Podcasts

LISTEN TO THIS | The Jordache Look

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I’m a podcast junkie, and LISTEN TO THIS is a recap of my favorite tidbits, soundbites and short bursts of brilliance from the week. After digesting hours and hours of podcasts, here’s the top 3 must-listen-to moments.

NO BUSINESS IS TOO SMALL - NO BUSINESS IS TOO WEIRD

NPR BUSINESS STORY OF THE DAY | What Ever Happened to Jordache Jeans

Renee Montagne’s quick 4:29 interview with Matthew Boyle on his recent What Ever Happened to Jordache Jeans is a pitch-perfect example of business leaders who are successful because of their ability to adjust to change quickly - moving from retail to manufacturing, going mass at just the right time, and then diversifying into other areas. As Boyle sums up, “It’s weird how they see an opportunity, they move fast, they grab it, but there isn’t much rhyme or reason to the empire.” Ahh, but there is rhyme and reason - continual growth.

TO THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE

THE MEMORY PALACE | Episode 45: Heard, Once

First time listening to The Memory Palace, and I was hooked by this story of how promoter P.T. Barnum managed a wildly successful tour of Swedish opera star Jenny Lind starting in 1850. The entire podcast is only 8:42, but if you’re impatient, skip to 4:25 when Barnum makes his offer to Lind and listen through to the end.

RACE TO THE BOTTOM

ON THE MEDIA | Trust Me, I’m Lying

Brooke Gladstone speaks with Ryan Holiday, author of the new book Trust Me, I’m Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator. The best section starts at 3:30 when Gladstone asks about Pastor Terry Jones, and Holiday explains the viral effectiveness of strong emotions. “Anger is the number one predictor of an article making the most popular lists.” I’m eager to learn more about the fine line between influence and manipulation.

Podcast Test Drives:

  • How to do Everything - this week’s show was about how to watch the Olympics and contained a charming interview with Sir Patrick Stewart who served as one of the torch bearers for the London Games. I also learned about a special use for honey during the competition. Hap tip to Peter Sagal on Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me.
  • CMD+SPACE - is a reboot of the Bro Show on the 70 Decibels network. Merlin Mann joins hosts Myke Hurley and Stephen Hackett on this inaugural show. Hat tip to Michael Schechter. I was fascinated to hear details of Merlin’s history and his personal lessons along the way.

Unsubscribing from:

Stop Podcasting Yourself - my threshold for morning zoo formats is pretty low. I should quit looking for funny from a podcast. I’d rather spend the time learning and being challenged. I clearly prefer shows that help me grow AND make me laugh along the way.

OTHER PODCAST POSTS YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

What about you? What podcasts did you enjoy this week and what do you recommend?

LISTEN TO THIS | Books Changed My Life

in ,

I’m a podcast junkie, and LISTEN TO THIS is a recap of my favorite tidbits, soundbites and short bursts of brilliance that I have to share with everyone who will listen. After digesting hours and hours of podcasts, here’s the best 9 minutes from this week.

I NEVER WASTED TIME

THE THOMAS JEFFERSON HOUR | #981 Dear Thomas

Thanks again to Patrick Ball for introducing me to The Thomas Jefferson Hour which is one of my top-five, must-listen-to podcasts, and this week’s show is my favorite episode so far. This week, Clay Jenkinson, who plays Jefferson, answers questions from listeners. I enjoyed his description of different kinds of genius at 6:33, but the best section is at 24 minutes when Jefferson talks about his personal productivity. I’m amazed at how many habits that worked well in the 18th century still apply today. Inspiring, educational, and extremely practical, check it out.

THE POINT ISN’T TO KNOW WHAT YOU’RE DOING

BLANK ON BLANK | Kiki Smith

Blank on Blank brings sections of previous interviews that didn’t make the first round of cuts back to life by sifting through the editing room floor and professionally producing them into fascinating bite-sited podcasts. This conversation with artist Kiki Smith runs barely over seven minutes long, but if you want a quick soundbite jump in at 3:15 to hear:

Kiki Smith quote on Todd Chandler's Observation Paper

In addition that quote, I also pulled this nugget from 5:37.

BOOKS CHANGED MY LIFE

SIX PIXELS OF SEPARATION | #351 A New Kind of Startup With Chris Guillebeau

One of the reasons I like Mitch Joel’s weekly podcast so much is he consistently introduces me to innovative thinkers. His interview style leads to serious thought-provoking dialogues, and this week’s conversation with Chris Guillebeau particularly stood out. I’m eager to start reading Guillbeau’s latest book, $100 Startup, as soon as I finish this post. I heard three noteworthy bookmarks in this episode:

  • 22:08 - One of the best ways to figure out what you’re good at is to pay attention to the topics your friends are asking you questions about.
  • 25:11 - “Books changed my life. I love using Twitter, but I can’t think of any tweets that changed my life.”
  • 37:05 - The productive benefits of being disobedient - the must-listen of the three.

Podcast Test Drive:

NSFW Show - a little too morningzooesque for me.

Unsubscribing from:

Office Hours - I discovered this one by searching for Daniel Pink’s Office Hours. I’ve listened to three episodes and just haven’t clicked with it.

OTHER PODCAST POSTS YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

What about you? What podcasts did you enjoy this week and what do you recommend? Leave your favorites in the comments below.

LISTEN TO THIS | The Jerk Store Called

in

I’m a podcast junkie, and LISTEN TO THIS is a recap of my favorite tidbits, soundbites and short bursts of brilliance that I have to share with everyone who will listen. After digesting hours and hours of podcasts, here’s the best 9 minutes from this week.

BAD IS STRONGER THAN GOOD

FREAKONOMICS RADIO | Legacy of a Jerk

Presenting a collection of fascinating stories about jerks, this episode slices up the topic and presents little bite-sized nuggets for easy consumption. Add in the high-quality production value of Freakonomics Radio and that makes the entire 43 minutes worth a listen. But if you want to sample just a taste, select the treat at 16:30 where Kathleen Vohs explains her findings from the study Bad is Stronger than Good.

A DIFFERENT COLOR OF DUMB

BULLSEYE WITH JESSE THORN | Lisa Kudrow, Eric Andre, and Danielle Colby

Lisa Kudrow has navigated a fascinating career. She’s an intelligent person who has portrayed plenty of not-so-bright characters. At 42:14 in the podcast, Lisa shares how she ended up on this unconventional path, and I love how she describes these roles as having trouble seeing their own blind spots.

JOHN PHILIP SOUSA WAS IN A HUFF

RODERICK ON THE LINE | Ep. 38: “With My Mind Bullets”

Merlin Mann and John Roderick’s podcast is a wonderful example of 1+1=3. Each is funny on his own, but put the two together and you multiply the laughs. They feed off each other and propel themselves further than either would go alone. Not only are they clever and witty, but they frame thoughts and ideas in unique perspectives. At 1:14:00, Merlin shares the story of how John Philip Sousa resisted the change of recorded music.

“These talking machines are going to ruin the artistic development of music in this country.” ~ John Philip Sousa

It’s a great illustration to use for anyone having to communication a message of change and who doesn’t have to do that these days.

Podcast Test Drives:

I’m going to continue to explore the Maximum Fun network and listen to Kasper Hauser and Stop Podcasting Yourself.

Unsubscribing from:

Social Pros Podcast - It’s a good podcast, but I’m getting my fill of social media/PR content from For Immediate Release, Marketing over Coffee, and Six Pixels of Separation.

OTHER PODCAST POSTS YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

What about you? What podcasts did you enjoy this week and what do you recommend? Leave your favorites in the comments below.