FINALE :: You ARE What You LISTEN To

GQ Magazine

A worthy supplement for those who read the magazine. As the description airs, a behind-the-scenes look at written subjects explored in the print copy. The hosts can err on the side goofy but do occasionally toss out some fashion or pop culture gold. While certainly no fashionisto (masculine fashionista?), I can vouch that the men provide [relatively] low priced ways for the every-man to become a sartorialist. Key phrase: every-man. They are well aware of the astronomically priced items featured within the pages of GQ. Therefore, it is acknowledged, oftentimes with solutions to achieve the same look on a non NBA salary.

In the last few episodes, the editors having covered 50 years of LA rock, include interviews with Tom Waits and Anvil, an LA based heavy metal band (featuring guitar riffs that will melt your face). Baseball fans, you absolutely MUST listen to "Episode 118: Two Months in Hell with Lenny Dykstra." Kevin Coughlin elaborates on his story in the April issue of GQ... craziness ensues.

If you are looking for a light, sometimes educational podcast that is akin to discussions you might have with your best friends, then this is it. Enjoy.

A weekly infusion of men’s style and culture, the GQ Podcast gives you the story behind the story. Listen in on conversations between editors and writers about the best in movies, fashion, music, and other areas of pop culture. iTunes

:: Programming Note ::

Originally, the You ARE What You LISTEN To series was set to cover ten(10) individual podcasts. However, due to low reader commentary and the realization that there are only seven(7) core podcasts in my repertoire, this post will close the series. Be on the look out for a new series to begin in the weeks ahead.

Week 6 :: You ARE What You LISTEN To

The Age Grouper

I stumbled across this podcast as my interest in fitness and running took off... literally. Despite the fact that I am a whole 7 months away from 30, these guys are just like me. Successfully trying to manage work, family obligations and living an all-around healthy lifestyle, including the occasional trial by race. Jeff is a bit more typical for our age, by that, I mean not as fast and not quite as neurotic about keeping a strict training manual. If Jeff is Oscar Madison, then Eric is the Felix Unger. Eric has chronicled every workout for over 5 years and by [almost] any amateur's measuring stick, is blazing fast. Over time, the two hosts have expanded the course of the show, from following the trials and tribulations of their [own] athletic endeavors to interviewing Olympic athletes and featuring gear reviews. I've found myself in the past listening to professional athletes discuss what works best for them, with myself thinking "that's easy when your only responsibility is to train." Jeff and Eric are just like you and me, continuing to dish out tips focused on improving one's physical and mental performance.

This is The Age Grouper Triathlon and Multisport Podcast. Join Jeff and Eric, two regular 30-34 year old triathletes from the heart of the Midwest, in the kind of conversation that only age-groupers can appreciate. We explore the everyday issues that we face as swimmers, cyclists and runners. If you are part of any age group, you have found the right podcast. iTunes

Week 5 :: You ARE What You LISTEN To

Real Time with Bill Maher

One needs an open mind when listening to Mr. Bill Maher. As humorous as he is controversial, Maher covers the day's hottest political topics; featuring guests from all over the spectrum. Do not allow yourself to be too jaded by his previous political commentary; with the last eight(8) years yielding effortless child's play through reason and logic, because Bill is an equal opportunity mocker. The new season began two weeks ago accompanied with a renewed sense of passion in his voice. Of course, [like us] he strongly supports President Obama, and unlike Mr. Limbaugh, Maher prefers to see the President and our country prosper... I'm dumb-founded by the idea of anyone benefiting from the leader of the free world failing??? However, Maher has been quick to criticize a few of the administration's earlier decisions, referring to Obama as another Clintonesque, big business Democrat. Bill is the liberal's liberal, and unlike many (though not all) of his counterparts, he enjoys magnifying the issues through a lens of logic and fact opposed to anger and fear.

In a few weeks, Maher will be making several stops in which he will debate my favorite poltergeist, Ann Coulter. Whether this will make it into the podcast or not, I do not know, but I highly advise finding a way to tune in. Between Ann Coulter's 140 decibel concern regarding the coming apocalypse, brought on by that "awful man" (FWD to 2:33 in the clip) and Bill's slightly stoned, yet rational fact based retorts, it should be great...

