the hosts, I agree that this is a slept upon album, but really you should just listen to all of the episodes.