My one and only Podcast was a flop

I'm always hearing about runners talking about their favorite podcast. Some have even made a top list of the best running ones.

I for one know that I can not run while listening to people speak. I've tried listening to the radio while I run before and every time the music stops (due to talking or commercials) I can tell I start to struggle.

However, this past summer I downloaded a book (short story rather), The Gingerbread Girl,  and I listened to it while I walked on the rail trail.  The story was only about 2 hours long and I walked more than 7 miles while listening to it. It was a blissful day on the trail!  That experience got me thinking that I'd love to download more short stories (preferably less than 2 hours) to listen to while I walk. Over Holiday break my sister showed me how to download some podcasts to my ipod. Why hadn't I done this before?

I found a podcast series on Fashion. I thought for sure that after listening to these that I would have some fresh new ideas to write about for my newspaper column.  I downloaded about 10 of them and was eager to get listening.

Now usually if I don't like something I'll just keep it to myself and move on. There's no need to spread negativity. However, I feel so passionate about how BAD this podcast is that I just had to get it off my chest share.  I don't want to be cruel enough to share the name of it but I do believe she records it from the Chicago area. The podcast is about 30 minutes long and half of the time she is talking about her Facebook group and how everybody needs to follow her rules before they join (she spends a LOT of time talking about this). She also talks about how she gives so much valuable advice for FREE so her facebook page is NOT a place to ask for advice...blah blah blah.  She then spends time trying to promote her jewelry line and how each piece is so unique, followed by promoting her personal styling service and how much of an amazing value it is!


With the remaining time left over, she whines talks about a a certain topic. One recent one I listened to was about Fashion week and how we need to just love it for what it is and stop trying to make it something it's not. Another recent cast was how women need to stop feeling guilty about spending money on themselves for clothing. I think the topic titles are good and make you think some good information will follow but the execution of is only sub-par to say the least (and I'm being nice here).

And the thing is, after the first couple of her podcasts I CONTINUED to listen to more because I assumed they just HAD to get better. They didn't.

This lady has such a whiny voice and she repeats the same thing over and over again during her podcast. I think her whole podcast could be wrapped up in maybe 2 or 3 sentences but she continues to drag it on. I really wanted to learn something, but I didn't.

So now this makes me wonder, what exactly does it take to make a podcast and can anybody do it? (I'm in no way considering doing a podcast, I'm just curious).

Even though my first pick of a podcast was disappointing, I'm not giving up on them quite yet.

Do you have any suggestions for me? Which ones should I stay away from? -M

PS: I'm pretty sure my ipod died this week. I was using the ipod Nano. I guess its time to look for a new one.  
Who still uses an ipod and who uses their phone?

45 comments:

  1. There are so many good podcasts out there! A few of my favorites: Happier with Gretchen Rubin, Endurance Planet, Endurance Ladies Radio, Run to the Top and the Dinner Party Download. All entertaining but I also don't listen while I run (I prefer music), I usually listen while I'm driving or hanging out at home.

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    1. Yea, I bet they would be good to listen to while driving. I'll have to check some of those out. Thanks

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  2. Lol, laughing because I was listening to a terrible running podcast once and I kept thinking it would get better. They were full of excuses about why the run didn't get done or how bad it was blah blah and I kept thinking surely this will improve.. it never did. There were three girls that did it together, I can't remember the name but I suffered through like 10 episodes. I do the The Moth, This American Life, Stuff You Missed in History, History Hour, Marathon Training Academy, Death Sex and Money, Stuff you Should Know, Criminal, Generation Why, The Memory Palace and Lore to name a few. I listen to a lot of podcasts :) and at Halloween I like Anything Ghost

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  3. I have a love/hate relationship with podcasts myself. I truly believe that some of them are just people who want to hear themselves talk- lol.
    But, one that I love: Tara and Johnny! Tara Lipinksi and Johnny Weir, the Olympic ice skaters have a podcast they put out via NBC and it's hysterical. They are an awesome duo and just fun to listen to. Aside from that, I don't really get into podcasts nearly as much as some of my friends. I just listen to worship music when I run and that does the trick! :)

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  4. I am in love with podcasts although I listened to one recently where a guest kept saying "umm" every two seconds, literally. It got turned off, needless to say. Sorry your first podcast was a bad experience!

    My favorites are:
    -The Disney Exhange
    -Mickey Milers (they had Jeff Galloway on as a guest recently!)
    -WDW Radio Podcast
    -Be Our Guesf Podcast

    I haven't made it there yet but I've heard that the Runner's World Podcast is a good one!

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    1. Oh, I'll have to check the Disney ones out. Thanks for the suggestions!

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  5. Wow!! and to think people listen to her podcast and probably follow her!

    I listen to Another Mother Runner occasionally, most of the day at work I'm listening to audiobooks.

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    1. I have heard that another mother runner is a good one. What audio book are you listening to?

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  6. I must be the only one that does not listen to podcasts! I feel like I don;t want or need anymore stuff to listen to. Hope you find a good one for you

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  7. I don't like to multitask -- so I don't listen to stuff while I walk (and usually I'm watching the dogs, anyway) or run.

    Public speaking, even behind a mike, is not easy. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be good at it. I recently actually read an article about how to make a good podcast (and no, I'm not thinking about it either) and yes, there are definitely good & bad ones.

    Marcia has mentioned she wants to do one . . . I bet she'd be awesome!

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    1. Funny you should mention walking with the dogs because when I listen to my ipod while walking Baylee I feel as if I'm being rude..lol. Now I don't listen to anything and just concentrate on her. Yes, I even talk to her sometimes.

