Podblast! You Must Remember This

It's been a while since I've talked about any of the multitude of podcasts I have sitting on my mp3 player to help me whittle away the hours at my day job.  I try to be discerning and make sure the things I listen to are both interesting and intelligent (a rule I put in place after my abysmal experience with The Walking Eye).

Enter Karina Longworth's You Must Remember This, a podcast that embraces my love of classic Hollywood as well as putting together connections I never knew existed between the major stars who shaped an industry.

Podblast! Eban Schletter's Fantastical Musicorium

Every now and again my attention gets grabbed by something small.  It might be the origin of those YKK zippers that seem to be on every article of clothing owned by everybody everywhere, or a single minor actor or actress that I recognize from more than one thing.  Every now and again, though, it's music that catches my ear, and when I discover that someone's doing something new and exciting with an instrument that's not really in the public eye, I get intrigued.

For instance, I've been following the news story of the man whose rare bamboo flutes were either destroyed or lost by customs agents, putting him out of a job with quite some interest because I find the fact that he could make them fascinating.

Another instrument I find interesting is the theremin, an instrument that seems extremely corny until you hear it performed by someone with great skill.  Such is Eban Schletter, the most unusual name I'll probably ever put on my blog.

Podblast! The Walking Eye

Some days, you just have to tune out everything and listen to something that makes you happy.

For that, they invented the podcast, the carry anywhere, listen anytime  radio program.  And there are podcasts about everything.  You want a podcast where people discuss MacGyver's science to see if it holds up?  It exists.  You want a podcast that breaks down each and every episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation?  There's at least one of those.  You want a podcast about sex techniques and health?  ...yeah, some exist.  Look, talk to me later, I'll give you some names.

In Podblast, I discuss podcasts I carry around on my little mp3 player, and discuss just what it is I like about them.

Or, in this case, what I don't like about them.

Podblast! How To Do Everything

I listen to a lot of podcasts.  While driving, working (both at home and at the office), and sometimes while just sitting around, I'll have interviews, humor, and pop culture flowing into my ears from my tiny little music device.

This week, I want to spotlight the How To Do Everything podcast, brought about by two very funny guys: Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag.

Podblast! The Nerdist

After a good night's sleep and a chance to decompress, I think I'm over the Japanese Ninja Turtles cartoon.  It was rough, and there are still questions I have, but as it is I can only assume that the people scripting the series were children, as I'm reminded of a story I heard told by a woman who sat next to a young child on an airplane.  After take-off, the girl turned to her and asked, "When do we get smaller?"  After all, that had been her first trip to the airport, and as she clearly saw with her own two eyes, every plane that left got tiny.

That was the writers of that series.  They were children who managed to look at the facts presented to them and reached the unavoidable wrong conclusion.  I mean, seriously, how does a show expect me to believe that cleaving a skyscraper in half cause it to fall like a tree and land on a giant MechaShredder's h-.....

...okay, deep breaths.  Let's look at something that usually helps me calm down.

I present the podcast I've probably listed to the most number of episodes from (although probably not as often as I've listened to other podcasts repeated), Chris Hardwick's The Nerdist Podcast.

Chris Hardwick is a stand-up comedian originally being known as "that guy who's sick of being asked if he slept with Jenny McCarthy when he hosted "Singled Out" on MTV" or "that guy who was once Wil Wheaton's roommate."

Since then, he's acted on numerous shows, hosted Web Soup, and has had a lengthy career in stand-up, but what he's most well-known for now is founding Nerdist Industries, which produces content for television, the radio, and the web.  He has The Talking Dead, which airs after AMC's hit show The Walking Dead, several video series based off of the hit video game Skyrim, the video series for Startalk (which I've already discussed before), and, my favorite, he does All-Star Celebrity Bowling with a rotating cast of guest stars.  Because, seriously, who doesn't want to see a group of comedians bowl against the cast of Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, Doctor Who, or Mythbusters?

Seriously, the guy's made quite the little media empire, and it seems to just keep growing.

