Locations
Let me stop you before you even get started. Yes, two weeks ago I did “Who to Follow – Who to Follow Edition,” and you probably think I’ve forgotten that. You’re all set to point out to me that I’ve already done this concept. Not so. Last time’s was “Who to Follow Edition,” and this week is “WTF Edition,” and the difference is nontrivial so try to keep up.
As some of you are probably aware, I’m a member of the Magic podcasting community. I strive to improve the quality of Brainstorm Brewery each week because I am inspired by the consistent high quality of my favorite podcasts. However, the podcast I think is the best quality and most culturally relevant is not a Magic podcast at all, but rather a podcast by a comedian for comedians (and fans, obviously) called “WTF.” WTF is hosted by comedian Marc Maron, a comedian whose standup is above average. He’s been in the business forever, he’s connected, he works the road, and so on. He’s far from a household name, and he is generally given the faint praise, “He’s a comedian’s comedian,” which is a very polite way of saying, “The general public does not understand his appeal.” I don’t hate his work or anything; I think his standup is great, but it’s not phenomenal.
What is phenomenal is WTF. Each episode is a one-on-one (or one-on-X, I guess; sometimes, more people stop by) interview, and each one is biting and poignant and revealing. Comedian Todd Glass came out on WTF. Carlos Mencia addressed allegations of stealing material publicly for the first time. Robin Williams talked candidly about his codependency issues. Gallagher stormed out halfway through. Every episode is incredible, and the fact that comedians are being interviewed by one of their own gets them to open up and be very candid in a way that a member of the general public interviewing them might not. I don’t want to do a podcast that follows that format, but I do someday hope to have a podcast that is that relevant. It made me wistful that Magic doesn’t have anything like WTF.
Except it totally does.
The Deck Tease with Erin Campbell
Format: Interview program
Exemplary Episode: Brian Kibler
Social Media:
One woman and her microphone are all the ingredients necessary to make one of Magic’s finest interview podcasts. Some of the guests she is able to bring on her show make me awestruck and a little envious, and having done the show, I can attest to it being a great time and a great opportunity to open up a bit. Pro players, game makers, and community luminaries have also been on the cast, and it’s been a rare glimpse into their lives more often than not.
The no-holds-barred nature of the conversation is great for listeners, but if it sounds relaxed and casual, that’s only because a lot of prep work goes into each episode. Erin is a consummate professional and does detailed research into each subject and comes prepared with a more detailed agenda than you would expect for a podcast that sounds like it flows so naturally. If you’re interested in the people who make this game great as people and not just as their contributions to the game, put this cast in your rotation—or at least listen to an episode or two. I think the interview with Brian Kibler was especially good, but they’re all great interviews. Erin has a very intense personality but makes for a very entertaining Twitter follow, and following the show’s Twitter stream is a great way to make sure you don’t miss an episode that may interest you. You never know when someone you want to know more about will be on—it seems as though there’s practically no guest Erin couldn’t get. I wanted to open strong, so I opened with this one. Give her a listen.
The Many Casts of Jason “Chewie” Slate
Format: Multiple, although Three Questions fits the theme
Exemplary Episode:
Social Media:
As some of you may have heard, MTGCast is under new management but managed to retain the services of Jason Slate, affectionately referred to as “Chewie.” Chewie has been podcasting Magic: The Gathering content as long as there has been Magic podcasting. Both Monday Night Magic and The Mana Pool are pushing three hundred episodes—that is six years’ worth of weeks. It’s no stretch to say Chewie is one of the pioneers of Magic podcasting, so it’s no surprise that he would want to engage with the community a little bit and do a short, sweet podcast he calls Three Questions. The premise is simple: Chewie takes a digital recorder around and asks questions. If it sounds really simple, it’s because it is. The magic is what happens when he asks follow up questions, engages a large group, or queries someone who is really in a mood to open up. It won’t take you all day to listen to the archives, but you should try a few on for size. Larry King Live this isn’t, but that was never the intention. Three Questions is a fun way to engage people at events and hear their opinions—sometimes on serious issues and sometimes not, but always in an entertaining manner.
Check out all of these casts, but mostly bug Chewie to do more Three Questions installments.
Inside the Magic Studio with Robert Martin
Format: One-on-one interviews
Exemplary Episode:
Social Media:
Formerly of the very funny Manascrewed podcast, which is, sadly, now defunct (although everyone has gone on to bigger and better things), Robert Martin cut his teeth in a group podcast setting. Where he’s really shined, though, is in a very solid interview podcast that I could call a PG version of WTF for the Magic community. The cast is incredibly professional, well-produced, tight (always under an hour with little wasted air), and, frankly, an example to the rest of us.
The caliber of guests Robert is able to get is beyond compare, as well. Each interview is with an interesting, dynamic member of the community and is incredibly illuminating. If you’re a history buff, you’ll remember when Inside the Magic Studio was still called The Men of Magic, which was itself a decent cast. But it really grew the beard along with the name change and a rededication to the fundamentals. The work he put in really shows, and he even bought a better microphone from the sound of it. Give this cast a listen for sure. If you’re at all interested in hearing interviews with great players and other movers and shakers in the community, you’ll want this in your rotation.
That does it for this installment. Check out these great interview casts, and if you like to laugh, check out WTF while you’re at it. Join me next week for another exciting installment of Who to Follow.
