This Week in Podcasts is a weekly roundup of mini-reviews of all of the podcasts I’ve listened to in a week. If you see any podcasts that you feel are missing from my list, there’s a good chance I haven’t listened to the show yet! You can see my current list of podcast subscriptions here. Feel free to give me recommendations–as well as any feedback or discussion!–in the comments below or on twitter. You can see a list of every episode that has scored within the A range here.
Highlights
The Far Meridian
“2.1 After”
Returning from its hiatus after its first season’s conclusion, The Far Meridian opens its second season with a haunting, moving introduction. I recently interviewed the show’s creator and lead actor, Eli Barraza, about what the next season would entail, and she did indicate that there would be serious ramifications following the first season. “2.1 After” reflects these darker tones while still maintaining the show’s tender, emotional tone. The show’s magical realism shines in this episode, even without the lighthouse being present, a chose that reminds the listener of the magic present throughout the world instead of just the building itself.
Pitfalls
Welcome to Night Vale
“133 – Are You Sure?”
Using dynamic ad technology, Welcome to Night Vale has created an episode that changes details upon subsequent listens. Using the technology in this way is something I hear creators discuss often, but they often lack the resources to execute it. Hearing a team like Night Vale Presents try something so innovative is exciting, and it feels like a benchmark in podcasting; however, the episode itself fell flat. Welcome to Night Vale is at its best when it says something moving and profound about the world, but this episode felt too locked into its conceit to do much with the writing. This could have changed on further listens; I only listened twice, because while the use of technology is fascinating, the story did not grip me enough for more than two listens, especially with other podcasts’ episodes waiting in my queue. This episode feels innovative, but ultimately lacking. If the writing had focused more on saying something unique than accomplishing something unique, the episode could have been monumental. Instead, it did something interesting and was just fine.
This Week’s Ratings
Sunday, 8/26/18
- The Allusionist, “83. Yes, As In”: B
- Heart Beats, “Episode 06 – Time Flies”: C
- Hello from the Magic Tavern, “Season 2, Ep 74 – Sweater Quest”: C
- The Hilarious World of Depression, “Impostor Syndrome: True Tales, Tricks, and Tactics for When You’re Feeling Fraudulent”: B-
Monday, 8/27/18
- The Far Meridian, “2.1 After”: B+
- Station Blue, “Eclipse”: B
- Character Creation Cast, “Character Evolution Cast E04 – Character and Religion with Jude Vias”: B-
- My Brother, My Brother and Me, “MBMBaM 422: The Very Best Stains”: B-
- Potterless, “Ep. 49 – Half-Blood Prince Ch. 19 w/ Meghan Fruehauf”: B
- Song Salad, “Ep. 125 – Modern Day Magic Dragon”: B
- Beautiful Stories from Anonymous People, “127. 40 lbs of Cat”: C+
- Everything is Alive, “Tara, Bar of Soap”: B
- Terrible, Thanks for Asking, “45: How Are You?”: B
Tuesday, 8/28/18
- The Good Place: The Podcast, “Chapter 19: William Jackson Harper, Actor | Dr. Todd May, Philosophy Advisor”: C
- The Big Loop, “Wide Awake”: B
- Join the Party, “32. Labor Party II”: B
- 99% Invisible, “321- Double Standards”: B
Wednesday, 8/29/18
- Twenty Sided Stories, “POKEMON! #5 – The S.S. Dan”: B
- Radiolab, “Baby Blue Blood Drive”: C
- Join the Party, “Afterparty: Labor Party II”: B
- Han and Matt Know It All, “#83: Han and Matt Commune with Miri”: C+
- Spirits, “Episode 92: Fakelore (with David Rheinstrom)”: B
- Kaleidotrope, “Episode 6 – Kaleidotrope: A Romantic Comedy”: B
Thursday, 8/30/18
- Victoriocity, “The Three Volume Club”: B
- Solutions to Problems, “Mini Ep. 1 – Loaf’s Voicemails”: B
- Pop Culture Happy Hour, “Fall TV Preview and What’s Making Us Happy”: C
Friday, 8/31/18
- The Good Place: The Podcast, “Ch. 20: D’arcy Carden, Actress | Dean Holland, Director”: B-
- Welcome to Night Vale, “133 – Are You Sure?” C
Saturday, 9/1/18
- The End of Time and Other Bothers, “11: Journey to the Temple, Part 4”: B
These weekly roundups are some of my favorite to write, but they’re also some of the most exhausting posts to write. Keeping up with all these podcasts is time consuming! These posts are brought to you with deep thanks to my Patreon supporters and people who have supported me via Ko-Fi. Becoming a supporter will get you access to my planning blog, customized podcast playlists, and the ability to request reviews for podcasts you love. Find out more here!
Wil Williams Writes 