However, the thing I turn to every week is the original podcast, which currently is well past 300 episodes.  Chris Hardwick has a natural talent for interviewing people, whether it's celebrities like Tom Hanks, Neil Patrick Harris, or Mel Brooks (seriously, Mel Frickin Brooks), or simply rising comedians, scientists, or Internet personalities.  His podcasts are truly unique, because unlike a traditional "interview," it's mostly just him spending over an hour talking to his guests about whatever they want to talk about.

Someone comes on wanting to discuss their typewriter collection (spoiler alert: it was Tom Hanks), that's what they talk about.  Someone wants to discuss what they watched on TV the night before or the history of British comedy or simply where a good place to get food in Los Angeles is, that's what they talk about, but Chris manages to keep the guest engaged as well as act as a great foil for us, the audience, since he asks the questions and makes the jokes we're thinking about.

There are also occasional "hostful" episodes, where it's simply Chris and his two cohosts, and while I wasn't as fond of these episodes as I was the interviews, I actually feel like I somewhat know these hosts as people, just not random voices on my mp3 player.  I could listen to a radio host talk to celebrities forever without learning anything substantial about them, or watch Jay Leno or David Letterman talk to stars every night without really getting a sense of who the host is (not including the times when animals visit, those show pretty quickly what the host's personality is).

Plus, I think it helps that, at its core, the Nerdist Podcast is about celebrating what makes you a nerd, something that Chris is regular to point out is nothing to be ashamed of.  He likes to point out that, in today's world, the nerds won.  Everybody has an mp3 player and a computer, video games are multi-billion dollar industry, comic book movies are the biggest blockbusters Hollywood has seen, and it just keeps growing and growing.  Whether you're a programmer, a scientist, a filmmaker, or just someone who likes James Bond a little too much, there's a bit of nerd in everybody these days, and it's those positive "nerd" traits (y'know, the ability to focus and be imaginative to solve problems, not the "unable to talk to other human beings" thing) that should be encouraged.

I almost wanted to put Chris Hardwick down first on my "influences" columns, as I've recently picked up his book The Nerdist Way to read, as it seems to talk a lot about how to use those traits that once got you stuffed in a locker to realize what potential your life has and seize it.  However, I'm still only part way into it, so we'll see how well it does on that.

In the meantime, I can't recommend enough that people go to his website and check it out, I can almost guarantee there will be something there you'll find that tickles your fancy.

After all, the man got to do the music video for a new Ben Folds song, guest-starring the Fraggles for their 30th anniversary.  The man's making quality entertainment.

Podblast! StarTalk

I am convinced that, no matter where he is at any given time, Neil Degrasse Tyson (not to be confused with the TV show Degrassi) is probably one of the, if not the, smartest person in the room.

He is also the owner of the most awesome vest ever.

A brilliant astrophysicist, I initially found out about him through, of all places, The Daily Show.  Jon Stewart interviewed him about his book The Pluto Files, detailing the discovery, history, and reclassification of the planetoid Pluto.  Now, I'll admit I was upset when Pluto's classification was changed, but after hearing the logic and reasoning behind it, I've come to accept it.

After all, to refuse to change how we classify things when new data is presented pretty much goes against the very nature of "science" in any form.

I picked up his book, read it, and watched him appear a few more times on The Daily Show as a consultant: solving a Rubik's cube as he explained how the universe worked, while still having enough time to point out that the globe The Daily Show uses for its logo spins in the wrong direction.  I don't think I had ever laughed harder at that show.

Later, during episodes of The Universe, I found him again, this time breaking down complex puzzles of science, space, and how things worked on our own world into bits that I could easily digest, whether I was exercising at the gym or watching while curled up in bed.  

So, it seemed inevitable that, while searching for interviews of him on various podcasts, I discovered that he has his own, and it is epic.  Each episode of StarTalk is like a miniature science lesson, but not always about astrophysics.  Usually, Neil Degrasse Tyson- I'm just going to call him Dr. Tyson, since that's how Superman addresses him.

It's the SAME VEST.  ME WANT.

