I remember when podcasts weren’t really a thing. Then more and more people started doing them, and they were kind of funky and people did them from their kitchen, and you could hear the refrigerator cycle on, and maybe their cat would wander through and rub their tail across the microphone.

Then everyone started getting  more professional, getting sponsors so they could get better equipment, and maybe outfit or rent a studio to record in. They became much more sophisticated and they proliferated all over the place. Interviews with guests took place face to face.

Then the pandemic came, and suddenly people had to stay in their houses and apartments, to prevent getting or spreading the coronavirus. Then they were back in their kitchens and they were joined by late night news/comedy show hosts who were also broadcasting from their own kitchens or bedrooms or attics.

I have to say, I rather like these stripped down versions of these performances. There is a kind of unvarnished honesty in them. I’m sure Trevor Noah would prefer to be back in front of his live, studio audience. But really, I kind of like feeling like I have him to myself. It’s almost like talking one on one with a friend, without the complication of his other 568 best friends who are taking all his attention. I do think that maybe Jon Lovett is going feral, and I hope his relationship with Ronan Farrow survives, as he seems to be getting kind of feistier than normal in his isolation. No judgement Jon. It’s hard on all of us. Just, you know, maybe dial it back a little over dinner, okay?

For crying out loud! We need to Pod Save the Pandas!

Pod Save the Pandas! Collect the whole set!

Of course you can always find me at my kitchen table.

Be the bear!
Bob T Panda