At the risk of repeating myself, it's freakin' hot here in Florida! I've been spending a LOT of time indoors. The benefit: more time to do little projects while listening to podcasts. This week, I have another new First Impressions post to share (NOT true crime; I know I've been heavy on that
lately).
In addition to listening, I also went through ALLLL of my podcast subscriptions and unsubscribed from more than 50! I realized that some of these shows were "aspirational" (meaning I really wanted to listen to them, but I continued to skip past them week after week). I call it spring cleaning, several weeks late.
I have also been hard at work on a new section of the blog, dedicated to podcast creators (or anyone thinking about starting a podcast). As much as I make this blog for podcast fans, there's a big audience of podcast makers who show up, so I'm finally addressing their needs, too. So, if you make a show, or want to make a show, check out the new Podcaster Resources section.
And finally, I just have to share this: TOMORROW IS HAMILTON DAY! I am SO excited to watch Hamilton on Disney Plus (with the ability to watch and re-watch over the weekend). I love podcasts, but this weekend is all about Alexander Hamilton, baby!
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First Impressions: RomCom Pods
My latest First Impressions post is about a new podcast called RomCom Pods. Here's some of the post:
What It’s About: Season 1 is about a 28-year old woman who finds—just a few days before her wedding—that her fiance has been cheating on her. She decides to go on her romantic Italian honeymoon solo, and fun ensues.
Average Episode Length: 35 minutes
My First Impressions: This show is basically the podcast equivalent of Under the Tuscan Sun. The main character even compares herself to Diane Lane (she also keeps trying to have her own “eat, pray, love” moment).
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1. Wondery released an app. There's a free trial, and then it's $4.99/month or $34.99/year (the annual subscription is definitely the better deal and not that big of an investment). You'll get access to ad-free episodes, early releases, and exclusive bonus content.
2. We Love You (And So Can You) is ending. This feel-good self-help show only lasted a couple of seasons. On the most recent (and last) episode, hosts Kristen Meinzer and Jolenta Greenberg (they also co-host By The Book) announced that the pandemic made it too difficult to produce the show.
3. Changes at The Hollis Co. A couple of weeks ago, Rachel and Dave Hollis announced that they are ending their marriage. Between the two of them, they had 3 podcasts. Their company, The Hollis Co., was also working with financial guru David Bach to produce his new podcast.
The result: Rachel Hollis' RISE podcast will continue as it has been; the couple's RISE Together podcast has now been re-branded to be RISE Together w/ Dave Hollis; the couple's morning show podcast (really an audio version of the Instagram Live show) will very obviously be no longer; David Bach recently told his listeners that he's moving on without The Hollis Co. and that he hopes to launch his new show in September.
3 Podcast Recommendations
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Even while I was downloading this episode, I wasn't sure how to feel about it. I honestly did not think that I would like it (because I don't know this comedian, and I'm not a huge fan of famous comedians practicing their craft via podcast)...
But I was so pleasantly surprised! I think part of it definitely had to do with the fact that the guest is Ira Glass. Turns out, Ira and Mike Birbiglia are tight, and it was super fun to hear Ira being a little more casual with a friend. I've downloaded another episode of this show.
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This new podcast is a docuseries about having a baby while black in the United States. I first learned about this systemic problem a few years ago, and I'll be honest: every time I read an article about it, I'm left with more questions than answers.
I absolutely love how this podcast is presented; it's a million times better than all those articles I've read. I definitely recommend starting with the episode shown above (The Prelude).
If you're trying to be a better ally and support Black Lives Matter, this show is a must-listen.
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Y'all, my mom and I are good. But when I see an episode title like, "What to do about your mother", I just can't pass it up!
I have been loving The Life Coach School podcast, and this episode is a great one to start with for newbies! You can absolutely replace the word "mother" with ANY.ONE. in your life with whom you have a tough relationship.
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Gift Ideas for Podcast People
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Don't forget to check out the Podcast Gift Guides on the blog when you need a great gift idea. There's something for every kind of listener and podcaster!
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Send me YOUR Podcast Recommendations
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I'll be back in two weeks with more podcast goodness to share. I would love to hear from you and find out what your favorite podcasts are, why you listen to podcasts, and which app/podcast player you use.
Shoot me an email at podcastmaniac@gmail.com, or leave a comment on a blog post (if you're a podcaster, you are welcome to drop your own podcast in a comment on the blog!)
Don't forget to follow Podcast Maniac!
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