Each week, Dr. Tyson usually has two guests on; a person somehow connected to a specific scientific field, and a comedian/actor to bring some levity and humor to the proceedings.  Now, the comedian is sometimes hit or miss.  Several that have been on come across as "okay, enough intellectual talk, pay attention to ME now" or "yeah, whatever, so, here's my complaint about my life at this moment."  It's like sitting down in front of a warm slice of pie, but right as you're halfway through, someone plants their foot in their face to talk about toe fungus.  Fortunately, these specific comedians don't show up often.

His other guests can range anywhere from active NASA astronauts to actors like Wil Wheaton.  In a day of listening to older episodes, I heard interviews with Moby regarding the science of music, professor James Kakalios discussed superhero science, neuroscientist (and absolutely gorgeous woman way out of my pay grade) Cara Santa Maria discussed the make-up of the brain, and Wil Wheaton discussed the science of Star Trek. 

Obviously not Dr. Tyson, but she has a Carl Sagan tattoo, and that's just as awesome as the vest.  And more pleasant to look at in candlelight.

These are all brilliant, but there are several episodes that stand out.  His interviews with Michele Nichols made me re-appreciate the original Star Trek series, both for its advances in science fiction, but also for the amazing advances it had in how society viewed other people (that rumored story about Michele Nichols being talked into staying on the show by Martin Luthor King, Jr?  Totally true.)

There was a two-part series discussing salt, one of the most common chemical compounds on our planet, and how it's affected not just health, but the entire path of human history.  The conversations during this show really broke down that there is a great link between things that happen at a cosmic scale and things that happen on a micro scale.  

For one episode, Neil did a tribute to the events of 9/11, and I'll be honest, I couldn't listen to it completely in one hearing.  Hearing the details directly from Neil, no guests around, no jokes being made, just him telling his experience blocks away from where it happened was so haunting, it felt like I was in physical pain.  Not because it was unpleasant, but that this was someone I had such respect for talking about being in this condition, I felt that somehow all I've done in my life up to this point wasn't enough to help in the world.  That during that time, I had failed, as a person, to help somehow when people needed me.

Whether he's discussing what the fashion trends will be once we're in outer space or simply talking about why certain overhyped apocalypses are total bunk, you always get the sense that Neil Degrasse Tyson isn't just excited to know this information, but he's excited at the idea of everybody else knowing and understanding it as well.  The man wants nothing more than for people to educate themselves and ask questions.

Now, while there are some moments where there are a few knocks against some more commonly held belief systems, I don't think that Neil Degrasse Tyson insists people believe what he believes.  He never belittles his guests for having different faith than he does (last I've read, he states he's an agnostic).  He might attempt to decrease some one's reliance on religion to explain how the universe works, but that's only because he's so amazed by everything in the universe, he's actually incapable of believing it was "just made in six days."  With so much information in the universe, I'll admit I frequently agree that I can't just accept things are "as they are" when every day science brings us closer to explaining why.  Or if not explaining it, at least providing more questions to answer.

Or, as he puts it, "The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it."

But if you aren't sure you want to listen to him, why not read some awesome Twitter quotes of his, or simply Google (this is an official verb now, right?) some of his appearances on television?  I think you'll find, like I have, that the man is charming and educational at a level that has not been seen by (occasional guest of his) Bill Nye.

Only with better fashion, naturally.

Podblast! Talkin' Toons

I'll admit, I'm still testing out what does and doesn't work with this blog so far, but I'm halfway through the month and still going strong!  Which means I can try something new, this time taking a look at something that's taken over my listening moments lately:

Podcasts!

...you know, those little episodic deals that are like radio shows that you can download?  Sometimes they actually are radio shows?  Anyway.

Every now and again, I'm going to take a look at one of the podcasts whose episodes (pods?) are filling up my mp3 player, and we're going to start with the one that lured me down this rabbit hole in the first place.  The initial podcast that, upon consumption of a ridiculous number episodes in a single day, left me not just wanting more, but craving it.  Instead of feeling like I was drowning in the audible presence of the same individual, I instead felt like I had been alone for days with no reminder of my own humanity, and desperately needed that connection again just to keep myself sane.

