MetaPod

Year-end greetings and gratitude to listeners, guests and friends of MetaPod in this quick look back on 2022. Thank you for listening this year. WendyFollow MetaPod >>Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Nadia Marie is an artist born in New York, now living in Atlanta, Georgia. She is also a photographer, musician and now writer, contributing her writing and musical scoring to season 4 of iHeart Radio's show Dear Young Rocker. Dear Young Rocker is an audio memoir about girlhood, growing up in music and finding your place in the world. Presented as letters to a younger self, Dear Young Rocker explores how you became the person that you are today and what kinds of people you might have needed back then. In this episode of MetaPod, Wendy talks to Nadia Marie about writing, recording, scoring and sharing a deeply personal coming-of-age story with the world via podcast. Nadia Marie explains her strong belief in the benefits of talking to others about life's hardships. She also discusses the powerful role that music played in her recovery from amnesia. Aside from fairly serious topics like loneliness, grief, family, body image and women's reproductive rights, Wendy and Nadia Marie also figure out in the course of this MetaPod conversation what the ultimate new item of merch is for the Dear Young Rocker podcast.About Nadia MarieNadia Marie has been releasing music and performing since she was 13 years old. She first got her start playing bars and venues in Atlanta when she was only 14 years old. She grew an online cult-like following from there. She was awarded "Top Songs of the Year" and "Best of Atlanta" by Mainline Magazine in 2019 for her album Weekday Weekend. Her music has been featured in Open Ears Music, Mainline Magazine, Immersive Atlanta and she was named "Songwriter of the Year" by Creative Loafing in 2019. Her photography has been selected for display at Yale University, the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art, and BurnAway's "art crush" publication. She has also presented work at the Georgia State Research Conference and published work for her series that focuses on ritual and rites of passage of cultural representations of women in the American South. Her latest release “Seven” is about a dialogue and the cyclical codependent relationship between the seven deadly sins and seven stages of grief. She composed all the instrumentation and produced the record herself. "Seven" and other music by Nadia Marie is available on Bandcamp. You can also follow Nadia Marie on Instagram.Follow MetaPod >>Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

"Bands and musicians talk about their various and precarious side jobs."Just as MetaPod talks to creators of the web's most interesting podcasts to get at the stories behind those podcasts, Giles Bidder of 101 Part Time Jobs talks to musicians about the other jobs they do alongside their work as artists. The result is a backstage pass of sorts to better understand what the minds, hearts and hands of indie rock are doing when they are not on stage, on tour or in the studio.Giles is thoughtful about artists as individuals and about the larger creative economy that they are part of. His DIY ethos makes him a good ally and advocate for musicians who want to create their own lifestyle or pursue work in non-traditional ways. He also has a great moustache.The 101 Part Time Jobs podcast offers insights about how musicians balance or blend work and art into a lifestyle. 101 Part Time Jobs is also a good podcast for discovering bands that you might know yet. particularly if you're located outside of England.In this episode of MetaPod, Wendy talks to Giles about what makes 101 Part Time Jobs different than other music podcasts. They also talk about some of the unhealthy aspects of the music industry and Giles explains his biggest wish for musicians. Also, Giles is served a question that you'll hear him regularly ask guests on his own show.  As a result, he reveals some of his most embarrassing work stories.About Giles Bidder:Giles Bidder is the creator and presenter of the 101 Part Time Jobs podcast. He's also a musician, writer and producer, having worked in print, radio and live events. You can also find the 101 Part Time Jobs podcast on Instagram.Follow MetaPod >>Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

"Articles Of Interest is a show about what we wear"Avery Trufelman is the host and creator of Articles Of Interest and one of the few people on Earth who can connect the shape of a shoulder of a jacket to a major historical event. You might also know Avery from her affiliation with design podcast 99% Invisible or her work on Curbed's Nice Try! and New York Magazine's podcast The Cut. Avery was one of MetaPod's first guests back in December 2020. In episode 2 of MetaPod, Avery joined us to discuss her work at The Cut, the weekly podcast companion to New York Magazine's column of the same name.  However, this episode is devoted to Avery's work on Articles Of Interest. More specifically, we talk a lot about the new series of the show, titled American Ivy. The new series explores the origin and evolution of this fashion style that what would eventually become known as “preppy”.Avery is intelligent, curious, self-aware, creative and funny. We touched on a lot of different subjects in this MetaPod conversation, including: preppy as a style, fashion trends and “vibes”, fashion forecasting, the “jeans of the future”, scent and our sense of smell, and clothing as a means to express ourselves... plus Liz Claiborne and Ralph Lauren! In this episode of MetaPod, I checked in on a few questions we asked Avery back in 2020. You'll also learn a bit about her appearance at Het Podcastfestival in Amsterdam, September 2022.Show notes:Articles Of Interest newsletterFollow MetaPod >>Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

“How courageous leaders unlock potential”Ranjay Gulati is an author, podcaster and Harvard Business School's Paul R. Lawrence MBA Class of 1942 Professor. He is often cited on matters of economics and business and has been studying resilience within organisations in order to understand how organisations grow and prosper under both good and bad circumstances. Professor Gulati's podcast Deep Purpose is an extension of his work, published earlier in a book with the same title. Deep Purpose examines how business leaders "unlock" the potential of their organisations and people. At quick glance, Deep Purpose seems like business podcast and in this sense is one of the first to be featured on MetaPod. However, this is actually a podcast about people. and you don't need to be interested in “business” as you might ordinarily think of it to enjoy the podcast. Ranjay speaks to business leaders from across the globe about how they integrate purpose into their work, communities, personal lives and well being.  Through inquisitive conversation, Ranjay is able to get CEOs to reveal their personal thoughts and feelings about their organisations, work, challenges and successes.MetaPod episode recommendation for Deep Purpose:Unilever CEO Alan Jope Maintains a Long History of Doing GoodIn this episode of MetaPod Wendy enquires with Ranjay about the risks and challenges related to "going deep" on a purpose as a company. They discuss some of the cultural challenges companies have related to pursuing social "good" and also consider consumer expectations around corporate social responsibility.Follow MetaPod >>Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

"An international podcast that explores the personal side of climate change."Panu Pihkala, a climate emotions scholar, and Thomas Doherty, a clinical and environmental psychologist, have created a one-of-a-kind podcast which explores human emotions and feelings around climate change. Climate Change and Happiness is a podcast that also talks about the ways individuals can develop their awareness of these feelings and acknowledge that others have them too. Panu is a scholar based in Helsinki, Finland and Thomas is a psychologist based in Portland, Oregon in the United States. Together their conversations are philosophical and practical, abstract and grounded, international and nuanced. You do not need to be an academic, clinician or social activist to plug into their conversations - they are welcoming, calm and exploratory. Some episodes feature guests from related fields of work while others look at emotions and climate change from seemingly unrelated angles, such as music, art and poetry. What is special about the tone of Climate Change and Happiness is that it is free of “shoulds” and the judgmental opinions and directives that often get associated with environmental activism. As you'll hear in this MetaPod discussion, the one “should” is that their podcast have therapeutic value to listeners. In this episode of MetaPod we discuss the value of emotional intelligence and the personal risks and social costs of not acknowledging our emotions. You'll also hear Thomas and Panu explain their intentions to create an open-minded podcast that is comfortable with the idea of uncertainty amidst the negative and anxiety-inducing noise that currently exists around climate change.MetaPod episode recommendations for Climate Change and Happiness:Climate music pt. 1 Panu's playlistClimate music pt. 2 Thomas's playlistIf you enjoyed this episode, or any other episode of MetaPod, please leave a rating or review if possible where you listen. Also, consider sharing it on social media or directly with someone who might be interested. It's a simple and free way to support MetaPod and the podcasts featured - thank you for that!Follow MetaPod >>Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

