Based on a True Harlem Story ✨
Hidden Black History, Sleepy Joe +Just Added and Weekly Charts
Hey Poddy People!
I ran the Surf City Half-Marathon as a lead-up to the LA Marathon! More below. Let’s go!
In this week’s newsletter:
Just Added This Week: 22!
Website Maintenance
Celeb Round-Up
3 Recommendations
Weekly Charts
Website images: We are currently going through some maintenance as we switch image hosting providers. If you see a podcast with a broken image, please email hello@greatpods.co. Thanks to our lead engineer, Chris, for the lift on moving everything over.
Hollywood roundup:
Julia Louis Dreyfus (Seinfeld) will be launching a podcast on interviewing women over 70 and their wisdom from Lemonada. Read more here. Side note: Critically acclaimed podcast, 70 over 70 released in 2021 was similar in subject.
Speaking of Seinfeld cast members, Jason Alexander has a new podcast that was released this week, Really?, No Really? Listen here.
Golden Globe/Emmy-winning actor, Paul Giamatti, will be hosting a podcast on conspiracy Alien hoaxes. Read more here.
Lance Bass, yes, the *NSync’er is churning out another podcast, but this one is a history podcast on The Last Soviet. Trailer here.
I’m not trying to be a TMZ here, but I’ve heard a rumor that Golden Globe-winning comedian Ramy Youssef is finalizing a deal to create a podcast on religion. If you’ve watched Ramy on Hulu or his interviews on Flagrant2 or Conan Needs A Friend, there is always an element of how he tackles religion in his comedy.
Sponsorship opportunity! Sponsor me for the LA Marathon! I’m supporting the K9 Youth Alliance for a second year and running my first full marathon. I noticed a lot of real estate on my back during the run that went to waste during the half marathon. Donate and let’s talk! A Facebook donation here (a little easier). Or web donation here.
Just Added This Week
Your Favorite Band Sucks
Operation: Tradebom
Memories from the Dancefloor
I Am America
Stolen Hearts
The Turning (Season: Room of Mirrors)
A History of Ideas
Meddling Adults
The Therapy Crouch
Leading
The New Gurus
Peter Ellis, the Creche Case & Me
Full Disclosure with Karen O'Leary
Undercurrents
Intra-Quest
With Gourley and Rust
Stealing Superman
Future Rich
How We Live Now with Katherine May
Don't stop repealin' - the repeal the eighth podcast
NZ Wars: Stories of Wairau
Deep Cover (Season: Never Seen Again)
On to my picks this week…
Podcast: Unreformed: The Story of the Alabama Industrial School for Negro Children
Genre: History
Publisher: iHeartPodcast Network
About: In 1968, police arrested five Black girls dressed in oversized military fatigues in Montgomery. The girls were runaways, escaping from a state-run reform school called the Alabama Industrial School for Negro Children in Mount Meigs, Alabama. The girls were determined to tell someone about the abuse they’d suffered there: physical and sexual violence, unlivable facilities, and grueling labor in the fields surrounding the school. It was, as several former students called it, a slave camp.
When I ran the half marathon, I decided to listen to this podcast for an episode or two. I don’t suggest listening to it on a run because of the subject matter. Definitely listen by doing something else. By the way, it’s been the number-one podcast page on Great Pods for the last two weeks.
Lauren Passell • Podcast The Newsletter
“This is vital listening for the education, the need to be confronted with this. The reporting is blunt and captivating. It’s blowing one of America’s dirty secrets up.”
Podcast: Harlem Queen
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Yhane Smith (Independent)
About: "Harlem Queen" an audio drama based on the life and times of "Numbers Queen" Madame Stephanie St. Clair during the Harlem Renaissance.
This was an interesting audio-fiction podcast to listen to. Based on a true person, Stephanie St. Clair, the Harlem Queen. I’m always fascinated by the cover-up of Black History in the US, like damn where was this in history class? And that’s why I thank that podcasts exist. In addition, the fact I wanted to look up more about her. Fascinating. The audio drama is filled with mafia deals and running a successful numbers game (illegal). Episodes are under 20 minutes and easy to binge.
Michael Bergonzi • Audio Drama Reviews
“Harlem Queen does what any good historical story should achieve at some level: get people interested in the period or person they’re dramatizing.”
Michael hits it right on the nose.
Podcast: Drifting Off with Joe Pera
Genre: Sleep, Comedy
Publisher: Joe Pera
About: Drifting Off With Joe Pera is an evening comedy podcast from comedian Joe Pera and composer Ryan Dann. With low-key jokes, immersive soundscapes, and relaxing phone conversations, Joe’s narration and Ryan’s sound design will help you unwind and perhaps even fall asleep. Featuring guest composers and interviews with interesting folks, the podcast will be released on the first Sunday of every month. Sorry, it's not more often but this is the fastest we can do thoughtful, quality work.
The first episode is released with guest comedian Jo Firestone and Joe chatting about making soup. The soundscape reminds me of a chill Lofi vibe like that of Lofi Girl. I probably need 30 minutes of this to fall asleep, but it’s only 15 min.
Nicholas Quah • Vulture
“On paper, Drifting Off with Joe Pera might seem like a curious addition to the microgenre. Except, well, it’s Joe Pera, the Michael Jordan of relaxing vibes.”
Weekly Charts (Jan. 30th - Feb. 5th)
Stay safe, treat people with kindness, and have a glass of water.
Listening with you,
Captain Ron
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