I Used To Read So Much More - What Happened...?

 I picked up a new book recently and started to read it. I've heard good things...Stephen King's son. I've read the first few chapters...so far, I like it. Back in the day, I used to go through books on a regular basis. I was averaging two or three books a month.

They were mostly audiobooks, but still--I count them.

Then, something changed. I stopped reading, and I miss it.

The last book I read was Jared Nathan Garrett's The Seer. I'm embarrassed to say it took me much longer than it should have for me to read a 50k-ish word count book. I soldiered on, I did not stop and after months, the story became a part of me.

The Joe Hill book sits next to me as I write this. I can see it sitting there, no charging cables attached. Funny, physical books never run out of battery power. The question is, when will I pick it up and finish a few more chapters? When will I answer the call?

Maybe Sunday.

This isn't the first time I've asked myself this question. I've thought about it many times. And I think I know the main reason why I've stopped reading book. No, I know the main reason I stopped reading books.

Podcasts.

The Man...Is Back

Browsing  through Twitter the other day (an activity I would not recommend, especially during election season--or, any season, for that matter...), I happened upon a singular tweet that caught my attention.

The Tobolowsky Files are back.

I've blogged about this particular podcast before. Of course, it was years ago, when Stephen Tobolowsky's stories were being broadcast. Then, like a meteor shower, it ended and you're not sure when the next one will streak across the night sky. It might be any minute, or it might be in a couple of weeks or months. But, when you don't see one for years, you wonder if they've stopped for good.

I'm still a podcast guy, but I listen to far fewer than I once did. Plus, I've weened myself from listening to every single episode of my favorites, especially if they're long. I was spending hours upon hours every week making sure I didn't miss a single show. Maybe it's my age--approaching mid-50s--but I just don't care enough to hear hundreds of podcasts anymore.

Stephen's podcast returned after a three-year hiatus. He's put out two episodes so far and he's promised more in the future. If you've never heard The Tobolowsky Files, it's your basic humorous storytelling format. As I've listened to these first two episodes, I've wondered why I enjoy the podcast so much. I think having it gone for years makes me see things better. Stephen discusses his childhood in such a way that it makes me remember mine and I wish I could recall the details of my childhood with such clarity.

Also, Mr Tobolowsky is an actor, and a very successful one at that. I've dabbled in the art of performing myself, but coming nowhere near his level of success. But, hearing his stories, listening to his experiences, I understand some of the thoughts and feelings he's been though because, in some small way, I've had those, too.

Then, there's the humor. The guy's funny, and if there's ever a time we need funny, it's now.

Having created a podcast years ago, I know the amount of work that goes into such an endeavor. I'm glad there are people out there who want to make things better for others, want to share their experiences, want to have a little fun.

I've recommended this podcast before and I'm doing it again. Give it a try--if it's not your cup of tea, no worries. Not all things are for all people, which makes life interesting. This time, when I listen, I hope I appreciate it more...you never know when the lights will stop again from streaking across the night sky.

Lorin Clarke's "The Fitzroy Diaries"...Delightful!

I listen to a few podcasts--not as many as I once did (something had to give...). Because I listened to an episode of The Truth earlier this week, I heard a recommendation for another podcast called The Fitzroy Diaries.

With my curiosity piqued, I checked it out.

It was delightful.

Currently, there's only eight episodes, each under fourteen minutes in length. I listened to them all while at work. These original eight are only the first season. Per Lorin Clarke's website, which you can access by clicking: HERE, the next season is due out October, 2019.

The podcast is not like any I've heard before. It's a work of fiction--which I have heard before--but the fictional podcasts I've heard before have focused on some supernatural event. I like those, don't get me wrong, but there's nothing supernatural about these diaries. You hear of a woman from Australia describe the goings on around her, all culminating in a party at the end of the week.

What caught my attention was the simple conversation (one-way, of course...) you have with the narrator (who also wrote and produced the entire thing...). She tells you of her day. It's intimate and person and wonderful. I was captivated from the first episode.

This is an Australian production. There's a few swear words--even, I believe, an F-bomb hidden in an underscored rant from a neighbor, so there's that. If you wish to be part of this world and if you like podcasts and you have a little extra time, check out The Fitzroy Diaries. Just give the first episode a listen. If you're like me, you'll finish them all and will look with anticipation for the next batch coming soon.

Parcast's "Assassinations" Podcast...A New View Of History

Back in the day I listened to a lot of podcasts. I still do, but not as many as before. Back then I used to try new ones all the time as well. I would get really excited for a new one, but as time went on, I ended up unsubscribing to many of them. It's more difficult than it sounds to keep any creative project interesting for years and years.

I heard about a new podcast this week called Assassinations. It's from Parcast, a network that specializes in scripted, story-driven programing that informs and entertains. Assassinations is only three episodes old and earlier this week, I listened to them all. They focused on one of the most famous assassinations in modern history, the killing of President John F. Kennedy.

JFK was shot almost two years to the day before I was born, and only a week before my brother was born. I don't have a personal connection to the event, but I know my parents were interested in it. When we cleaned out my parent's house after my mother passed away we found copies of the Salt Lake Tribune from November 22, 1963 to November 29, 1963. They did not keep of copy of November 30, 1963--the day my brother was born. Too bad. It would be fun to have a copy of the local paper printed the day you were born.

I liked the podcast. It goes into detail the backstories of the main characters, JFK, Lee Harvey Oswald, and Jack Ruby. The narration is engaging, not dull. It highlights their lives before the event, and it goes into detail about what happened in Dallas decades ago. If you like history, check out Parcast's Assassinations. You can access the episodes by clicking: HERE.

