In the 21st century, many content creation tools are increasingly accessible and user-friendly. As a result, platforms like YouTube have become especially popular as means of distributing music, news commentary and other video content. Fans of video games have gravitated towards "Let's Plays" which feature extensive playthroughs of games that are popular, fascinating or under the radar altogether. This week, Phoebe Lewis returns to help us examine the gray area surrounding Let's Plays. They represent content created by video game developers but altered by gameplay and additional commentary and information. Why do we judge those who watch gamers and not those who watch sports or other reproducible events? Do creators have a right to claim revenue and ownership of this new multimedia product? Is it an authentic means of advertising an interesting product? How can our understanding of video games as non-linear media be applied to creations like films and books which often have a straightforward means of consumption?
Episode 126: Being Raised in a Biracial Family
In a country that has and continues to struggle with issues of race in our society, the topic is all at once heavily debated and rarely discussed in patient, honest forums. It is simultaneously sensitive and necessary to talk about so we thoroughly appreciate Conor Tazewell for joining us to speak about his experience being raised in a biracial family. What do the circumstances of biracial identity permit or prohibit in our culture? How can a biracial perspective illuminate thinking of those who identify with a single race? How might discomfort surrounding discussions of race perpetuate misunderstanding and generalization?
Episode 125: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff III
This week, we give a third reading of Don't Sweat the Small Stuff and further discuss some chapters in the book, focusing on minding one's own business, paying attention to the snowball effect of our thoughts and embracing the problems in our lives rather than avoiding them outright. If you enjoyed this episode, you can listen to our first or second reading from the book. As before, if you are interested in getting the book for yourself, we've included some links below.
Episode 124: The Appeal of Podcasts
“Under the old rules, a gatekeeper who owned the airwaves would never give you a radio show if you didn’t have the credentials he deemed necessary. So, your story would go untold.
Times have changed. We now live in a time in which we can control our own platforms and tell our own stories. We no longer need approval, so don’t wait for someone else to tell you to start.”
“Since the beginning of time (and the advent of humans), oral storytelling has served a critical role as the sole means of abstracting experiences and emotions in narrative form. Ancient oral storytellers were revered keepers of local knowledge, history, and traditions in their communities.”
Every week, we share our thoughts and feelings with you in the form of this podcast. But why do we rely upon this medium? What sets it apart and what do we find most appealing about it? Edison Research indicates that 21% of Americans listen to at least one podcast a month, reflecting a positive trend (up from 9% in 2008 and 12% in 2013). Big players like the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and others are entering the young market which also contains podcast-focused groups like Gimlet Media and Radiotopia. This week Kendall Theroux joins us to share some of her thoughts as an avid podcast listener. But how should the medium expand and what are its current limitations as a means of human and artistic expression?
Episode 123: Dickinsonian Opposites
“Forever is composed of nows.”
“I dwell in possibility.”
“Success is counted sweetest by those who never succeed.”
“I’m nobody, who are you?”
We often choose our words because of their meanings, whether personal or mutually agreed upon. But in language, we also elect to use certain terms or phrases to directly oppose arguments, ideas or speakers themselves. This week, Spencer Huffman joins us to examine and recreate a poetry class assignment which confronted opposites as they relate to the poetry of Emily Dickinson. How does the concept of "opposites" become more complex and cumbersome as words become phrases and systemic ideas? How might our adherence to black-and-white opposing structures of thought lead us to reduce larger ideas and erase nuance? Does the concept have the power to create opposition within otherwise similar and cooperative groups of people?
