Highbrow Magazine - podcasts https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/podcasts en The Satirical Story of MoviePass, as Told by Comedians https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/17076-satirical-story-moviepass-told-comedians <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/media" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Media</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Wed, 11/17/2021 - 12:27</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1cinema_0.jpg?itok=sE830LZZ"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1cinema_0.jpg?itok=sE830LZZ" width="480" height="418" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">MoviePass, the subscription service that allowed users to see one movie a day for $10 per month. Supported by 91 percent of all U.S. cinemas, the subscription became a necessity for moviegoers. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/average-price-a-movie-ticket-soars-911-2018-1178410/amp/" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">In 2018, MoviePass had upwards of 3 million subscribers and the average movie ticket price was $9.11</a>. If a user bought two tickets in a month, they would save $8.22. MoviePass was unsustainable. By May 2018, the service saw a loss of $40 million. The question surrounding MoviePass was not why it failed, but rather, how did the company believe it could ever succeed at such a low price point? And who better to examine the ludicrous failure of MoviePass than comedians?</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><em>Blackout Dates: The True MoviePass Story</em> is a true crime satire podcast that captures the absurdity of MovePass’s demise. Hosted by Zac Gelfand and Spencer Roth-Rose, the show follows true amateur Podcasters investigating the rise and fall of MoviePass. In the search for the truth, they discover a deep-rooted conspiracy theory involving the lakes of CEO Mitch Lowe, mysterious cults, and an ancient deity. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/1moviepass.jpg" style="height:600px; width:600px" typeof="foaf:Image" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">Gelfand and Roth-Rose have a natural on-air chemistry. Their jokes are quick-witted and the story is well-written. They do a great job of basing the podcast in reality for the first few episodes, allowing audiences an understanding of the history of MoviePass and its founders. In doing so, it allows the ridiculous nature of the story unfolding to feel grounded and based in reality.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">The show’s humor never lessens the impact of its wildly outrageous story. Admittedly, the last installment becomes a bit far-fetched, and stands juxtaposed with the rest of its episodes. While humorous, all sense of sanity vanishes leading to a bizarre off-the-rails ending.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/arrivalfilm.jpg" style="height:600px; width:384px" typeof="foaf:Image" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">Gelfand and Roth-Rose are able to craft something that feels wholly unique within the podcast foreground, while also serving as an ode to podcast’s predecessors, radio. Its breezy dialect, story beats, and sound design are akin to that of a detective noir episodic radio show. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">While the direction of <em>Blackout Dates </em>became weird, it nevertheless kept me thoroughly entertained. Clocking in at an hour and a half, <em>Blackout Dates</em> is a fun reminder of the lunacy that was MoviePass. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>Author Bio:</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><em><strong>Ben Friedman is a freelance film journalist and a contributing writer at </strong></em><strong>Highbrow Magazine</strong><em><strong>. For more of his reviews visit bentothemovies.com, his podcast Ben and Bran See a Movie, or follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube: The Beniverse.</strong></em></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>For Highbrow Magazine</strong></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>Image Sources:</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><em>--<a href="https://pixabay.com/illustrations/movies-cinema-marquee-film-270875" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">Pixabay</a> (Creative Commons)</em></span></span></p> <p> </p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/zac-gelfand" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Zac Gelfand</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/spencer-roth-rose" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Spencer Roth-Rose</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/blackout-dates" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Blackout Dates</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/moviepass" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">MoviePass</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/podcasts" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">podcasts</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/movies" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Movies</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Ben Friedman</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Wed, 17 Nov 2021 17:27:09 +0000 tara 10752 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/17076-satirical-story-moviepass-told-comedians#comments Crime Junkies: The Peculiar Rise of True Crime Podcasts on Spotify https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/10402-crime-junkies-popularity-true-crime-podcasts-spotify <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/media" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Media</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Sat, 02/15/2020 - 18:20</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1truecrimespotify.jpg?itok=9_uPrwZf"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1truecrimespotify.jpg?itok=9_uPrwZf" width="480" height="480" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p> <p>True crime storytelling has become increasingly popular around the world, and 2019 delivered some of the most thrilling stories yet. While there are different ways to get your true crime fix, podcasts are tailormade in a way which you can’t find in other media. Spotify is currently giving podcast fans new, engaging ways to listen and discover audio content through a personalized experience so they can binge their favorite crime stories.