"Getting Emotional is a podcast about obscure emotions that you may have felt, but had no idea there was a name for. "Have you ever experienced “fago” or felt “limerence”? Most likely you have, but didn't realise there were words for these emotional states.Getting Emotional is a podcast at the intersection of culture, language and emotion. Each episode is devoted to discovering a feeling or emotion, the word for it and the cultural context of its origin and use. Bex Lindsay is the presenter of Getting Emotional and described the discovery of a word related to grief that inspired her to create the podcast: "it's such a lovely thing when you feel a hand has been put out there in the darkness and it's for you - nobody else had shaken my hand in that way before."When she's not podcasting, Bex is a radio presenter in the UK at Fun Kids Radio. She's been recognised and awarded for her work in radio and podcasting and most recently won Silver at the 2022 British Podcast Awards for the Getting Emotional podcast. In this episode of MetaPod, Wendy and Bex discuss emotions, feelings and moods, as well as the changing cultural understandings of them over time. They also discuss music and emotion and you'll hear why Bex is such a big fan of the Scottish band Belle & Sebastian. Follow MetaPod >>Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

"A podcast about the people behind the music that other people wrote, performed and made millions off of and their goals to score a little gas money and cover the bar tab."Don't Quit Your Day Job … sounds like cautionary advice about something that you might fantasize about occasionally, right?Well, Don't Quit Your Day Job is a podcast about and for people in cover bands. You know - the bands that play the songs you like at your local bar or neighborhood events, bands composed of people who do other things during the day, like teach children, take care of animals or manage an IT team... and people who put their sunglasses on at night and make sure you have a good time when you're out with friends! Don't Quit Your Day Job is hosted by Ray Auger, a radio personality and station manager at WMRC or “MyFM 101.3” in Milford, Massachusetts in the United States. Ray has a lot of jobs, and actually I don't think he'd dream of quitting any of them. He's one of the voices behind New England Legends, a podcast exploring the spooky places of New England, but his new podcast allows people in bands to talk about how they pursue their passion for music and entertaining while getting all the other stuff in life taken care of too. The conversations are full of humble advice from experienced, and humorous, part-time musicians, but Ray and his guests pull back the stage curtain for others too, giving fans and business owners ideas about how the nighttime entertainment economy works from the cover band perspective.In this episode of MetaPod, Wendy talks to Ray about the work and relationships involved in being in a band and how bands, audiences and music venues depend on each other to do good business. You'll also hear how Ray turns the occasional live gig screw up into entertainment and about the time he disappointed someone in the audience because he couldn't hit Axl Rose's high parts on Sweet Child O' Mine.Follow MetaPod >>Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

The Holy Hour - The All Cure Podcast - offers an in-depth look at one rock's most unconventional acts, The Cure.Hosted by Gavin Conner, Charles "Chaz" Murphy and Antonio Longo, The Holy Hour brings fans from around the globe together in discussing and dissecting The Cure's expansive 40+ year career.  Started in 2015, more than 200 episodes offer something for every fan, no matter which era of The Cure you prefer.In this episode of MetaPod, Wendy talks to Gavin about what makes for a good fan podcast dedicated to a single band and why a podcast, in contrast to other types of media, is ideal for discussing music. Gavin also shares the origin story of the podcast, the evolution of The Holy Hour and the community that has built up around it. Wendy and Gavin also discuss recent topics related to the band, including The Cure's European "Lost World" 2022 tour, new songs debuted on the tour, a forthcoming album of The Cure, the return of Perry Bamonte to The Cure and many more fan musings - plus a live clip from Helsinki.Follow MetaPod >>Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Hello MetaPod listeners,This is a quick update on the MetaPod show as we close in on the end of 2022.Thanks for listening and for your continued support.WendyFollow MetaPod >>Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

"Rumble Strip gives you extraordinary stories about ordinary life."This episode of MetaPod features two New Englanders talking about how to capture the culture of the region for a podcast. That would be Erica Heilman, creator of Rumble Strip, a podcast that she makes in her underwear closet in Vermont, and Wendy, host of MetaPod and native of the Live Free or Die State (aka New Hampshire).Erica is an award-winning indie podcaster and has been producing stories for radio for 15+ years. She calls Rumble Strip "a show about people getting through the day". Although the scenes and smells are characteristic of life in Vermont, Rumble Strip listeners will discover that people are more alike than different. Wendy and Erica discuss how Erica manages to ride tractors, hunt grouse, learn to skin cows while being in a state of wonder talking to people about what the heck is going on. Wendy also asks about the Peabody Award for Erica's episode Finn and the Bell and what it was like to work with band Sylvan Esso on a podcast. And finally, Wendy asks Erica to describe some of the unique smells of Vermont and how she's included them in Rumble Strip.  Oh, and p.s. Erica reveals her power song!Show notesFifty. A Phoenix Moment (Total Eclipse of the Heart)Forrest Foster, Independent DairymanVirtual JusticeSylvan Esso (band)Shaking Out the Numb (produced by Erica Heilman)About Erica HeilmanErica Heilman invites herself into people's homes to find out what they know, hate, love, what they're afraid of, and what makes them more like you than you'd realized. These are messy, obsessively crafted stories of the everyday. Rumble Strip's Finn and the Bell won a Peabody Award in 2022. The Our Show series was named the #1 podcast of 2020 by The Atlantic. Erica's independent radio work has aired on NPR, Hearing Voices, SOUNDPRINT, CBC, BBC, KCRW's UnFictional, KCRW's Lost Notes, and on major public radio affiliates across the United States.

"For Keeps spotlights interesting, unusual or unexpected collections of things and the people who keep them."This episode of MetaPod turns the spotlight around on David Peterkofsky and his podcast For Keeps, which explores the world of collecting. As you might expect, you'll discover that people collect some fairly unusual things. However, For Keeps is more than a show about stuff."Really the idea of how these people relate to the things they have collected is what drew me to the idea," he explains about the origin of the For Keeps podcast.In this conversation, David discusses the connections that collectors have with their collections. He shares what he has learned collectors have in common, irrespective of the types of things collected. You'll also hear some of the stories behind episodes of For Keeps. Wendy and David discuss how collectors view the Internet and its impact on collecting and the communities around collections. Lastly, David entertains the idea of featuring an NFT collector on the podcast.  Show notes:Archiving Prince, with Sound Engineer Susan RogersKMart In-Store Music Tapes, Saved by Mark Davis Elliott Smith's Musical Legacy, with Collector Charlie RamirezGame Show Props and History, with Bob BodenAbout David PeterkofskyDavid Peterkofsky has a background in print journalism and marketing communications, but the power of audio storytelling led him in 2017 to launch For Keeps, which spotlights interesting, unusual, or unexpected collections of items and the people who keep them. By interviewing the keepers of items relating to pop culture, history, geography, and more, he has learned quite a bit about what makes these passionate enthusiasts tick — and engaged in deeper dives on a wide range of topics along the way. David is based in the San Francisco Bay Area. 