I'm speaking of course of Rob Paulsen's podcast Talkin' Toons.

 

Doesn't look familiar?  How about now?

Yeah, if you ever watched a cartoon since the 80s, you've heard the voice of this Emmy award winning actor.  In case you question this, I dare you to check his imdb site and scroll through to any show you remember watching when you were young.  I bet you he probably did a voice on it somewhere.

A few years ago, as Mr. Paulsen puts it, he had a break between jobs and decided to keep himself busy by starting up his own podcast, simply answering questions and talking about being in the business of voice work in animation.  Thus was born Talkin' Toons, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a personal reason for listening.

I always wanted to do cartoon voices growing up.  Even young, I knew I couldn't compete with the "handsome hunks of Hollywood" for any kind of acting, but I loved to do characters and play pretend. I'd sit and listen to accents and speeches, watch tons of cartoons (as people have already guessed) and would sit by myself, trying to twist my voice just to see what I could get out of it.  I even studied cartoon "acting," as it were, trying to figure out how I could get my voice to carry all the weight that many actors could get with facial expressions and body control.

The funny thing was, growing up I was also learning sign language, which is exactly the polar opposite of learning how to manipulate your voice, since most of signing isn't even hand usage, but facial expression and body posture.  But both teach the art of nuance, since even the slightest inflection in a voice or shift of posture while communicating could change the entire message of what you were saying.

I will admit, I always felt a little guilty taking such a love of sound, since I grew up with a Deaf sister.  The fact that she would never hear a bird sing, a car horn blare, or even just the sound of the wind in the trees, much less funny cartoon voices, made me both doubly appreciate those funny little voices on the television as well as keep my feet on the ground, as I never wanted her to feel bad that she couldn't take part in something I enjoyed.

Sadly, I don't think voicing cartoons was ever meant to be, as my love is still there, but life simply didn't run in that direction for a possible career.  But it hasn't stopped me from having Mel Blanc as one of my all-time heroes and following the careers of voice actors both for American and Japanese animation.  Sometimes, I'll admit, I do still think about that dream and wonder.

Of course, some voice actors rise above the rest, with talent that simply makes you truly wonder if the pay scale in Hollywood is fair.  Your Maurice LaMarche, your Tom Kenney, your Frank Welker (especially your Frank Welkers), your Tara Strong and Jennifer Hale and all these other talents bring such life to drawn characters that we all have such strong ties to.  For Rob Paulsen, I know he can bring a smile to every face in a room full of people with a simple "Hellooooo, Nurse!" or "Narf!"  I've listened to him say that he's reduced people to tears with a "Cowabunga" or...well, there's a reason he regularly has to sing this at live appearances:

In his podcast, Rob tells stories of getting started in acting, tells tales of recording sessions, and, starting after a few basic Q&A episodes, starts bringing in other talent to interview.  Have you wanted to hear the story of the man who voices both Tigger and Pooh (Jim Cummings), or perhaps you want to listen to stories by June Foray, the voice of Rocky the Flying Squirrel (95 years old and still acting!)

Every week, another great episode from Rob (who, I'll point out, doesn't get paid to make this, and is busy already doing...well, just look at that imdb page!), and each one is just as enjoyable as any before it.  The man has a genuine warmth in his voice, and just by listening you can hear both the love he has for his art and the love he has for his fans.  Every name he reads of someone with a question is handled like it's an old friend.  I'll admit, when he read my name aloud to ask my question, I almost fell out of my chair and couldn't wipe the grin off my face for several hours.

Episodes of his podcast can be retrieved from iTunes or from his own personal website.  Every episode is free, but you might notice a special event on there where a bunch of actors who played every character from your childhood got together to read "A Christmas Carol" for charity.  My recommendation: listen to a few episodes, realize just how much these characters mean to you, and then pay a dollar for some entertainment.

And as Rob always says at the end of his podcast, "Laughter is truly the best medicine; you can't OD and the refills are free."

Thank you, Rob, for all the refills, may your supplies never run empty.