</p> <p> </p> <p>Listening to podcasts on Spotify grew by more than 50 percent in 2019, and true crime is one of the most popular genres, with <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0U9S5J2ltMaKdxIfLuEjzE">My Favorite Murder</a> with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3DgfoleqaW61T2amZQKINx">Crime Junkie</a> as some of the most streamed true crime podcasts on the platform in 2019. In 2020, fans can look forward to <a href="https://newsroom.spotify.com/2020-01-29/social-psychologist-amanda-vicary-and-spotify-reveal-why-women-are-so-obsessed-with-true-crime-and-share-4-new-podcasts-coming-in-2020/">a fresh batch of true crime podcasts</a>, including the infamous stories of Michelle Carter, Chris Watts, Henry Lee Lucas and Samuel Little, which are expected to launch throughout February and March.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/2truecrimespotify.jpg" style="height:383px; width:574px" /></p> <p>Spotify is also unpacking why women are the ones most drawn to this genre. Listening to true crime podcasts has grown year over year with a 16 percent increase among women compared to men in 2019.</p> <p> </p> <p>Why? Partly so women can learn survival methods if they ever find themselves in threatening situations, explains Dr. Amanda Vicary, a psychology professor at Illinois Wesleyan University. As a specialist in social-personality psychology who has researched this topic for several years, Dr. Vicary worked with Spotify to research why women are attracted to true crime stories.</p> <p> </p> <p>“In reading these stories or listening to these podcasts, you learn how victims encountered threatening situations. You learn techniques to survive, even if they are as simple as locking your door,” Dr. Vicary explains. “Consciously or unconsciously, when you hear these stories, you’re learning what to do if it happens to you.”</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/3truecrimespotify.jpg" style="height:444px; width:600px" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Over the course of her research, Dr. Vicary has found:</p> <p>Women feel more anxious and fearful than men when hearing true crime stories, partly because they’re afraid of being victims. But that isn’t enough to make them stop listening.</p> <p>Women are particularly interested in the psychological elements of true crimes, as well as the survival methods used. They’re especially drawn to stories that include information about what set the killer off, how the victim escaped, and what signs to look for in someone about to turn violent.</p> <p>Many women say listening to a true crime podcast has led them to adjust their behavior by locking doors, carrying mace, avoiding going out alone at night, or otherwise changing their habits to promote better safety.</p> <p><em>You can download and start streaming Spotify today free of charge, or try one of Spotify’s Premium plans to gain on-demand access to 50 million tracks and 500,000 podcast titles.</em></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/4truecrimespotify.jpg" style="height:339px; width:600px" /></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>© 2020 Brandpoint - All Rights Reserved.</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Highbrow Magazine</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Image Sources:</strong></p> <p><em>--Spotify</em></p> <p><em>--Caravaggio painting (1599)</em></p> <p><em>--'Jack the Ripper' crime drawing (circa late-1800s)</em></p> <p> </p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/podcasts" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">podcasts</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/true-crime-podcasts" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">true crime podcasts</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/spotify" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">spotify</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/my-favorite-murder" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">my favorite murder</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/crime-junkie" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">crime junkie</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/listening-podcasts" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">listening to podcasts</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/crime-stories" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">crime stories</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">BPT</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-photographer field-type-text field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Photographer:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Spotify; Caravaggio painting (1599)&#039;; Jack the Ripper drawing (1800s)</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Sat, 15 Feb 2020 23:20:14 +0000 tara 9356 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/10402-crime-junkies-popularity-true-crime-podcasts-spotify#comments Noteworthy Podcasts You Should Tune Into Right Now https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/9435-noteworthy-podcasts-you-should-tune-right-now <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/media" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Media</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Sun, 11/04/2018 - 09:56</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/4podcast.jpg?itok=QNS2Y3ee"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/4podcast.jpg?itok=QNS2Y3ee" width="480" height="270" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p> <p>If you like a good podcast, you're not alone. According to Podcast Insights, 73 million Americans listen to podcasts regularly, seven per week on average. You can find a podcast about virtually any subject that strikes your fancy, so if you're looking for a new show to engage you, there is no shortage of fun, information, news, controversy and commentary for you to choose from.</p> <p> </p> <p>Here are five entertaining podcasts that are definitely worth a listen. They all highlight and celebrate relatable, real-life moments that will capture your heart and tickle your funny bone. All you need is a pair of earbuds, and you're good to go.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>How Did This Get Made?</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>As the story goes, comedians Paul Scheer, Jason Mantzoukas and June Diane Raphael were in a bar talking about how bad the movie <em>Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps</em> was, and the idea for "How Did This Get Made?" was born. Highbrow Siskel-and-Ebert-style commentary about cinema, it's not. This laugh-out-loud podcast features the hosts and other guests talking about current movies. If you've seen the movie, you will love hearing their thoughts about it, but even if you haven't caught the film yet, this hilarious show will have you laughing anyway. If you've ever thought about sneaking off to a matinee in the middle of a workday (and we know you have) these are the people you want to take along.