"EARTH RIOT is a comedy-infused, music-filled exploration of humanity's most urgent issue - the planet's sixth extinction."In this episode of MetaPod, Wendy talks to radical performance artists Reverend Billy Talen and Savitri D about the EARTH RIOT podcast and their activism. The pair are known in New York City for their art combining performance and protest to raise issues about capitalism, corporate greed, consumerism, the environment and other social issues. Reverend Billy and Savitri D are the founders and fire behind the community of performance artists/activists known as The Church of Stop Shopping, which includes the Stop Shopping Choir. The community is active in New York City and there is also a Stop Shopping Choir based in London.EARTH RIOT with Reverend Billy and Savitri D is a podcast and radio programme that offers an entertaining and imaginative mash-up of environmental news and thought starters delivered with music, song and conviction. As Reverend Billy is fond of proclaiming, "Earthaleujah!"Show notes:The Earth Cancels the Environmental Movement (EARTH RIOT ep. 4)The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth KolbertBankTrackVeteran anti-consumerist crusader Reverend Billy takes aim at climate change (NPR, November 26, 2021)

"Goodniks is a podcast series exploring the journey and meaning of doing good in the world — for people who do good or are just thinking about it." How do people do good in the world and why do they do it? Goodniks shares first-hand accounts of "doing good" from the ground. Stories of doing good come from social service providers, nurses, movement organisers, police officers, and activists. The podcast responds to a "very real and tangible need" of people wanting to do good, but not knowing how to get started.  "We're living in a time where we are finally recognising critical roles that first responders play, that teachers play, that grocery story workers play - and redefining what good means," said Annalisa Enrile. "I think it's daunting and intimidating when you think about doing good in the world as these huge macro changes."In this episode of MetaPod, we discuss some of the common threads among people changing the world in big and small ways. We learn that being open to doing things outside of your comfort zone and having mentors who champion your capacity are key. We also spend time considering some of the challenging aspects of activism and service to humanity. Counter-intuitive strategies to persevere in the face of adversity, unhealthy motivations to do good and kindness are revealed as a few of the personal challenges that Goodniks come up against.Annalisa Enrile also describes the power of storytelling in education and activism. She also shares a personal story about being championed by a colleague.Show notes"Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” - Audre Lorde"Why acknowledging and celebrating the Black feminist origins of ‘self-care' is essential" Bryony Porteous-Sebouhian, Mental Health TodayAbout Annalisa EnrileAnnalisa Enrile is a professor of social work at University of Southern California's School of Social Work, training a generation of change makers. She is a storyteller, anti-trafficking warrior and defender of women and girls.Annalisa is one of the few Filipina PhDs in social work, having chosen the field as a way to bring to light important social issues in the Filipino-American community, the fastest-growing Asian immigrant population. She frequently speaks out against sex trafficking, anti-militarization and exploitative migrant labor. A voice for equity and global justice, the clinical associate professor has been recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Filipinas in the World (FWN Global 100) for her efforts to stop violence against women. She has worked with students, communities and academic partners to create social change through innovation and collaboration. Annalisa is also presenter of the Goodniks podcast, an audio storytelling series exploring the journey and meaning of doing good in the world.

"Women making music with technology"Girls Twiddling Knobs is a "feminist tech podcast" filling the gap between conversations about music gear and the human experience of creating music with that gear.Produced by Isobel Anderson, a UK-based musician, recording artist and producer, the podcast developed as an extension to music tech resources that Anderson was sharing with other women. It's also part of Anderson's Female DIY Musician platform, an online educational community for women learning to record and produce their own music."I definitely am seeing that the podcast is having a really, really positive impact," said Anderson. "I hope in its entirely, when people listen to the podcast, it builds up to a combination of having some techniques up their sleeve, but also not feeling so alone. Also, just better understanding what might be contributing to, if they've had negative experiences in the industry. But, also helping them to feel really excited about the creative possibilities of music technology."In this episode of MetaPod, we discuss Isobel Anderson's experience developing the Female DIY Musician and Home Recording Academy as educational platforms that foster gender inclusion and diversity in music. Isobel also offers insights on the current position of women in music technology and the broader music industry. Furthermore, Isobel talks about the work conditions that act as barriers to entry for women interested in music and technology. Most importantly, she suggests key changes that could remove barriers for women and minorities to enter and succeed in music.Show notesIsobel Anderson dot comSallyAbout Isobel AndersonBetween her 20+ years making, performing and producing music, a PhD in Sonic Arts and a passion for creating supportive music tech education spaces for women, Isobel's career embraces a sense of independence and experimentation. Her four solo albums have amassed over 25 million Spotify streams, her sound works have been performed on international stages and she has published in journals, such as Organised Sound and The Journal of Sonic Studies. Threaded throughout her work is a fascination with how we make sense of ourselves, the world around us and the process of creative exploration itself.  Isobel is proud to produce and host the critically acclaimed feminist music tech podcast, Girls Twiddling Knobs and in 2018 founded The Female DIY Musician, an online resource helping women learn to record and produce their music.

“Something About The Beatles is an intelligent but entertaining examination of The Beatles' music and career. Smart, funny and surprising – just like the Fab Four.“Robert Rodriguez can tell you something about The Beatles. In fact, he knows and can tell so much about Liverpool's greatest export that his podcast is fast approaching 250 episodes.That's a lot of information, discussion and analysis about one subject!But Rodriguez has managed to slice and dice elements of The Beatles' story that each episode can give the listener something new, something intriguing about the so-called Fab Four.In such high regard is his podcast, the director of the recent Get Back movie, Peter Jackson appeared on the show for an extraordinarily in-depth (and fantastic) interview that is highly unlikely he would've done elsewhere.In this episode of MetaPod, we discuss with Rodriguez how the podcast came together, how it's possible to dissect a subject so thoroughly and what he REALLY thinks about the Get Back movie.

The Extortion Economy examines "the money, people and technology behind the explosion of ransomware that is delivering hundreds of millions of dollars to cybercriminals around the world."Cybercrime is a growth market with a variety of tools, services and practices. It is an industry that is quickly professionalising to become a systemic threat to society.In this episode of MetaPod we talk to Meg Marco about the growth and professionalisation of cybercrime. Meg explains how the business of ransomware works and the actors and technologies, including insurance and cryptocurrency.We also discuss how victims of ransomware have become "consumers" of cybersecurity services, complicit in a vicious cycle of business-like crime.

“Can the power of voice lead to a deeper connection?”It's Nice to Hear You is parts experiment, memoir, dating show, self-help, science, and analysis, all thoughtfully combined into an entertaining and insightful podcast.Underpinning It's Nice to Hear You is an audio-only matchmaking experiment, designed by Heather Li, creator and presenter of the podcast. Imagine pen-pals, but instead of letters, people exchange voice memos. Now imagine that you have a pile of audio material with which to tell several stories about how human connections work - or don't."The way I designed the show is at the intersection of a lot of different genres," says Heather Li.In this episode of MetaPod, we talk to Heather Li about how she designed an anonymous voice-only matchmaking experiment and carried it out as "Yves D. Ropper" in the confines of the COVID-19 pandemic.We learn about the challenges and surprises she came across in the experiment, including issues around gender balance, engaging with voice only and imagination in the absence of visual information. Heather also discusses what she learned about the "science of compatibility" and how artificial intelligence is developing to be applied to online dating platforms.

“What if instead of being on the brink of disaster, we're on the cusp of a better world?”What Could Go Right? is the podcast of The Progress Network, an "idea movement for a better future. The Progress Network examines issues like population growth, the environment, public health, the future of work, international relations, and the economy - all through the lens of global progress. Without succumbing to Pollyanna-ism, Zachary Karabell and Emma Varvaloucas, co-hosts of What Could Go Right? demonstrate that optimism can be put to work for achieving a better future."It's funny, if you talk to a lot of our network members, they're fairly allergic to the term, said Emma Varvaloucas, Executive Director of The Progress Network. "We try not to over-use the term because it has such a bad rap, generally. Optimists are viewed as stupid or sticking their heads in the sand - not that I think that; I think optimists are extraordinarily useful for the world."A goal of The Progress Network is to counteract negative, pessimistic outlooks and media coverage of global topics. The podcast amplifies research, thinking and voices that point to a better future, instead of worse one."It's less that I am convinced that the future will be better or that things are good than I am convinced that we are all responsible for making it so," stated Zachary Karabell, Founder of The Progress Network. "The future is unknown and we're all daily responsible for creating it. In so far as you believe, in a fatalistic way, that the future is written and that it's writing is negative, I think that's a recipe for individual and collective apathy."In this episode of MetaPod we discuss the objectives of The Progress Network with Zachary and Emma. They explain how The Progress Network is building a foundation for alternative approaches to public discourse and engagement on important issues. We also hear examples of this approach and how it differs to that of mainstream media. Examples of what can go right include achievements in global health, stability of international relations, and unprecedented levels of social spending by governments during the COVID-19 pandemic.NB: This conversation was recorded on February 16th, 2022 - about one week before Russia invaded Ukraine.

