If the Christmas TV and radio schedules aren’t enough for you, then the holiday season is the time to listen to podcasts, writes Ewan Spence. From topical humour and current affairs, to music, fiction and education, there’s something for the whole family. All links point to the website of the show, where you’ll find details on how to listen to the show on your iPod, PC or MP3 player
Podcasting is worldwide, so while Radio 4 has the Friday Night Comedy podcast, there’s a little show on the other side of the Atlantic that is an almost perfect mix of quiz and topical comedy, albeit with a distinctly American flavour. Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me has been running for more than ten years and its gentle wit and family atmosphere are hallmarks of the show.
Table Rappers - Persistent Spirit is the first in a planned series of audio books, which author Neil Dixon brings to life through a reading of the text. But it’s far from an author in search of a microphone, as Dixon uses the serial nature of podcasts coupled with an atmospheric sound mix to bring his characters to life.
Stephen Fry is an early adopter of technology - he was the proud owner of the second Apple Mac in the UK. Stephen Fry’s Podgrams brings his musings and thoughts to the world in this occasional series of shows. The recent addition of a video ‘podgram’ shows both a keen user of modern technology, but also a man at peace with the world and those around him.
With countless podcasts showcasing new music to the world, unsigned bands and DJs have been quick to take advantage of a new way to get music to listeners. In Three From Leith, Scotsman Grant Mason chooses three tracks that have appealed to him in this conveniently-sized podcast of mostly unsigned music.
One of the most well-known pieces of electronic music is the original Doctor Who theme tune, performed by Delia Derbyshire. From a cappella and jazz to ballroom dancing and spaghetti western, Whomix Radio presents countless reinterpretations from artists of this famous signature tune. Prepare for the audio journey of a lifetime.
- For more Christmas TV and radio previews, buy this week’s double issue of The Stage, which also contains reviews of 2008 in TV, radio and live entertainment. Plus, don’t forget TV Today’s own Square Eyes and Turn off the TV previews
Leave a comment