This article originally appeared in the December 2015 issue of Louisville Magazine.
To subscribe to Louisville Magazine, please click here.
We're a city of folks who love to discover new things and then talk about them afterward. Some so much that they've started their own podcasts to connect with an audience bigger than their social media network — Here are the standout podcasts that every Louisville resident needs.
House by the Video Store
The hosts review and dismantle horror and sci-fi movies (Alien, Shaun of the Dead, Mad Max: Fury Road) in a thoughtful manner that never derides the material for the sake of an easy laugh. This is not to say anyone here is above a well-placed joke.
Movie Meltdown
Host Bryan Meltdown has a clear affection for all things Hollywood, whether that’s interviewing character actors like Yaphet Kotto (Live and Let Die), discussing the special-effects craft with Greg Nicotero (Django Unchained) or trying to figure out what makes Harry Dean Stanton tick.
None of the Above
None of the Above works almost as a parody of that morning-drive/zoo-crew vibe. That host Elliot Turton has on-air experience is immediately evident on the show, which features a variety of co-hosts, assorted games, a segment on non-traditional alcoholic beverages and a weekly string of guests, usually a who’s who of Louisville noise and indie bands.
Louisville Beer
I was hipped to Gordon Biersch (I wrote it off as a chain), Akasha Brewing Co. in NuLu and 3rd Turn Brewing in Jeffersonville. Hosts and guests embrace their inner slob, with routine belching and salty language.
Probably Not
Led by Alex Smith, aka musician Howell Dawdy/Lydia Burrell, this is a goofy/smart show that often culls guests from the local music community. The game-show portion blends Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me! and awkward Candid Camera humor.
Girl Gone Geek
Girl Gone Geek, affiliated with the Destination comic book store in St. Matthews, is as advertised: a feminine perspective on geek culture. Hosted by Nicole Robey, episodes explore a variety of themes, including Dr. Who, gaming and favorite superheroes. Robey refines her arguments into something reasonable and comprehensive, rather than the kind of scattershot emotional rants that tend to crop up in these sorts of genre-fueled debates.
What Happens Next?
This podcast from the Louisville Improvisors is...well, just listen to the absurd episode titled “Will Oldham Likes Chinese Food.”
Actual Conversations
Local emcee Corey Profumo, aka CJ Prof, and producer Richard Herrell, aka Filthy Rich, conduct in-depth and often candid conversations with guests in a way that often subverts rap’s close-to-the-vest attitude.
Parade of Horribles
On this legal podcast, lawyers Dan Canon and Joe Dunman (names you may recognize as being instrumental in the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to legalize gay marriage) are the smart alecks in class who are prone to argue with the teacher but know exactly what they’re doing — and precisely where the line is. You can learn a lot from these two.
Strange Fruit
On this WFPL-affiliated podcast, Kaila Story and Jaison Gardner parse the news of the week while offering unique cultural perspectives grounded in African-American and LGBTQ life. The two tackle delicate matters without coming across as unnecessarily divisive or combative and are interesting even if you disagree with their viewpoints.
Want to listen? Start with the playlist below:
This article originally appeared in the December 2015 issue of Louisville Magazine.
To subscribe to Louisville Magazine, please click here.
By Syd Bishop
Image: Shorpy.com
