Hold me...Podcasts🤗
Top 24 podcasts of 2024!
Hey Poddy People!
It feels like it’s been 84 years since my last newsletter. A lot has happened since then. We (Great Pods) went through 2 rounds of interviews with TechStars LA accelerator for startups. Selection committees will pick 15 startups out of the 600 that applied. Cross those fingers; if you know anyone at TechStars, kindly recommend Great Pods!
I spent 2 to 3 weeks off from heavy Great Pods work during the holidays to attend my cousin’s wedding in Orlando. I got sick and have been slowly recovering. So Happy New Year and let’s see how it goes.
So…let’s gooooo!
Top 24 Podcasts of 2024 on Great Pods list is out! Read it here.
Of the bunch, the top 3 publishers were Wondery (4), Lemonada Media (3), and Goalhanger podcasts (3).
The Observer, the oldest newspaper run by The Guardian (Miranda Sawyer being the main audio critic), has a new investor, Tortoise Media. We know Tortoise because of Sweet Bobby, Hoaxed, Tortoise Investigates, etc…What does it all mean? Read more here.
Podcast friend, Maya Chupkov (Proud Stutter) is now turning it into a video documentary and going to Sundance! Very cool. Check it out.
The local LA charity I support, K9 Youth Alliance had another fundraising event as well. I may not be running the marathon/half-marathon again this year (it’s during Ramadan), but I will be training with them to keep in shape. Donate here.
TuneIn Radio, the company where I learned most of my Silicon Valley startup knowledge for 8 years is going through some changes. Podnews with the hot piece here.
The obvious fires in LA have me moved to my aunt’s home. So far our home is fine. Donate to the LA fire dept foundation.
Notables this week: Added the Severance (Official TV) podcast with Ben Stiller and Adam Scott this week and it already shot up to #1 on GP. The new season starts on January 17th. Trailer here.
On Air Fest 2025 is happening in mid-February, and the lineup being released is looking to be very entertaining. I am excited to see Kareem from Subway Takes web program. Lineup and tickets are here.
On to my picks this week…
Podcast: 16 Sunsets
Genre: Science, Documentary, Space
Publisher: Antica Productions
About: Get ready for "16 Sunsets," a thrilling 10-part podcast series that dives deep into the dramatic history of NASA's Space Shuttle program. Join award-winning storyteller Kevin Fong as he takes you on a journey from the audacious first flight of the Shuttle Columbia in 1981 to the incredible challenges faced by its engineers and astronauts. Featuring captivating music by Christian Lundberg from Hans Zimmer's Bleeding Fingers Composers' Collective, this series brings to life the inspiring tales of those who built and flew the Shuttle, exploring the political and cultural forces that shaped its inception. With over 40 exclusive interviews from NASA veterans and Fong’s personal insights as a witness to the Shuttle era, "16 Sunsets" reveals the human stories behind the missions and celebrates the spirit of innovation that defined a groundbreaking chapter in space exploration.
NASA was launching something special. The Enterprise space shuttle! What a time to be alive during the first space-faring feats of humankind. If you’ve listened to the acclaimed 13 Minutes To The Moon, then you’ll like this podcast from host Kevin Fong. This crowdfunded podcast is a proper documentary if I were to use my imagination. Opening credit music from Hans Zimmer included. Having to re-imagine what that time frame felt like a time capsule as well as the political climate.
Any mention of Star Trek within the history of NASA’s programs always warms my Sci-Fi heart.
Miranda Sawyer • The Guardian
“It’s a well-produced and researched story of Nasa’s space shuttle programme…once we get into the meat of the show, and interviews with those who worked at Nasa, you’re captured...the interviews are fresh, and the use of sound excellent…”
Podcast: The Good Whale
Genre: Documentary, Society
Publisher: Serial, NY Times
About: Fans of the movie “Free Willy” are outraged to learn that the real whale who played Willy lives in a tiny pool at an amusement park in Mexico City. So well-intentioned experts embark on an epic science experiment to try to teach one celebrity orca how to be free — while the world watches.
The Good Whale got better for me as the episodes went on. Where I felt tired in episode one it slowly turned into something more exciting and even while knowing the ending, I was asking myself the question, “Are they going to be successful?” “You can do it Keiko!”
Chloe Walker • PodcastReview.org
“That nonjudgmental acknowledgment of human fallibility in the face of even the best intentions, combined with one hell of a central story, is what makes The Good Whale such a compulsive listen.”
Podcast: The Telepathy Tapes
Genre: Science, Society
Publisher: Ky Dickens
About: The Telepathy Tapes Trailer introduces you to SEASON ONE of the riveting show by host Ky Dickens. In a world that often dismisses the extraordinary as mere fantasy, The Telepathy Tapes dares to explore the profound abilities of non-speakers with autism—individuals who have long been misunderstood and underestimated. Through emotional stories and undeniable evidence, The Telepathy Tapes offers a fresh perspective on the profound connections that exist beyond words. Traveling with Neuroscientist Dr. Diane Hennacy Powell, witnessing mind-boggling telepathy tests and forging deeply intimate relationships with families around the globe - Host Ky Dickens invites you to contemplate the world through the eyes of those who speak without words. Prepare to be captivated, challenged, and ultimately transformed as the series shines a light on the untold capabilities of those who have been underestimated for far too long.
This surprised me when adding this podcast last month. “Is there a professional review of the podcast so I can recommend it?” My buddy, Sebastian found one from comedian-writer-actor Michael Ian Black’s newsletter where he reviewed The Telepathy Tapes.
Am I still skeptical after listening? Yes. Is it still fascinating? Yes.
Is it a part of human evolution is what I kept asking myself. As a kid, we wished our superheroes were real, like the X-Men. A lot of them mutated because of evolution. But that’s comic book stuff. In real life, we will and should always be skeptical. Ky is going down the scientific testing route, much like Extrasensory’s psychologist did towards the end. This podcast has taken up the listening world with intrigue.
"...the series makes a compelling case that there’s something deep and profound we do not understand about ourselves and our world….it’s an incredible listen. Maybe it resonates with you. Maybe not. If nothing else, it’s fascinating."
‘Top of the Pods’ this past week…
Sidebar: A Suits Watch Podcast - SiriusXM
The Good Whale - NY Times, Serial
The Diary of a CEO - Steven Bartlett
The Telepathy Tapes - Ky Dickens
The Severance Podcast with Ben Stiller and Adam Scott - Apple, Pineapple Street, Audacy
Stay safe, be kind, and feed the needy.
Listening with you,
Captain Ron
Great Pods is your best friend in podcast discovery. Get immersed in engaging critic reviews and ratings to help you decide on your next podcast listen. Tell a friend!
I'm glad you didn't die. Please continue not dying.
Missed ya, Great Pods!