“The 1990s were a turning point in music: with the increasingly connected world enabling an unprecedented coalescence of various styles and genres, the decade featured the rapid evolution of sonic artistry — and subsequently shaped the soundscape of eras that followed.“The 1990s were a bit of a strange decade. The post-Cold War landscape gave us attempts at looser forms of politics (does anyone still remember “The Third Way”?) and a cultural explosion to match.Music that started finding its feet in the 1970s and 1980s was thrust into the mainstream (disco, R&B and punk became techno, hip hop and grunge) and sonic stalwarts of the previous decade reinvented themselves (again).Step forward, Rob Harvilla, host of 60 Songs That Explain The 90s – a podcast from The Ringer that he created and hosts.It's no ordinary, tick-the-boxes music podcast by any stretch of the imagination, with Rob curating, narrating and debating songs from the decade that meant a lot to him, to the music industry – hell, even society, in some cases.The show is funny, informative and thought-provoking, which is a pretty good description of his chat with us for our episode of MetaPod.We find out why he selected songs (or didn't) for his collection in the show, what it was like being Rob Harvilla in the 90s and, as is now customary on MetaPod, a rapid-fire question round at the end.

“Sweet Bobby is a live, multi-part investigation in search of one of the world's most sophisticated catfishers. It's a story about who we are online, and how social media can be weaponised as a tool of abuse and coercion.“If you didn't know what “catfishing” is, Sweet Bobby will be an extremely strange introduction to the world of online deception and fake identities.Kirat is the victim of catfishing in this real-life story from Tortoise Media's Alexi Mostrous, with her cousin Simran emerging years after it started as the unlikely perpetrator.It's a complex and often unsettling tale, which Alexi navigates cleverly to make sure some of the key voices in the story are heard, including those of Kirat and the real Bobby (rather than the fake Bobby who manipulated Kirat's life for years).The podcast has won plaudits across the mainstream media, being featured regularly in “Best New Podcast” lists. Accolades it fully deserves.In his interview for this episode of MetaPod, Alexi explains how his investigation evolved and gives his opinion on many of the complex aspects of the case.

“From ghostly phantoms to UFOs, Uncanny host Danny Robins investigates real-life stories of paranormal encounters.”How do you follow up on the tremendous impact of The Battersea Poltergeist – the hit podcast from Danny Robins in 2021?You create a new series of ghostly stories from its listeners.This is what Robins did in late 2021 (at the same time as his award-winning play, 2:22 A Ghost Story, was playing in London's West End), producing the chilling and equally unsettling Uncanny.Robins spoke to MetaPod about The Battersea Poltergeist for our 15th episode, so we were thrilled to have him back to discuss his latest podcast.In our interview, we discuss some of the threads that are common to many of the stories he recounts in the show, why tales of UFOs are just as bizarre as the supernatural, what makes a truly terrifying ghost story and whether he's a believer or not.We also find out if Robins would stay at some of the locations he's featured on the show and how the “Bloody Hell, Ken” slogan has become a calling card (literally) for all things spooky.

“In Machines We Trust is a podcast about the automation of everything.”The automation of everything sounds impossibly extensive, but automation is everywhere.The artificial intelligence (AI) that drives automation is increasingly part of how individuals live and work, do business, spend leisure time, and consume news and entertainment. AI is also behind systems that process and make decisions about large amounts of data.Decision-making technology enables the automation of processes that would otherwise be handled less efficiently by humans. Such systems dictate dynamic pricing online or “read” and interpret job applications before they even reach the eyes of a human.“I think a lot of the stuff that we talk about on the show surprises even us,” says Jennifer Strong, host of In Machines We Trust.“We start by saying, ‘hmmm, I wonder how this is being used in retail?' or ‘I wonder how this is being used in HR?' You'd be surprised by how many different ways things have changed and we're not really aware that things are changing.”In this episode of MetaPod, we talk to Jennifer Strong about artificial intelligence and its application in the activities of daily life. We hear Jennifer's observations on how AI-driven processes work or don't work. We also discover the unintended outcomes of decision-making technology and the potential consequences for individuals, institutions and society at large.

Tape Notes is a “podcast about the art and craft of music production.”What makes a music producer “good”? What does it mean when critics deem a song or album “overproduced”? And does any of this matter if long-play albums are on the demise?“What's interesting is how interested in the album people still are,” says John Kennedy, host of Tape Notes, our guest on MetaPod this week. “It's not just older artists, but new artists as well.”Aside from hosting Tape Notes, John Kennedy is a radio presenter on Radio X in the UK. His radio programme, X-Posure, features new bands and music. John's life-long love for discovering new music perfectly positions him for these roles, as you'll hear when he explains the origins of the Tape Notes podcast.“I think the idea of the album is still there even for young artists who are maybe 20 years of age,” said Kennedy. “They still feel as if they want to write and record an album at some point. That's still on the list of things that they want to try and do as an artist. It's a stage to get to and to go through.”In this episode of MetaPod, we talk to John Kennedy about the collaborative dynamics between musicians and producers. Based on what he has learned, John tells us what he thinks constitutes a “good” producer and why a song or album might be deemed “overproduced”.He shines a light on the role of engineers in the production process too. And because music comes from the “inner sanctum,” we talk to John about what some of the more personal issues are for musicians currently.Finally, Wendy and Kevin subject John to a quick-fire round of questions to discover his favourite albums, producers, gigs, and new bands.

"The story of David Koresh: the prophet whose cult in Waco, Texas preached an apocalypse — and the 30 Britons taken in by his message.”End Of Days tells the story of the British victims of the deadly standoff between the US government and David Koresh in Waco, Texas in 1993.Published by the BBC in 2018, journalists Ciaran Tracey and Chris Warburton shine light on untold stories and under-appreciated details of events that lured a number of British citizens to leave the UK to join Koresh in the USA.In this episode of MetaPod, we hear Chris and Ciaran recount their investigation and storytelling, work that took place 25 years after the tragic event. They reflect on what it was like to consider the event, and the big (political) questions that arose from it, with the advantage of age.They also discuss the challenges of exploring the belief system of the Branch Davidians. How do you understand the religious justifications for a way of life that most people struggle to accept as normal? You might be surprised to learn that heavy metal played a role in generating the idea for the podcast. While Chris and Ciaran rightly share their pride in a project that managed to unearth stories from a site that no longer exists, you'll also discover that the story "nearly couldn't have been brilliant".

"Sodajerker is a songwriting team from Liverpool, founded by Simon Barber and Brian O'Connor. The podcast Sodajerker On Songwriting features interviews with the world's most successful songwriters."A "soda jerk" isn't normally associated with songs, unless of course, you ask Simon Barber and Brian O'Connor. It all started with something that Sydney Pollack said, which then led them to an academic article titled "Linguist Concoctions of the Soda Jerker"."They'd come up with all these creative, alternate ways to describe things," said Simon of the soda jerk of the 1950s American diner. "We thought, well that's a great metaphor for creating magic out of the everyday, which is what the songwriter does."And so they went with it, adopting Sodajerker for their songwriting partnership and eventually Sodajerker On Songwriting for their podcast.In this episode of MetaPod, we talk to Simon and Brian about their approach to interviewing the world's most successful songwriters.We also hear the lessons they've learned across Sodajerker On Songwriting's ten years as an independent podcast. Simon and Brian also discuss songwriting's position in the music industry, the impact of technology on songwriters and the challenges of the craft.The two tell a bit about their own complementary songwriting partnership. And if you're wondering who else they hope to add to their incredible archive of guests, you'll find out in this interview.