2009 promises to be a year of change, hope, renewal and at long last, a new president. Bill Maher and his peerless panelists are back to take on the contender, and pretenders, all year long. iTunes

Week 4 :: You ARE What You LISTEN To

This American Life

Stories of ordinary and extraordinary people and circumstances. For some time, this has been one of the most widely subscribed podcasts in the country, and for good reason. As your guide, Ira Glass does a remarkable job integrating multiple stories into a single themed show. Much like The Moth, This American Life gives you a little taste of everything, laughter, tears (I will admit to a few while listening during my long runs), and more often than not, amazing illustrations of "The Butterfly Effect."

Official FREE, weekly podcast of the award-winning radio show “This American Life.” First-person stories and short fiction pieces that are touching, funny, and surprising. Hosted by Ira Glass, from WBEZ Chicago Public Radio. In mp3 and updated Mondays. iTunes

Week 3 :: You ARE What You LISTEN To

The Moth

Though occasionally touching, more often than not, “The Moth” has me laughing aloud. Stories are told by a cross section of society, and the deliveries are always fantastic. A frequent performer on Comedy Central, Mike Birbiglia tells of his worst stand-up performance...ever. On the other end of the spectrum, a retired New York City firefighter reflects on the memories [of work] that haunt him and strain his family life. In a recent episode, an apartment tenant tells of a "crazy" super who turns out to not be so crazy. If you aren't laughing, then your jaw will be on the floor. Visit the The Moth and it will turn into one of the brightest 15 minutes of your week.

The Moth features people telling true, engaging, funny, touching and eye-opening stories from their lives. Hailed as “New York’s hottest and hippest literary ticket” by the Wall Street Journal, The Moth has been producing sold-out storytelling shows for over ten years. Stories are told without notes to a live audience by a wide range of people. The best have been captured here. iTunes

Week 2 :: You ARE what You LISTEN To

Stuff You Missed in History Class

If “Hardcore History” is the 10,000 calorie last supper, this show is a mere appetizer with tidbits to whet your interest. The individual stories provide just enough material to comment on anything from the African diamond trade or Thomas Jefferson's revisions (he was a deist) to the Bible. How did Rasputin really die? Take 13 minutes and listen to the 9/13/08 Stuff You Missed in History Class. The show will pique your interest and force you to run to the library... or at least spend a few minutes on the Google.

From the Christmas Truce to the Boston Tea Party, history is filled with amazing stories. Tune in and learn more Stuff You Missed in History Class in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com iTunes

Again, if any of these sound interesting, do yourself a huge favor and subscribe to the podcast.

You ARE what You LISTEN To

Like many Americans, I [too] am hopelessly in love with my iPod. We go everywhere together, though she does most of the talking. Our relationship started simply enough: iTunes, the occasional mixed CD, utilizing the timer function for workouts. However, I knew she was "the one" upon discovering podcasts. Business, fitness and storytelling, each category has found a regular spot on my playlist. Though my [listening] tastes could easily be described as eclectic, one can begin to understand my personal interests just by tuning in to these particular programs.

Each week, I will highlight the top ten(10) shows I enjoy while giving a brief description as to why they have earned a much coveted spot on the iPod, including a brief write-up provided by iTunes as well. If a show sounds interesting, then feel free to support it by subscribing to it and utilizing this FREE form of [educational] entertainment.

Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History

Nothing I could say would do this show justice. Dan Carlin makes one hunger to learn more about the Assyrian empire, consider the Great Man Theory, and actually entertained me to listen to a 4-hour analysis of the Punic Wars. Want to learn why Hannibal and his Carthaginians were warfare innovators? How did Scipio Africanus ultimately counter Hannibal’s elephants and battlefield greatness? Carlin works through incredible “what ifs” and explores what might have happened if the smallest things had been different. His theme “Imagine if…” 

In “Hardcore History,” the very unconventional Dan Carlin takes “Martian,” outside-the-box thinking and applies it to the past. Was Alexander the Great as bad a person as Adolf Hitler? What would Apaches with modern weapons be like? Will our modern civilization ever fall like civilizations from past eras? This difficult-to-classify show has a rather sharp edge. It is not for everyone. iTunes