I don't know if I'll be listening to this podcast in a few years. Another reason people stop listening to the episodes is because many podcasts don't make it. I'd like to think that if this one does make it and continues for years to come, I'll be listening to it. As long as the stories follow the network's mantra of providing scripted, story-driven programming that informs and entertains, I'll be a listener.

Dungeon Crawlers Radio...Mark Two

I ran into my friend, Daniel at the latest FanX event that happened last week. He runs a podcast called Dungeon Crawlers Radio, a podcast I've subscribed to for quite some time. A few weeks ago I noticed that I wasn't getting any new podcasts downloaded to my phone. So, when I saw my Dan, I asked him what was up.

Turns out, there's been some changes to their podcast and I was not getting any new ones because I had not yet subscribed to the new podcast.

Situation: Resolved!

Today I downloaded their most recent episode. If you're unfamiliar with this podcast, it consists of their regular commentators, Dan, Jessica, Jared, and McKay. They also have guests from time to time. If you are a geek (and know what being a geek means...), I highly recommend this podcast. Like many podcasts, we get to sit in on their conversations, as if we're in the room while they discuss all things Star Wars, Star Trek, Marvel, DC, comic cons, cosplay, and basically anything else that interests them (they have a lot of interests...).

I've been fortunate enough to get to know Dan better over the past year. That happens when you go to a lot of conventions and symposiums. It's also fun to see him while Lightsaber microphone in hand interviewing great guests at these events. If I were as motivated and dedicated as he is, it's something I would like to do as well.

A couple of observations: sound quality for the new podcast--much MUCH improved! I don't think I ever told Dan (until now...) that the audio quality was not up to par, or subpar as some say. The new podcast greatly improved the listening experience. 

I have only one negative. Usually I listen to podcasts at 2X the normal speed. I tried listening to their latest episode, Batman vs Superman and they hosts spoke really fast, so fast that I had to listen to hear them at 1 1/2X speed to make sure I wasn't missing anything. They speak faster when they're excited.

So, if you're like me (and I doubt you are because you're most likely more savvy on this type of thing...), do a podcast search for Dungeon Crawlers Radio and download their latest version, Version Mark Two. I'm glad I did. 

Just Found It Today..."The Black Tapes Podcast"...Flippin' Fantastic!

We live in amazing times. The whole concept of podcasting is remarkable. Practically anyone anywhere in the world can set up a podcast and put in online. From there, it has the potential to reach almost everyone.

So, considering anyone can podcast and imaginations are as unique as each person, the fact that someone came up with an incredible podcast idea like The Black Tapes Podcast is not surprising.

I'm just glad they did!

What I love about this podcast is it combines great storytelling with creative writing. I first heard about this podcast today (while listening to The Nerdist podcast, interestingly enough...). They described it as This American Life meets Serial. If you're familiar with those podcasts, you'll understand how great a combination like that sounds. I would include the podcast Welcome To Night Vale as well (a podcast I used to listen to and loved until...well, it got kind of old for me...) as worthy of comparison. 

The premise of The Black Tapes Podcast is an NPR-type podcast reporter, while pursuing a story, finds herself ghost hunting. The events of the evening intrigue her to the point she wants to know more. Eventually she meets Dr. Richard Strand, infamous in the paranormal investigation world. It's in Dr. Strand's office she comes across The Black Tapes from which the podcast gets its name.

I don't even want to say anything else about the series because I want you to experience it yourself. If you love podcasts and especially loved Serial, you've got to check out this one! I believe Season One is finished and you can download them all. I've only about halfway through the first season, but I enjoy the style and creativity of a production brought to us by people who really love the art of storytelling.

We live in amazing times.

It's the Little Choices That Can Add Up...

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to hang out with several authors, all experiencing varying levels of success, and each one of them inspired me. So much so, when faced with my "normal" schedule today, I decided to make some changes. The first of which was trash a ton of un-listened-to podcasts.

Now, this may not sound like a big deal. Most people listen to no podcasts so not listening to a bunch of downloaded files is no big deal. To me, however, I am sometimes religious when it comes to my podcasts. I listen to them all--usually.

This morning, I grabbed a book written by my good friend, Dave Butler; with cover art by another friend, Nathan Shumate, and I read it going to and from work.

I know this sounds like a small thing. Someone reads a book instead of listening to something else while commuting to work--big deal! But to me it is. I need to read more in addition to listening to audiobooks (which, thankfully, I can do at work...). I need to focus on my goal of completing a novel by the next Salt Lake Comic Con and having it published before event taking place in September, about 120 days from now. I realized if I'm going to reach my goal, I've got to change the little things.

Oh,, by the way, Dave's book ROCKS! If you're interested, you can get the book: HERE. If you like dystopian stories, you'll love this!

Ode To Podcasts...

Ode To Podcasts...

Like many things in my life, I accepted podcasts later in life. I think I discovered them last summer and I've been downloading them ever since.

As with anything, good and bad resides in the heart of a podcast addiction. The good is some amazing facts can be learned and interesting insights presented. The bad happens when you skip a day (or two...) and the podcasts add up.

Luckily, I have two things that help me listen to all the podcasts to which I currently subscribe. The first is I have a job where I can listen to podcasts during the day. The second--and most helpful--is that I discovered my IPod has a feature where I can listen to podcasts at double-speed. There are many cool features to an IPod, but to me, the double-speed playback option is the most valuable. Without it, I'd need more hours in the day.

Some of my favorites: Garrison Keillor's A Prairie Home Companion and The Writer's Almanac, Dan Carlin's Hardcore History (and some of his Common Sense podcasts are pretty good, too), Freakonomics, The Appendix (by local authors--good info on circumnavigating the confusing world that is marketing yourself as a writer), Selected Shorts, The Moth, and of course, Car Talk. The other subscribed podcasts offer other gems. There's some good stuff out there...