“MetaPod unpacks the web's most interesting podcasts and the stories behind them.”“We made it!” – well, just about. After 36 shows featuring the finest podcasters in all the land, we decided to not take a breather to celebrate our first year, but produce a bonus episode of MetaPod.Maybe it's a slightly vain idea that listeners might want to hear about us, but we also wanted to catch up with each other about our packed calendar of episodes from 2021 – this time IN-PERSON (the shock, the horror!). So here it is – a record of ourselves talking with each other about ourselves and our wonderful show.It's not as bad as it sounds – honest.Fuelled by tea and extraordinarily good doughnuts (courtesy of Crosstown in London's Square Mile), we tackle a few entertaining questions about MetaPod guests and topics. Check the show notes below.MetaPod continues in 2022 with more unpacking of the web's most interesting podcasts. Until then, why not spend the last few days of this year reflecting, with us, on a year of some amazing podcasts and guests?Some might call it naval-gazing, but we're not really into sea-based military stuff. We haven't found a good podcast on that particular subject matter yet.k + w00:00 Start 04:42 The six-bean chili chat06:27 Who sounded completely different08:04 A question that you wish you had asked09:10 Interview that surprised you the most10:30 Topics that you'd still like MetaPod to unpack12:25 Most challenging topic13:46 Most enjoyable topic14:40 Funniest moments16:36 Best virtual (or real) backgrounds18:40 Most wanted guests20:21 A live version of the MetaPod show21:21 MetaPod commissions a new voiceover and theme tune23:00 MetaPod becomes a Netflix series

“An entertaining look at some of the big issues in history by examining public apologies of the famous and infamous. Apologies Accepted looks at politicians, serial killers, actors, and you!” Apologies Accepted is a place to examine and debate the controversies that develop around public apologies, as well as the expressions of remorse, regret and reparation – or failures thereof – that come along with them.Listeners who appreciate firm opinions and critique of cultural and political affairs will appreciate Theo and Juliette's discussions. From Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinksy to Billie Eilish and the Golden State Killer, Juliette and Theo dissect apologies of recent and historical significance. Oh yeah, and let's not forget the Pope.“We're all human, we all make mistakes,” says Theo.“Everybody's got something that they're sorry for. Hopefully, we grow out of it as we get older and understand a little bit more,” says Juliette.In this episode of MetaPod, we learn what constitutes a good apology and why people deserve and should give, apologies. We also discuss the sincerity and value of apologies from politicians and institutions.Are there things that simply cannot be apologized for? Do you think an apology means more when given by somebody on their deathbed? Find out Juliette and Theo's answers to these and more tough questions about being sorry.

“The story of Daniel Morgan's killing moves from back streets of London, through the highest echelons of Scotland Yard, to the offices of Rupert Murdoch's best selling newspapers, to the doors of Number Ten Downing Street. If you haven't heard this story, ask yourself, why?”Untold: The Daniel Morgan Murder is not a podcast to reassure a listener who has lost faith in their country's institutions.It doesn't have any kind of happy ending, either. There is no closure for the victim's family, by way of a conviction of the killer, or killers. Nor does it have any of the shenanigans that went on behind the scenes to cover it up.Morgan, a private investigator who it later emerged happened to be on the verge of selling a major story about police corruption to a tabloid newspaper, was murdered in the most brutal way (with an axe) in a South London pub car park in 1987.The intervening 34 years have seen a number of official inquiries into the role of the police in the investigation and the suspects publicly named on numerous occasions, only for a prosecution to be abandoned in 2011.Since the podcast concluded in October 2018 there have been some major developments, including an Independent Panel Report, which came to the conclusion that the investigating force, The Metropolitan Police in London, is “institutionally corrupt”.Yet, still, the killer(s) remains at large and the fight for justice continues by the Morgan family.Step forward, Peter Jukes, a screenwriter who produced Untold alongside Deeivya Meir and produced what is probably the definitive account of Morgan's backstory and the investigations.In this episode of MetaPod, Jukes joins us to give his perspective on the case to date and, of equal importance, what such complex connections between the police, the suspects, organized crime, the press and government mean for society.

“Almost a perfect crime. The hacking ring and an attempt to steal a billion dollars. Investigators blame North Korea. Pyongyang denies involvement. The story begins in Hollywood.”The Lazarus Heist is a BBC World Service podcast examining cybercrime and how modern nation-states are utilising such tactics. The story starts with the 2014 hack into Sony Pictures' information systems. The operation led to a shutdown of the company's computer networks, seizure of its digital files and leak of confidential information into the public domain. The perpetrator? North Korea.“What's interesting about the Sony hack is that it did demonstrate this other purpose of a cyber hack, which I believe is to sow discord or chaos,” says Jean Lee, journalist and co-host of The Lazarus Heist.There are other reasons cyber hacks are utilised by North Korea, according to Jean Lee — “to use it as a form of asymmetric warfare.”To illustrate the global threat that cybercrime presents, The Lazarus Heist also highlights other significant cyberattacks. These include the 2016 Bangladesh Bank heist and the 2017 Wannacry ransomware attack that affected the UK's National Health Service (NHS). Other culprits involved in these cyber attacks? Microsoft, the United States National Security Agency (NSA) and Russian intelligence groups.Jean Lee's knowledge of Korea, North and South, combined with Geoff White's knowledge of cybercrime add up to a fascinating story of technology, culture and history in The Lazarus Heist. The story is as important for understanding the effects of cybercrime on individuals and society as it is for understanding modern international relations.In this episode of MetaPod, we learn about cybercrime methods and why they have become attractive instruments of asymmetric warfare and income generation for North Korea.

“Your weekly infusion of plant-based nutrition, lifestyle habits and mindset to live your best life possible!“How many of your lifestyle habits are optimised for good health and wellness? Your sleep? Your physical activity? What you eat? All of the above? One? None?Dr Yami Carzorla-Lancaster is a podcasting paediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician and health & wellness coach based in the state of Washington in the USA. As you'll hear, she's very passionate about plant-based nutrition and lifestyle habits for optimum health. Dr Yami emphasizes that even small changes in diet can slow or arrest disease, physical movement can contribute to longevity and that there are more than 50,000 plants that humans can benefit from.“Not enough people realise that nutrition is as powerful as it is,” says Dr Yami. “Most people have no clue that some people are able to reverse their (type 2) diabetes in 10 days with a change of diet.”Dr Yami shares her passion for edible plants on the Veggie Doctor Radio podcast. The show has more than 180 episodes and features conversations with health and wellness experts. She also discusses plant foods and their nutritional profiles and benefits.In this episode of MetaPod, we talk to Dr Yami about her journey towards a plant-based lifestyle. You'll learn that part of that is her family's minimalist lifestyle. Dr Yami also shares recipes to help you add more veggies to your routine or just try something new.Additionally, Dr Yami offers her professional thoughts on the future of nutritional guidance and industry influence on that guidance. She also tells us about the research that is likely to radically shift our thinking about the human body. Kev and Wendy start things off with some corny veggie puns and wrap up with Dr Yami's F bombs: FIBER and FLATULENCE.