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Pet Parents, Oversharing</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Do you have a pet you call your fur baby? Do you secretly watch cat or dog videos on company time? There's a new podcast aimed squarely at you. Hosted by two comedians and now available for streaming, "Pet Parents, Oversharing" explores all of life’s moments we share with our best furry friends, from the endearing to the embarrassing and hilariously awkward, reminding us of the bond that pet parents share. No topic is off limits and you’ll be sure to roll over with your pup in laughter or feel inspired to strike up a friendly chat next time you head to the dog park. Developed by the folks at Freshpet, "Pet Parents, Oversharing" helps pet parents get through the day knowing they’re not going it alone. Tune in to Pet Parents, Oversharing for stories about all things paw, fur and tail.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/5podcast.jpg" style="height:391px; width:625px" /></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Keep It</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Daily Beast culture critic Ira Madison III and co-hosts Kara Brown and Louis Virtel are joined each Wednesday by comedians, journalists and others for a discussion of pop culture, politics, terrible celebrity tweets, events like the Oscars and more. Nothing is out of bounds, from Melania's grammatically challenged Be Best campaign to Louis C.K.'s unwanted comeback to Meghan Markle's annoying father, to how much John McCain loved ABBA. These three hosts are talking about what everyone is thinking. It's the ultimate virtual water-cooler discussion.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>This Is Love</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>This intriguing podcast investigates life's most persistent mystery: love. You'll hear individual, real-life stories of true love, sacrifice and even obsession. You'll meet Nino and Drew, who decided to do something that forced them into the national spotlight. There's also the story of David, who went for a run in Central Park and started talking to a stranger, who turned out to be the love of his life. And Brenda Jackson, who became a bestselling novelist by writing 120 books about her first romance.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/6podcast.jpg" style="height:623px; width:623px" /></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>My Brother, My Brother and Me</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Justin, Travis and Griffin McElroy are brothers who are not experts in anything, but they have a popular podcast in which they dispense advice about various subjects, answer questions submitted by listeners or on Yahoo Answers, and provide addicting and hilarious commentary about nothing in particular. Known as MBMBaM by faithful listeners, the podcast features regular segments including The Munch Squad, in which they recite and ridicule news about new food products, and Haunted Doll Watch, which highlights online classifieds of haunted or possessed dolls. This is like the table conversation at the best Thanksgiving dinner of your life.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Brandpoint</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Highbrow Magazine</strong></p> <p> </p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/podcasts" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">podcasts</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/love-podcast" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">this is love podcast</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/pet-parents-oversharing" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">pet parents oversharing</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/my-brother-my-brother-and-me" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">my brother my brother and me</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/listening-podcasts" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">listening to podcasts</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Brandpoint</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-photographer field-type-text field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Photographer:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Google Images; Cover photo: Gary Knight (Flickr)</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Sun, 04 Nov 2018 14:56:49 +0000 tara 8336 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/9435-noteworthy-podcasts-you-should-tune-right-now#comments From Horror to Fiction to Fantasy: Listening to Podcasts https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/5879-horror-fiction-fantasy-listening-podcasts <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/media" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Media</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Sun, 06/19/2016 - 18:58</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1podcast.jpg?itok=ohG0zGF_"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1podcast.jpg?itok=ohG0zGF_" width="480" height="480" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p> <p>If you have long commute, and the drone of top-40 stations and news talk is reaching a nearly fatal dose, it might be time to consider a podcast or two. Due to the low production costs involved with making a podcast, there are a wide variety of options across platforms. It's no longer just Itunes anymore; Sound Cloud and Stitcher Radio are just two of the options.</p> <p> </p> <p>Among these selections, one can find a promising and entertaining array of audio fiction podcasts. Be they audio fiction magazines, serials, or recordings of public domain e-books published by Librivox, there are plenty of opportunities for enlivening a monotonous drive. Some particularly choice cuts are in genre fiction, particularly horror and weird fiction-themed podcasts. For the uninitiated, weird fiction is the genre at the convergence of horror, fantasy, and science fiction; it's a sort of melange of a few genre categories most associable with H. P. Lovecraft, Algernon Blackwood, M. R. James and Bram Stoker, among many others (if one looks into the history of weird and horror fiction, they needn't look too far or to see noted “literary” authors moonlighting).