Recap: 40 podcasts, single-elimination brackets — 1 winner will emerge!
Read the first post here, then come back for the results.
East, Game 3: S-Town v. the Tim Ferriss Show
This round was interesting.
First up, the Tim Ferriss Show, which made it through the first round. I listened to episode 234 on Marie Kondo (maybe because we’re using her method to get rid of a lot of stuff in our house?). It was interesting, and I love that he left in most of her answers, which were in Japanese. She speaks so quickly and precisely.
Next, I listened to the first episode of S-Town, replacing Serial in my bracket (it’s the newest from Serial and This American Life). Originally I had Serial on my list, but this is their newest effort, so I skipped on to it.
If you haven’t heard of this show yet, it’s about an Alabama man who contacted a NY reporter, claiming there had been a murder in his town that was covered up. The reporter goes down to investigate, and learns more about this eccentric man and the small town he hates.
I expected to like it, and I know it’s quite popular, but it felt kind of like at some point they’re going to pull the rug out from under me. I’m waiting for the twist, which can be fine, but I’m not sure I’m emotionally prepared for another look-at-the-American-South-it’s-so-backwards story. Also, there’s some language, so maybe don’t listen to it with kids around.
Maybe I’m wrong, and I’m happy to have a conversation about this with you if you’re interested.
Winner: The Tim Ferriss Show (this surprised me)
East, Game 4: The TED Radio Hour v. Reconcilable Differences
The TED Radio Hour made it through the first round and I listened to the episode “Speaking Up,” which had 3 interviews and TED talk snippets on how and why to speak up. The speakers talked about why it’s hard, and factors that might make the decision to speak up a little easier.
Next up was Reconcilable Differences, where hosts John and Merlin talk about life, as far as I can tell. Maybe I should have listened to the first episode for their premise/ thesis, and while interesting, this podcast might be a bit too rambly (is that a word? I could say “the hosts ramble a bit”) for me. I listened to ep. 46: Some Kind of Ballast, which did include a great discussion on leftovers, and leftover chicken, especially, but that wasn’t enough to top the TED talks.
Winner: The TED Radio Hour
Next time: Midwest, Round 2.1.
Austin Fey 