Last week on CNET’s The Real Deal podcast, I realized that a lot of my favorite podcasts have no topic. In fact I do a podcast called East Meets West that intentionally has no stated topic. So I’ve decided, without their approval, to start a trade group for these podcasts called Podcasts without Portfolio. Here are the charter members, whether they like it or not.
You Look Nice Today
Had the idea for this trade group while listening to the latest episode. While ostensibly about emotional hygiene, it’s really about saying funny things.
No Agenda
Was this podcast with John Dvorak and the Podfather, Adam Curry cerated created as an homage to East Meets West? Only history can judge.
Tangential Convergence
Smart Canadians talk about smart things while usually drinking.
Jawbone Radio
I never knew that life living near Cleveland could uncover so many universal truths.
Honorary Membership: Extra Life Radio
It’s a gaming podcast, but really it’s much much more.
November 16th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
You could include Never Not Funny. It’s a hilarious podcast hosted by Jimmy Pardo. They went to a pay format a few months ago, though. You can get the first 20 minutes for free, but you have pay for the final ~70 minutes.
November 16th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
No love for The 404? :)
November 16th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Doesn’t the 404 have a topic? (Technology) I left the Phileas Club out for the same reason (world politics/news). But I see now that No Agenda claims ‘politics’ as their topic, so they may be ousted.
November 16th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
“cerated” shouldn’t that be created or is Adam Curry coated with wax ? :)
November 17th, 2008 at 12:52 am
I always thought East Meets West was about cartography, and that you and Roger just never got around to it. As a big fan of serendipity, EMW is one of my favorites, since I never know what you’re going to talk about, but it’s always entertaining & enlightening. I just wish there were a way to spin the wheel & stumble across other random podcasts that I would never seek out, but would enjoy if I heard. Your list is a good start.
Thanks.
BTW, No Agenda may claim to be about politics, but their oblique tangents make them as much about nothing as any episode of Seinfeld… and often as squirmingly funny.
November 17th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
I listen to a couple on this list, and I find they’re usually the most enjoyable, maybe because they often feel more like conversations. I have to balance those out with some science and news podcasts to feel like I’m getting some substance out of my listening time, though. My wife recently started a podcast that’s more on the podcast-without-portfolio side, and we looked at You Look Nice Today as something of a model.
November 28th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
To be fair, it is usually me who is doing most of the drinking, Ken only does some. Now there was that episode while our wives were enjoying their Caprica Six martinis, but that is another matter.
Thanks for the mention Tom.
Hopefully we can get a few more out soon, as Ken is the only librarian at our university he is a tad busy, and well, I am just plain lazy…. That said, we are hiring another librarian, so Ken may have more time. Then again, we may co opt the new librarian into our show.
OK, I am starting to ramble, well you know, I am drinking… (I actually am, hell it is Friday…)
December 13th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
I don’t need any more podcasts, but I can’t resist an @acedtect recommendation. I already listen to YLNT. Adding the rest, including http://heidiandlenser.com/ thanks. :)