</p> <p> </p> <p>Podcasts that will best keep you either of heightened pulse or with a preponderant sense of dread — for reasons other than it being Monday — are <em>Pseudopod</em> and <em>Nightmare</em>. The first is an audio fiction podcast, the second  is an offshoot of the horror magazine published by John Joseph Adams. Generally, stories are 45 minutes to an hour long. While <em>Nightmare's </em> narration seems to be the same few actors, <em>Pseudopod</em> has a rotating stable. An added benefit of <em>Pseudopod</em> is Alastair, the editor, giving a brief, philosophical discussion of the tale that finishes each release. On a slightly different note, <em>Drabblecast</em> finds its narration and character a little more humorous, while keeping to the same weird fiction subject matter.</p> <p> </p> <p>These podcasts are all fine and good. The choices are mainly those of curation, and, as such, are much like a car airbag: they're difficult to fully explore or appreciate until something goes horribly wrong. While that's no endorsement, the above podcasts provide exactly what they promise — horror. In many cases, the tales eschew the indulgence in gore and the grotesque, the visceral visuals, that from time to time capture the horror movie industry; lacking the ability to display it in a temporally compact format, maximizing the effect, they don't quite rely on the shock movies convey so easily — perhaps even flippantly.</p> <p> </p> <p>While these podcasts, and more, make up a healthy diet of fiction, if you're looking for something a little more sustained, the serial is also making a comeback. Among these, a particular standout is the contender for the Best Comedy Podcast Award, <em>King Falls AM</em>. (Henceforth, there will be some scene spoilage.)</p> <p> </p> <p><br /> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/2podcast.jpg" style="height:593px; width:593px" /></p> <p> </p> <p>The basic premise of <em>King Falls AM</em> is that it's a late-night talk show on a small town — that being King Falls — AM band station. That much is obvious from the title. What isn't obvious is that King Falls is the weirdest town in the United States — and, also, the seven-time winner of the Best Small Town in America title as awarded by the King Falls Chamber of Commerce.</p> <p> </p> <p>Haunted forests, a lake monster named Kingsey, the occasional zombie, unidentified flying objects, creepy, old rich guys who are never out during daylight hours, and one virulently racist but ever so sweet sounding witch all share space in King Falls. The series often takes a more comedic tone, but often it gets serious in just the right ways. After the abduction of a local by extraterrestrials, a caller asks not only about whether he'll be the same when he comes back but also suggests he might've come down with some sort of disease from outer space, “Pluto Pox.” The outpourings of fear and sometimes even prejudice can be a bit like any patch of people in smalltown USA, but they're also accompanied by the concern of locals for one another — at least as much as can be shown by calling in to a late-night radio show.</p> <p> </p> <p>Other efforts have been made to increase the show's verisimilitude. Every so often, the broadcast breaks for a commercial. Usually these commercials have been for local businesses, like Creepy Carl's Candy or Howard Ford Beauregard III's e-book, <em>King of King Falls</em>, but one for Mac Weldon involving a beloved character from the series was snuck in. This does keep things looking pretty real: If it weren't for the constant censoring of foulmouthed callers and the subject mater, you might even mistake <em>King Falls AM</em> for an actual broadcast (take that <em>Coast to Coast AM</em>).</p> <p> </p> <p><br /> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/3podcast.jpg" style="height:593px; width:593px" /></p> <p> </p> <p>All in all, it's an effective podcast. At times emotional and at times comedic, often capturing the contentions of smalltown politics and the bluster of radio/television debate. Even the host occasionally hanging up on unruly callers is there — a tactic any caller who gets a little unruly or disagrees with an AM talk radio host can tell you all about (although <em>King Falls AM</em> has yet to acquire the selective mute feature that's quite popular, it's just as easily chalked up to the station being old and light on cash). The pressures of losing the trifling advertising funding it gets and ruffling feathers are all there as well.</p> <p> </p> <p>A few years ago, if you'd inquired about radio drama, it's likely you would be pointed in the direction of NPR. <em>King Falls AM </em>certainly picks up where the likes of <em>Big</em><em> Town</em> and <em>Dragnet</em> left off. While they're somewhat more spartan in their approach, <em>Drabblecast</em>, <em>Pseudopod</em>, and <em>Nightmare</em>'s podcasts are all highly recommended.</p> <p>                                                  </p> <p><strong>Author Bio:</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><em>Adam Gravano is a contributing writer at</em> Highbrow Magazine.</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>For Highbrow Magazine</strong></p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/podcasts" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">podcasts</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/psuedopod" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">psuedopod</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/drabblecast" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">drabblecast</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/nightmare" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">nightmare</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/king-falls-am" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">king falls am</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/bram-stroker" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">bram stroker</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/lovecraft" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">lovecraft</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Adam Gravano</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-photographer field-type-text field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Photographer:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Garry Knight (Flickr); Google Images</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Sun, 19 Jun 2016 22:58:10 +0000 tara 7003 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/5879-horror-fiction-fantasy-listening-podcasts#comments