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  8. Like Deborah, I think I'm the only one who doesn't listen to podcasts either! I like to listen to music when I'm running--I don't want to concentrate on too many things at once!

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    1. I'll only listen to music while running too. I'll save the podcasts for walks and bike rides.

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  9. Don't give up on podcasts! It's funny because I can't listen to audiobooks at all (whether I'm running or not) but I listen to podcasts every day. I would recommend looking at the top list (you can see this on the podcast app in apple) and choosing one that looks interesting to you. I'm not really a fan of ranty podcasts, and like it when there's a specific topic or structure and multiple hosts. I have so many suggestions if you want any!

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    1. I actually heard of one on the radio the other day and when I get a new ipod (or fix the old one) I'm going to check it out!

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  10. Oh man, there are so many amazing podcasts out there! Keep looking, I promise... Yes, pretty much anyone and their mother can make podcasts these days. All you need is a phone with a voice recorder instead of a fancy studio. And a lot of people will just use audio from videos they've done to turn into podcasts to reuse content. I listen to a lot of online business-type podcasts. Not sure if those are of interest. But pay attention to the ratings in the itunes store. That will help. ~Jessica Marie @ www.flashfittrainer.com

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    1. Haha, it never occurred to me to check ratings! Thanks for the tip.

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  11. I have listened to some terrible podcasts! Occasionally I'll find one where the host has an annoying voice, but at least the content is good. I usually start with the top podcast list on iTunes then explore topics. It does take a few tries to find the perfect one. I used to like Running on Om, but she stopped making them -- luckily, the old ones are archived. Non-running related: I listen to BBC audio dramas (like soap operas). ;) It's a little dorky, but now that I know the characters I really look forward to it. Sometimes I run races listening to my show. Oh and I use my phone now. I used to use my iPod nano.

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  12. I'm sorry you didn't like that podcast! I am actually really pick about podcasts. Many of them start to annoy me after awhile because I start noticing little quirks that start to irritate me. There are a couple that I have always liked so I do have some staples! Have you ever listened to Fresh air with Terry gross? If you go to her website on npr.org, you can search topics or guests in her archives and find one interesting to you. Name anyone and I guarantee she has interviewed them! I find her voice very soothing so it would definitely be more of a walking podcast!

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    1. I've never heard of Terry Gross but I will look her up!

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    2. I love her!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I met her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      http://meggorun.blogspot.com/2014/11/my-evening-with-terry-gross.html

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  13. I much prefer listening to music over podcasts. Since I'm a visual person, I find it incredibly difficult to follow along with a podcast.

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  14. I live by my ipod. I hate to suck my battery down on my phone.
    yeahhhhh- I think anyone can make a podcast so you'll hear all kinds of them. I have gone through so many that I listen to just one or two & I'm like, DELETE .. never go back. There's too many good ones out there. Keep searching. I always like to look at what they have listed on iTunes as their Hot & Trending or Noteworthy - forget how they word it. Check those out in your area you want to listen to.

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    1. You'll have to make a list of the ones you wont go back too. Save the rest of us the trouble...lol

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  15. I never listen to podcasts and glancing through the comments I see I'm not alone. I still run with an ancient iPod shuffle but music only.

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    1. Hey, nothing wrong with that. I prefer running to music too!

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  16. I've never been a fan of podcasts...listening to people speak just isn't relaxing for me. I also use my nano from 2007, because I don't want to suck the battery out of my phone.

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  17. I listen to them on long car trips when the radio starts cutting out. I like ProBlogger for bloggging tips.

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    1. I've always listened to books on tape (or cd rather) on long car trips. But now the car is the only place I have a CD player anymore!

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  18. I keep saying I want to get a nano to hold all of my music. My phone is 16GB, and it's fighting between photo storage and music for my runs. If I run on the treadmill, I'd use the nano and have more music to choose from.

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    1. I love my nano! I hope to get another one, or better yet, bring this one back to life!

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  19. What is Happier with Gretchen Rubin about? I'll have to check her out.

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  20. I'm an avid podcast listener! Whenever I have a chance, I'll listen to a podcast. I prefer Health and Fitness types - Model Health, Run to the Top, Strength Running, Wellness Force to name a few. I'm also a big fan of the Tim Ferris show for personal development. Sorry to hear your first podcast was horrible. I'd tune out as well if all I hear are rants. Hope you find some good ones to listen to.

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  21. Oh man, I HATE when a podcast is so disappointing and annoying!! I found a new one I hoped to like but the main speaker says "uh" SO MUCH I can't get over it. I also think even podcasts I LOVE end up a little repetitive and nitpicky at times and then I need a break!

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  22. Oh no! That sounds awful. I honestly haven't gotten into podcasts at all either... I have low tolerance for such annoying things.
    I still have an ipod, but I just use my phone these days.

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  23. I have tried getting into them but my mind always tends to drift off!

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  24. Podcasts have never really been my thing, of course I've never actually listened to one so who knows, but right now my appeal factor to them is near zero, LOL
    However, if I did listen to one and like the one you did they were complaining, why would I want to listen to something less than uplifting or educational, so I am with you I wouldn't have enjoyed that either!

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  25. I loved listening to the Serial podcast when I was doing my walking recovery! I tried to listen to other podcasts like you did and found most of them just kind of dumb. Maybe I didn't find the right one either!

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  26. I've only listened to maybe a handful and couldn't stick with any. The one I liked when the RLAM ladies interviewed a woman who ran 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days. That was fascinating. I like Ben Greenfield when his topic is something of interest. That Fashion one sounds whacked.

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