Elliot Tritto
Central Bureau Chief
As Bill Burr once said, “I do my podcast on Mondays for a specific reason. Many people go to work and don’t like their jobs. If you give people something to laugh about, it’s good.” Whenever I feel sad, bored, or inspired to learn, my mind varies to a series of listening sessions of various podcasts. Podcasts are the new go-to in the digital media and exist as the YouTube of Radio. It’s great to see (or hear) regular people (sometimes celebrities) talk about their lives, interests, difficulties in life, and current events. One of the most significant advantages of podcasts is that they’re so many to view! If you want to hear discussions about politics, sports, video games, entertainment, science, etc., nothing’s going to stop you. This article exists as your guide on what to listen and expect, enjoy!
The Joe Rogan Experience
Let’s start with an easy one. Hosted by former Fear Factor host, stand-up comedian and UFC commentator, Joe Rogan, the Joe Rogan Experience invites guests from all walks of life. Whether it be friends, celebrities, journalists, and experts in certain professions, a wide variety of topics are brought up alongside anecdotes that provide answers to complicated issues. It’s refreshing to hear one’s taken on the me-too movement, the gender pay gap, the recent Jussie Smollett situation, and the music industry. One thing that I don’t like to hear is the pointless conspiracy theories that are always brought up. Besides that, Joe Rogan prevails as a dynamic host as he provides a respectful answer to every question, always listens to his guests, and remains open-minded.
Notable episodes to listen to:
James Hetfield
Henry Rollins
Any webisode with Joey Diaz
Talkhouse Podcast
AV Club puts Talkhouse as “The is the best place to find new album reviews written by actual recording artists… the podcast is audio proof that it is possible to start as a fan and end up a friend.” Discovering Talkhouse was a mistake as I was searching for interviews of one of my favorite bands, Mastodon. Low and behold, the Talkhouse podcast had a 30-minute webisode featuring the lead singer of Killswitch Engage, Jesse Leach as well as Bill Kelliher (Guitar) and Troy Sanders (Bass) of Mastodon. From that, you could hear the musicians tease one another, discuss personal stories on tour, Star Wars moments, and the benefits of listening to vinyl. After looking to this webisode, I scrolled through the list of the podcast and found random celebrities and artists grouped and displayed their emotions and found out similarities and differences within one another. It’s nice to see a podcast where they put people tighter and talk.
Notable episodes to listen to:
Troy Sanders and Bill Kelliher (Mastodon) with Jesse Leach (Killswitch Engage)
Chuck D (Public Enemy) with Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine)
Heavily Pixelated
Do you feel that video games are the ultimate stress reliever? Are you sick of people telling you that you have a “problem” with video games? Well, you don’t have a problem. As Scott C. Jones, (host) puts the podcast on his website as ” It examines the moments when gamers are at their most vulnerable, and the ways video games helped them endure those difficult moments.” Listening to each entry of this digital journal changed my perspective on video games entirely. Initially, I saw it as an excellent way to connect with my friends. After listening to each episode, it’s like taking a breath of fresh air. Each chapter takes you in people’s problems and undergoes how a particular game either motivates or changes people’s lives. Who would’ve known that playing Rock Band can help you through heartbreak or NBA 2k prompts you to talk to your father with a complicated relationship?
Notable episodes to listen to:
S01:E01 Graham
S01:E06 Adam
The Vinyl Guide
For all your vinyl record collectors out there, listen up! Music lovers from all walks of life need to gather and listen to this genuinely underrated podcast. Presented by Nate Goyer, he unleashes his 40+ years experience of collecting vinyl onto listeners. With advice on how to update your collection, maintaining your vinyl records, what shops to check out, and unforgettable interviews with the hottest musicians out today. Personally, this opened my eyes on what albums to view and how to expand my collection. So, in other words, this popped my cherry into vinyl.
Notable episodes to listen to:
Ep159: WTF is HD Vinyl?
Ep152: The Fall & Rise of Vinyl with Billy Fields
Ep148: Living Colour’s Will Calhoun
Ep116: Mike Portnoy of Sons of Apollo, Dream Theater & more
Talk is Okelo
Sports fans can relax now as I can provide them with the ultimate sports podcast to listen to. Okelo Pena, a BC student, hosts a bi-weekly podcast in which he invites friends and colleagues to give an insight on specific points in sports. Not only have I interviewed Okelo, but I also recorded an episode with him. (Be sure to look out for the Mid-Season NHL recap). As Okelo puts it, “I strive to have the best sports podcast. Besides, it exists as growth for the future for me with my major in broadcast journalism.” Talk is Okelo certainly brings it since its simplicity brings a discussion to the table.
Notable episodes to listen to:
Episode 20: #WAYBACKWEDNESDAY NBA MIDSEASON RECAP
Episode 21: NHL MIDSEASON RECAP featuring yours truly