“In 1996 French film producer Sophie Toscan du Plantier is found dead near her holiday home. There are no witnesses and no known motive. The police suspect one man in this community but they can't make a charge stick and he refuses to leave, living under the glare of suspicion ever since.”In West Cork, Sam Bungey and Jennifer Forde bring one of Ireland's most widely known tragedies to international listeners. The podcast explores the murder case of Sophie Toscan du Plantier, a woman found bludgeoned to death outside of her vacation cottage in a remote area of West Cork just before Christmas in 1996.Sam and Jennifer attempt to pick up the pieces of an investigation mired with problems for decades. They immerse themselves in the small community, talking to those disturbed by the horror and its legacy. Surprisingly, this includes the main suspect, who remains rather unusually involved with the case.Intimate and measured, West Cork keeps listeners on the edge of doubt and certainty. Listeners will experience the emotional “push and pull” that Sam and Jennifer experienced themselves during their investigation.In this episode of MetaPod, Jennifer and Sam explain how they tackled the storytelling challenges that a complex, unsolved, international murder case presents.They reflect on their own thinking and creative processes for the podcast, describing the unique context and characters involved. Also, Sam and Jennifer reveal the story behind the photograph on the podcast artwork.

“A podcast documentary about Cheltenham, the home of British spying, and the cracks of lying and deception that run through this seemingly perfect Cotswolds town.”The Town That Knew Too Much shines a light on the English town of Cheltenham and how the “pomp and ceremony” of this upper-middle-class town has been “subverted in the seedy world of espionage” since Government Communications Headquarters or “GC HQ” made its home there.Over seven episodes, Nick Hilton features various characters associated with Britain's spy and state intelligence history, including Alan Turing, Geoffrey Prime, Gareth Williams, and Edward Snowden.The story also includes an episode about Kit Williams, author and creator of the Masquerade book and treasure hunt – and the Wishing Fish Clock, which resides in Cheltenham.The second in Nick Hilton's “Town” series, The Town That Knew Too Much continues with a “light-hearted, whimsical, tangential” documentary tone that is informative and entertaining. Also much like the first series, The Town That Didn't Stare, The Town That Knew Too Much presents complex themes and issues related to technology, the Internet, society and self.In this episode of MetaPod, we talk to Nick Hilton about some of the overarching themes of The Town That Knew Too Much, such as privacy, data collection, the internet, Big Tech, the Snowden leaks and the state.We also discuss opinions on technology and privacy, from both the media and the public perspectives. Nick also tells us about the interactive elements that he built into the podcast. To conclude, Kevin asks Nick if he would ever like to be a spy. Obviously.

“Seeing how it all started and seeing where I am now, one of the things that's so different than before is that now it's fancy.”If you had an iPod in 2006 and synced podcasts from iTunes, you might have seen Elsie's Yoga Class. The class was one of the first female-led yoga podcasts available. Remember, this was a time when you could browse most of the podcasts that existed fairly quickly.“I came into the scene, recording my yoga classes because I wanted to record something — I wanted to have a show,” recalls Elsie Escobar, creator of Elsie's Yoga Class. “I didn't know how to make it work. I didn't know how to do it, so I thought, you know what, I'm just gonna start doing something. I just wanted something to record so that I could understand the process.”Fast forward 100+ episodes of Elsie's Yoga Class and it's 2013 and she works at a podcast hosting company, Libsyn. By 2014, Elsie joins forces with Jessica Kupferman to found She Podcasts, now the largest network of women in podcasting.In this special episode of MetaPod we talk to Elsie Escobar, Co-founder of She Podcasts and Community Manager at Libsyn. We learn from Elsie what it's been like to be part of podcasting's professionalisation. She recounts the early days where everyone was “starting from zero” vs. now where more money and brands are involved.Elsie also explains a few things that new podcasters should understand about the heart and soul of the medium's origins. We also discuss the time and commitment that “doing all the things” as an indie podcaster requires.We also hear about Elsie's personal journey to becoming a more visible woman and role model, particularly for marginalised people and communities in podcasting.

“How did an American family end up in the heart of the ISIS caliphate?”Samantha Elhassani (nee Sally) insists, “I'm not a bad person — I'm not a monster”.Yet she lived in the ISIS caliphate. Her ten-year-old son could make a suicide belt and be featured in ISIS propaganda. She owned slaves. And travelled to Hong Kong to deposit large sums of cash and gold and bought tactical combat gear there. And perhaps most astonishing, she was an FBI informant.The story sounds unbelievable and Samantha says so herself. However, in 2018 she returned to the US into the custody of law enforcement. At the end of 2020, she was convicted of financing terrorism and sentenced to prison for 78 months.Investigative journalist and documentary filmmaker Joshua Baker untangles Samantha's story in the podcast In I'm Not A Monster and the film Return from ISIS. Jointly produced by the BBC and PBS, the podcast and film examine how an American woman and her children could possibly end up with ISIS in Syria. Joshua Baker brings listeners to places both frightening and familiar, from a former torture prison to a children's swing set in the backyard of a home in Indiana.In this episode of MetaPod, we talk to Joshua Baker about his mission to chronicle Samantha's unique story. Josh discusses his journalistic career working in high-risk conflict zones and with vulnerable people. We also discuss the political and cultural understanding between countries of the Middle East and the West.Please be advised that some of our discussion revolves around violence, coercion and other topics that might be unsettling for some audiences.

“Standup comedian, writer, and candlehead Selena Coppock talks with guests about their individual candle journeys, including candle stories, favorite scents and #wickpics.“Who doesn't like a candle burning away on their desk, on the kitchen table or while you're having a bath?!Well, maybe the last one is more of a required taste but very few people would say they dislike candles – surely…The right scent, the right size, the right jar, lots of accessories – there's a lot to take into consideration these days, not least with countless lifestyle brands now diving into the world of waxy wonders.But even though candle selection is a serious thing, our guest – Selena Coppock – doesn't take things TOO seriously, mainly because she's a standup comedian and all-around giggler at life.Selena's premise for Two Wick Minimum is to interview her friends, many in the entertainment world, about their love of candles and what scents they love/hate and the memories that specific candles create.The podcast is a riotous listen at times but, actually, also pretty useful if you're looking for a new scent to buy or avoid.Selena joins us for our latest episode, to share a story or two about the show and her take on what's hot or not in the candle universe.

“Unexplainable is a science show about everything we don't know, looking at the most fascinating unanswered questions in science and the mind-bending ways scientists are trying to answer them.”Dark Energy – what the heck is it? And what about UFOs – surely there's some kind of analysis available that can shed some light on those mysterious objects in the sky?Well, disappointingly, there is no definitive understanding of what either of these is – just a lot of speculation, ongoing research and, often, a lot of bad science.Thankfully, Unexplainable is here to unravel the key elements behind these mysteries and many others, as much it can.The Vox Media-run podcast is informative, entertaining and extremely thought-provoking. It has tackled the aforementioned subjects alongside others as varied as establishing the height of Mount Everest, planet-hunting, why placebos work and the length of human life.Heavy stuff – but riveting and worth every minute of a listen.In this episode of MetaPod we speak with Brian Resnick, co-creator of Unexplainable and Vox's science reporter.We wallow in the smartness of our guest and try to pick apart some of the topics in the Unexplainable portfolio of shows, as well as asking why does the internet need another podcast about science.If you listen to Unexplainable, you'll soon know why.

“Permanent Record Podcast is a look back at albums from the New Wave and Classic Rock genres.”Think back to your favourite bands, songs and albums before the Internet – the songs you recorded off the radio or the albums that your friend let you borrow and copy with your dual cassette deck. How much do you really know about these beloved artefacts of your past?Perhaps a fair amount, but Sarah and Brian Linnen of the Permanent Record Podcast demonstrate that there is always something more to learn about your favourites, especially with the advantage of hindsight and a few modern-day research tools.Combining historical context and facts, trivia and endearing personal memories of the classic alternative and rock music of the 80s, Sarah and Brian will likely jog some memories of your own – from chart performance and critical reception to what you thought of the artwork on a cassingle or the band hairstyles and outfits in a music video.Oh, you didn't realise that there was another song on that album until much later in life? Probably because it didn't fit on the only 60-minute cassette that your friend had available to record over, right? Don't worry, Sarah and Brian will still have you in their club. You just need to be a fan.In this episode of MetaPod, we talk about classic alternative music of the 1980s with Sarah and Brian – Depeche Mode, Erasure, The Communards, The Cure and others. We learn how Sarah and Brian select, research and present the albums they feature on the Permanent Record Podcast. We also discuss music more broadly.If you're a fan of Permanent Record Podcast, this is your chance to learn more about Sarah and Brian personally and all of the good work they do to provide listeners with a broad, yet detailed look at the much-loved classic alternative bands of the 80s.

