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?