Four podcasts to enliven brain and life…
It’s funny how, now that we live in a crazy future where tech advances have created a world that was considered science fiction twenty years ago, we choose to embrace some aspects, while rejecting others in favor of the simple.
We can, literally, video chat at any time we choose with people in pretty much any part of the world. But most prefer to send abbreviated text messages.
We carry around magical books that contain all the knowledge mankind has ever assembled, yet use them to play games and browse pornography.
Podcasts are a great example. In a time when it’s easier than ever to create astonishingly high production value videos and distribute them world wide we’re seeing a rebirth of the radio play.
I’m aware I’m a bit late to the party, but I’ve recently found a few I really enjoy. Some are surf related, some are not, but they are all, without exception, awesome pieces of entertainment to listen to at the gym, or play in the background as you clean house.
The following are my current faves, let me know if there are any I’m missing. I’ve got a lot of free time on my hands. Click on the titles (or SoundCloud button) to listen.
Scott Bass and David Scales put out a top notch ‘cast every two weeks focusing on the current state of the surf world. It’s good stuff, more than enough to keep me coming back for more. And they talk about BeachGrit fairly frequently, which is great, and this week they said some really nice stuff about me, which is even better. Because I love attention. I know you’re not supposed to admit that, but whatever. I’m a total fucking ham and love nothing more than being talked about.
Jed Smith is one of those guys I kind of want to hate. He’s got a solid writing career going, is all young and in shape and surfs better than me. And his podcast is great. Sure, sometimes I have difficulty understanding the Aussie accents, but I think that’s something wrong with my brain.
Marc Maron really comes across like an asshole. In fact, that’s a common theme on his show, what a horrible prick he is. But I’m a prick too, so I can relate. Maron has an amazing assortment of guests and is one of those interviewers who is gifted when it comes to establishing a rapport and getting people to speak from the heart. Which is no easy feat.
Plus, the POTUS said “nigger” on his show. Which is fucking crazy.
I first met Daniele Bolelli nearly a decade ago, when he was one of my wife’s professors at CSULB. They hit it off outside of class and ended up becoming good friends. Daniele is a crazy dude, a total warrior poet. He’s one of the most brilliant men I’ve ever met, and he could kick your ass.
Listened to the Australian one. Agree on the accents. Sometimes it’s cringe worthy as shit. But good stuff nonetheless. Thanks Rory.
Rory, it isn’t a surf-related show at all, but Everything is Stories is so fucking good. Listen to the Scooter Tramp Scotty episode. I think it’s called Eyes on the Highway?
I love Ain’t that swell, Jed would be a welcome addition to the WSL commentary team. Not the biggest fan of Vaughan, very knowledgeable but quite smug also he once bagged online commentators and that hurt my feelings. How dare he insult his fan base!
Never heard of Marc Maron, but thanks Rory at 617 episodes thats a couple of years worth of evenings in the man cave covered.
His chat with Louis CK is one of the best.
He talks to Ty Segall about surfing a little, too. (Maron, I mean.)
Ty used to be sponsored when he was a bit younger (Fun fact)
True? What sticker did he apply?
Let’s find out – send Chas to interview Laguna Beach’s finest garage punker!
…funny, yeah, cause I like Vaughan… but if we extrapolate further, in a shoot-off between his brother Ronnie, who would I choose? IT’d be close.
Ronnie is rock solid. No contest.
Do you ever get the feeling he’s gazing at his reflection in the camera lens? (I would
if that kind of handsome was bestowed on me too)
Ain’t that Swell is top notch.. funny, irreverent, modern. When I run out of those I listen to Surf Splendor/Down the Line which makes me laugh in different way. Two average socal surf jocks who barely plan out a conversation leads to all kinds of hilarity. It’s an odd pairing but I appreciate both.