“In the early days, it really was this group of geeks and hardcore people that wanted to create media and hardcore audiences that wanted to listen to it.”How do you go from a career in the military to one in podcasting? Just ask Todd Cochrane, the founder and CEO of Blubrry, a podcast hosting company.“Life has these right and left-hand turns and I had a right-hand turn in June of 2004,” Todd told us.That right-hand turn put Todd among the pioneers of a new medium being raised by rebels.While recovering from an injury that changed the course of his career in the US Navy, Todd discovered the work of Dave Winer and Adam Curry and this thing they were talking about called “podcasting”. Todd was sucked in and before he knew it, he was at the nearest Walmart purchasing his first microphone.Podcasting since 2004 with his tech show Geek News Central, Todd Cochrane also established the first podcast advertising deal and wrote the first book on podcasting. He also founded the Podcast Awards and is a member of the Podcast Hall of Fame.“The industry was exciting, it was basically pioneer days, we were making stuff up as we go, we didn't really know what we were doing, but things progressed very, very quickly,” said Todd.In this special episode of MetaPod, we talk to Todd about the early players of podcasting and what it was like to work with the techies, geeks and hardcore audiences of the medium. We also discuss how podcasting has evolved to this day, including investment, leadership, its increasingly diverse field of creators and the entry of big media platforms in the space.Todd also tells us what the most important thing is for new podcasters to understand about the medium and why the first two episodes of Geek News Central no longer exist.

“Smart Enough To Know Better is a podcast of science, comedy and ignorance.”It's a unique skill to be able to apply humour to science – and get it to work.Greg Wah and Dan Beeston have been doing this for over 10 years with Smart Enough To Know Better, creating an extremely listenable podcast that tackles big subjects with an accessible style.There is a lot of banter, plenty of tangents that they often head down and a very loyal and engaged audience.What makes Smart Enough To Know Better so good is that it's not afraid to dissect a subject and speak truth to power – but do so in a way that is, generally, positive and constructive.And as the pair creep closer to their 200th show, what better time to understand more about the show and the issues and topics that get them going.For our latest episode of MetaPod, we speak to the Australia-based pair about how they pick their subjects each week and how they've nurtured their audience over a decade.We tackle some big issues, such as the billionaire space race and coronavirus, as well as find out how much science they actually remember.

“When Matthew MaGill died alone in the woods on the Florida-Georgia border, he left behind a box filled with the artifacts of an incredible life. A series of coincidences leads reporter Eric Mennel to the box, sending him on a five-year search to understand the truth about its owner.”Stay Away from Matthew MaGill is an unusual podcast. It's the story of a man who earned a reputation for being unusually handsome, stubborn and prone to telling tall tales. It's also the story of secrets and the spaces they occupy between us, family and friends.Blending investigation and personal memoir, Eric Mennel extends the boundaries of what one might expect from either genre. He begins by building an understanding of Matthew MaGill's life through the contents of the box. At the same time, Eric is grappling with the relationship dynamics of his own family.Eric bravely chooses to reconcile with family, a choice we presume Matthew MaGill did not make. Eric's personal reflections on this process, as well as those of his family members, are included alongside the story of Matthew MaGill.“Along the way, the questions I was asking about him – they just became a little entangled with things that were going on in my own life,” said Mennel. “The show is largely about the journey that I go on to reconnect with my family – with the help of Matthew MaGill's box.”In this episode of MetaPod, we talk to Eric about the contents of the box that Matthew MaGill left behind and how people earn the reputation as ‘someone to stay away from'. Eric explains the research that he undertook to understand who exactly Matthew was. We also discuss the provocative blend of investigation and personal memoir in the podcast.

“Nina Gilden Seavey was twelve in May 1970, when an Air Force building in St. Louis burned to the ground. Her dad represented a young man arrested in connection with the fire: Howard Mechanic. Facing serious federal time, Howard fled and became one of the longest-running fugitives in U.S. history. As an adult, Nina picked up the trail. My Fugitive asks: Whatever happened to Howard Mechanic?”Just the story of the disappearance of Vietnam War protester Howard Mechanic is an intriguing one, worthy of any podcast.After his arrest and conviction for an obscure offence within the Civil Obedience Act, Mechanic went on the run for the next 28 years.He settled in Scottsdale, Arizona, but eventually gave himself up to the authorities when a local reporter became suspicious about his candidacy for public office in the area. He was pardoned in January 2001 by the outgoing President Bill Clinton.But My Fugitive is much more than the Mechanic saga, with Nina Gilden Seavey cleverly weaving in her personal connection to the case (her father was Mechanic's lawyer in St. Louis) and investigating connections in the city to the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968.What emerges is a fascinating yet unsettling look at the behaviour of government agencies (namely, the Federal Bureau of Investigation) during that period of huge civil unrest in the U.S.In this episode of MetaPod, we speak with Gilden Seavey about her tireless work to uncover the truth about Mechanic and the FBI, how the U.S. used a combination of surveillance and the Dark Arts of domestic espionage to thwart the efforts of the anti-war movement and what it means for today's society.

The Apology Line podcast tells the unsettling stories of a secular confessional telephone line.The Apology Line project invited the public to call a telephone line and leave anonymous apologies for wrongdoings on an answering machine. The project was started by artist Allan Bridge, anonymously, in the early 1980s in New York City. Allan ran the project for more than a decade and also published a magazine companion to the telephone line.Questions about morality and the criminal mind intrigued Allan and drove his work. Before the Apology project, Allan created an interactive art piece called Crime Time. Crime Time replicated the act of stealing. A user could either get away with the act or be caught with one’s hand, literally, in the act.This interactive art was reportedly Allan’s way of coming to terms with his own shoplifting. Later, his purpose for the Apology project was “to provide a way for criminals and wrongdoers to apologize for their misdeeds in the hope that this will help them turn over a new leaf.”In this episode of MetaPod, we talk to Marissa Bridge, widow of Allan Bridge and narrator of The Apology Line. Marissa talks to us in detail about the podcast and the original Apology Line project. As a result, we learn that the original project had far greater scope and insight on human behaviour than the podcast.Marissa also recounts life in Manhattan in the 1980s and the historical context of the Apology project. She speaks candidly to us about her life with Allan and the callers whose apologies occupied much of their time together.

Twenty Thousand Hertz tells “the stories behind the world’s most recognizable and interesting sounds.”Are you conscious of sound – especially sounds that you hear all the time?“Our brains are very good at filtering out – especially things we hear a lot,” explains Dallas Taylor, sound designer and host of the Twenty Thousand Hertz podcast. “Sound is something that generally we have a hard time making conscious – but it’s very easy to.”The Twenty Thousand Hertz podcast is an enjoyable way to become more aware of sound. Dallas and the podcast team devote a great deal of care and craft to each episode. As a result, listeners will gain an appreciation for sound, as well as the people and devices behind those sounds. Whether it’s a microphone, dinosaurs, a drum machine, or a corporate jingle, you’re sure to learn something interesting on Twenty Thousand Hertz.“I hope that we start to really understand how sound can have a hugely negative influence on our life and how it can have a hugely positive influence,” says Dallas. “If you ever want to become conscious, just say ‘I want to become conscious about sound, right now’ and you can start to hear things that your brain filters out all the time.”In this episode of MetaPod, Dallas Taylor explains the work of sound designers in enhancing emotion, plus his own emotional objectives for the Twenty Thousand Hertz podcast. Dallas shares the backstories of several episode of the podcast, explaining how he chooses topics for the show.He also reveals two significant moments in the show’s history to date (thank you, Bose and thank you, Roman Mars). We also discuss the changing relationship between humans and the sonic environment. Finally, MetaPod host Kevin May quizzes Dallas on some of the sounds in his personal life.

