A podcast really works when it is the dramatic unfolding of a story and mood between the guest and host.
Julia Galef did a podcast with me which has not (yet) been released. My guess is that by Tyler’s standards it worked, since Julia really brought out my state of depression and contrasted with it. To exaggerate, it was Mary Poppins meets “Have a nice day.”
When I judge a podcast, I use more mundane criteria.
Did anyone say anything that I did not expect? Robert Wright does this. I forget which podcast, but out of nowhere he questioned the right of government to interfere with international trade using rhetoric that could have come straight from Don Boudreaux.
Did the host ask the Devil’s Advocate questions that needed to be asked? Russ Roberts usually succeeds. Robert Wright again. I have observed Ezra Klein failing to do this, and I found the results painful.
Did they avoid the use of profanity? I know that cursing can be a way to sound “cool,” but not to me–I have outgrown my adolescence.
I think it’s actually difficult to spell out what makes for a good podcast. Tyler is right that the interpersonal dynamics have a lot to do with it. I find it hard to articulate what works and what does not.
An interesting question is whether reading a transcript ends up being more efficient/rewarding than listening to the podcast. I am inclined to say yes. But are there counter-examples in which hearing the voice is more compelling? Jordan Peterson perhaps?
Did they avoid the use of profanity? I know that cursing can be a way to sound “cool,” but not to me–I have outgrown my adolescence.–ASK
Oh, thank you. When is it necessary to sound like a potty-mouthed punk?
I am not offended— I am affronted that smart people do speak with more clarity and nuance. The English language has been lauded for its expressiveness, thanks to heavy borrowing from other languages.
Despite its richness, for some reason English is accessible, and easy for people globally to speak.
This treasure sings, in the hands of wordsmith.
I understand when entertainment targeting teeenagers uses profanities—they think that makes it sound authentic.
But for adults?
What makes a good podcast?
Insight, insight, insight!
And attention to counter-arguments, counter-evidence.
And balance of breadth and depth.
And moments of eloquence.
And efficiency (balance of fullness & parsimony).
‘Creation and resolution of tension’ is indeed necessary to successful narrative art. By analogy, good podcasts create and resolve tension through question and answer, especially with an overarching question-thread or puzzle.
John McWhorter and (especially) Glenn Loury are also particularly compelling to listen to as opposed to reading. They have a fire in the belly for discussing racial issues.
I think they also illustrate the importance of mood and story Tyler talks about. The content of their conversations with each other is often somewhat repetitive, but the palpable drama of two crusaders steeling themselves against what may be impossible odds makes the podcast consistently captivating.
I read the transcript instead of listening whenever possible. I know I miss a lot of vocal nuance, but I also miss the honking and Valley Girl enunciation of some otherwise intelligent and accomplished younger females.
“Did they avoid the use of profanity? I know that cursing can be a way to sound “cool,” but not to me–I have outgrown my adolescence.”
Professor Kling, You’re smart, but you lack the “common touch” to put it mildly. You’re probably proud of that, but then you try to advise the masses. Words such as “fuck” and “shit” are very expressive, and frequently used by the masses. One of the great things about podcasts, is there are no CENSORS. The #1 podcast of all time–Joe Rogan’s–is sprinkled with a good portion of profanity, and it clarifies, not degrades. You should try to get on his podcast.
You have excrement upon your escutcheon, which has been re-inserted into your posterior orifice.
As long as you use the two approved profanities, of course.
Also, lol, ‘clarifies’ … nice troll. Your prize is to view a certain sequence from The Wire on YouTube. Enjoy!