Radio is outdated.
Even when compared to written forms of media; books, newspapers and magazines, which increasingly are being replaced by more modern "E-" forms of themselves... radio is outdated.
Of radio I am speaking of the type by which news, weather and even sports games were broadcast for all to hear. The type of radio where actual people talked, had conversation, and were interviewed, while a public listened on with only their ears and imaginations to lead them onward.
Unfortunately, in an age of pixelated entertainment, we find that the stimulation once gained from radio is no comparison when placed among behemoths as IMAX movie screens and picture-in-picture NFL binges. Have you ever tried listening to a baseball game on the radio?
But, being a lover of all things anachronistic I have recently taken a liking to switching on the local AM radio station. While also a way to escape the interminable rounds of top 40 hits played on music stations, I began to find that tuning in to AM talk shows was a way for me to become informed on issues local and national that I otherwise would take no interest. While in the confines of my vehicle on the commute up I-75, I was able to experience intelligent (OK not always) banter on a variety of topics. I was hooked.
My explorations into this radio-hole of sorts led me to discover NPR. NPR, short for "National Public Radio" is a publicly and privately funded national media organization headquartered in Washington D.C. In addition to broadcasting over local radio stations, they provide a downloadable radio app which presents a seemingly endless feed of news stories, research and interviews, all of which can be skipped, rewound and re-played, very much akin to Pandora. The app also lets you favorite a segment you find interesting, and will then play similar segments in the future based on your interests.
NPR also provides many of its shows in the form of podcasts which are all free to download. Not just for grandma and grandpa, podcasts range in content from recent pop culture, to jazz music, to economics and food (as well as the economics of food!) Rather than just the same old news, these podcasts provide a wealth of information on at least one topic that everyone can find interesting. The radio hosts are entertaining, not dry and apathetic. The topics are applicable and unconventional. And the best part, with each podcast I have listened to, I have arrived at some new and profound conclusion or tidbit of information that I did not know before.
If you are searching for something new or wish to re-capture an art form that has been overlooked, NPR can provide some solace to those of the fateful "Mass media conquers all" mindset. To me, NPR is an organization dedicated to providing information to the public, in a way that is pure and simplistic as well as entertaining and dare I say even boundary-pushing at times.
Here are just a few of my oft-enjoyed NPR podcasts.
1. "Ask Me Another"
The NPR quiz show...and we all know I'm a sap for puzzles and trivia. This show can be intensely interactive (I play along in the car) which can make drive-times fly by. Celebrity appearances are frequent, and the show's puzzles are founded on word-play (hope you like anagrams) and witty puns.
2. "Wait... Wait Don't Tell Me!"
Another quiz type show, however, "Wait... Wait" is more focused on news-related factoids mixed in with riddles and clues. A favorite section of mine comes in the form of "news related limericks" which make you smile due to their sheer cleverness and forced rhyme schemes.
3. "Planet Money"
Money is great, but this podcast is about far more than just the green that makes the world go 'round. Planet money is an economics focused show that explores broader topics such as why we do what we do, and has even gone so far as to delve into the financial budgeting of ISIS. Money shapes just more than our purchasing preferences.
4. "How to Do Everything"
Two perfectly odd and nerdy individuals by the name of Mike and Ian tell you... well ... just look at the title. Users often call in with sometimes petty and sometimes grand issues, and the show’s hosts talk to experts to find out how to solve them. If you have ever wondered how to turn yourself into a fossil, this is the podcast for you.