Decoder Ring “takes a cultural question, object, or habit; examines its history; and tries to figure out what it means and why it matters.”The mullet isn’t just a peculiar haircut from the 1980s, (strangely) loved by hipsters in the 2020s – it has a backstory all of its own, from sports stars to soft metal bands. The same goes for why clowns are feared more often than they’re enjoyed, or why some television shows have a “laugh track”.Cultural phenomenon don’t just get thrust into the mainstream overnight (although some do, admittedly) as they are often the result of years of slow evolution, twisting and shaping here and there.That’s where the popular Slate podcast Decoder Ring comes in. In each episode, host Willa Paskin unravels the origins of a different mystery and breaks down its impact on society and culture.In this episode of MetaPod, Willa tells us about her favourite mysteries on the show. She explains how one slice of contemporary or historical significance might make the cut and why others will not.MetaPod co-host Wendy Morrill also sends a barrage of quick-fire A or B questions at our guest. Fellow host Kevin May admits he’s never heard the phrase “business at the front, party at the back” in relation to the mullet.

“On a long weekend in the summer of 2002, Lisa Marie Young went out to celebrate a friend’s birthday. That night Lisa got into a red Jaguar with a young man from a prominent local family and was never seen again.”A mysterious and hardly straightforward case, Island Crime tells the story of a young woman who went missing on a celebratory evening surrounded by friends.Lisa Marie Young was an energetic and bright 21-year-old from Vancouver Island. Her disappearance on June 30, 2002 was initially played down by local authorities. Police deemed the case as that of a young woman who may have been partying too hard and failed to get in touch with family afterwards.However, those who had been with Lisa on that night knew something was wrong. In the absence of an official search for Lisa by the police, the community initiated their own. Almost immediately, speculation concentrated on the driver of a distinctive red Jaguar. Some of the darker elements of the local Nanaimo scene came into view too.Lisa would have turned 40-years old this week.Island Crime host Laura Palmer originally set out to pay tribute to Lisa Marie. A former producer for CBC, Laura uncovered many new leads and witnesses while investigating for the Island Crime podcast. As a result, the mystery of Lisa’s disappearance continues to unravel.In our episode this week, Laura details her work on the case and the impact of the investigation on Lisa Marie’s family and First Nation community. We also discuss issues surrounding institutionalised bias against indigenous Canadians.

How do songs and albums achieve success on the charts and become lasting memories, for better or worse, in popular culture? Chris Molanphy, a pop-chart analyst, looks at both culture and commerce to arrive at answers.The answers, along with plenty of trivia, song clips, unexpected stories and entertaining cultural analysis form the Hit Parade podcast.“I’m always looking for the best stories,” explained Chris. “For ways to make the audience go, ‘oh yeah… I’ve experienced that… that’s the song about the such and such with the so and so’.”In this episode of MetaPod, Chris Molanphy makes the case that the music charts still matter. He also outlines the key developments that have shaped the evolution of the Billboard charts up to the streaming era.We discuss with Chris how he uncovers chart phenomena and conceives topics for episodes of Hit Parade. Plus, Kevin and Wendy quiz Chris on some of his favourite music-related picks, which leads to Chris revealing a cherished item from his clothes closet.

Imagine years of academic research distilled down to a 45-minute conversation. The conversation is easy to understand and offers new ways to look at things. It’s unimposing, yet applicable to your own life. It’s also calming to listen to. That is roughly what you can expect from a podcast called Hidden Brain.Hosted by Shankar Vedantam, a social science correspondent for National Public Radio (NPR) in the USA, Hidden Brain draws on social science and storytelling to examine everyday social dynamics. It aims to “connect the ivory tower with the public square”. Its team is guided by the principles of “scientific and journalistic rigor” and “deep empathy” for listeners and contributors. As a result, listeners gain new perspectives on culture and society.“We’re almost sort of wincingly earnest as a team and as a show, laughs Tara Boyle, the executive producer of the show. “I like that about us. I think there needs to be more space in the world for vulnerabilities.”The show started out as a podcast in 2015 and later spun off a radio programme for NPR stations. In late 2020, the show spawned an independent production company.In this episode of MetaPod, we talk to Tara Boyle, Executive Producer of Hidden Brain. Tara shares the origin story of the podcast and explains Shankar Vedantam’s skill in bringing together a wide range of research topics into accessible discussions about society, culture and self. Tara also discusses how listener feedback and suggestions are incorporated into the show. Plus, she reveals some of the most popular aspects of the show according to its global base of listeners.

Danny Robins doesn’t believe in ghosts, however, he thinks that we need them.The Battersea Poltergeist is the story of a haunting in south London that started in 1956. At the centre of the decades-long drama is the Hitchings family, its teenage daughter Shirley and a noisy ghost known as “Donald”.At first the family is spooked by loud sounds and moving household objects. Then more threatening acts start to occur. Scrawled messages on the wall, flying pots and pans and a fire – all of it unexplainable. The podcast blends documentary, expert commentary and drama to recount and analyse the happenings that tormented the Hitchings family at 63 Wycliffe Road.In this episode of MetaPod, we talk to Danny from his shed about ghosts and “bringing the dead to life” through the use of dramatisations in the podcast. We also discuss his experiences listening to people tell their own ghost stories, including Shirley Hitchings.Danny also talks about the community of believers and sceptics that has formed on social media since the podcast started, both camps trying to understand what happened to Shirley and her family during those years.

Murder cases that take nearly four decades to solve are rare and usually reserved for when there is no idea as to the identity of the perpetrator.The brutal killings of Peta Frampton and Chris Farmer in Latin America in 1978 should have seen the suspect Silas Duane Boston arrested and convicted quickly – especially as there were two witnesses: his sons.But a case such as this doesn’t get a podcast – the BBC’s Paradise – devoted to the tale if things are straightforward. Far from it, in fact.Boston’s sons were young and scared of their father, only coming forward decades later. Law enforcement agencies, armed with snippets of information about the disappearance of Peta and Chris, did not put the pieces together for years.BBC journalists Dan Maudsley and Stephen Nolan tell the story of Chris and Peta, Silas and his sons, and the investigation – uncovering many new details and discoveries along the way.Their journey takes them to a crime convention, lawyer and police offices in the US, the homes of Chris and Peta’s family members in England and a trip to the region where the murders took place, including a graveyard as Dan and Chris’s sister search for the graves of the victims.Listeners will soon realise that Dan’s work on the Paradise case is not over, as he explains in this episode of MetaPod.

When did music first come into your life? Who was there and how did you feel? Where did that moment or period of time lead to?These are some of the questions answered by guests of the Lost And Sound podcast, hosted by Paul Hanford. The podcast features a far-flung list of guests yet hones in on innovation and creative process.Listeners will discover personal conversations with well and lesser-known artists from various genres of music, all of whom speak to their individual influences and creativity.In this episode of MetaPod, Paul talks about the evolution of the Lost And Sound podcast and its backdrop, the city of Berlin.Paul also explains his interest in the human, rather than technical, aspects of music and how those feed the identity of people and places. We also learn about when music first came into Paul’s life. Did we mention that Paul might be the only DJ that moved to Berlin to stop being a DJ?