Investigating Genres

One of the exciting things about living in the 21st century is the cambrian explosion of communication media. Not only are there more ideas and opinions available for general consumption than ever before, but the options for sharing these ideas are expanding and evolving rapidly. In this post, we'll take a look at one new medium which has risen to prevalence in recent years: the podcast segment.

1. First, what's it used for?

Podcasts are used to rapidly convey a piece of niche information. This could be a strange story, the process behind writing a specific song, or a new scientific discovery.

2. Where do you find podcast segments?

Podcast segments usually exist in independent episodes from a single source. Just as one follows their favorite tv show, listeners can follow their favorite podcast sources, available for download or streaming online. Many podcast programs are offshoots from a wider media platform such as radio or television. These podcasts exist within the framework of their parent conglomerate. Take ESPNs PodCenter, for example, a podcasting source devoted entirely to sports. Or NPR podcasts, which inform on politics and culture.

3. Who are podcast segments for?

The podcast segment is for the modern renaissance man or woman. Those with innate curiosity. Podcasts go deep and move fast. Only the most engaging and relevant portions of a story are included, leaving listeners with tidbits of information. While this information may or may not be useful, it is interesting...

The podcast segment is for story-lovers. What makes podcasts unique is their rootedness in the human experience. The best podcasts pull upon interviews, narration, and music to present information artfully.

Finally, the podcast segment is for the modern commuter. Few traffic jams are better spent.

4. What distinguishes podcasts from other communication media?

A podcast is somewhere in the gray area between a news clip, a talk show, and a short story. Its uniqueness lies in its ability to genre-blend these common ingredients into something flavorful. Imagine a smoothie. You want something healthy, but also something filling and aesthetically pleasing. Respectively, you include kale (for nutrition), peanut butter (for density), and frozen strawberries (for that thick, smoothie texture). A podcast is like that. A little bit of nutritious information, a little bit of substance to satisfy the soul, and a palatable production to top it off.

Garcia, Jean Pierre Llanos. "Smoothie, Strawberry, Texture, Bubbles, Fruit, Healthy" 9/30/2015 via pixabay
Public Domain Dedication License

Another cool thing about podcast segments: they are a listening rather than viewing media. Like listening to the radio, podcast segments can be enjoyed while multi-tasking. This is a little harder to accomplish with a television, and even harder with a written source. Texting and driving is illegal for a reason!


5. Now that we've talked a bit about podcast segments, let's come up with a working definition:

A podcast segment is an audio story-telling device, usually between five and twenty minutes in length, that utilizes sound narration, sound effects, and music to present stimulating information on a given subject.


Now go check out some podcast segments!


Investigating Genres Reflection:

It was cool to read Amelia and Evan's posts. I was particularly impressed by Amelia's blog layout, into which she evidently invested more time than me. Although I am, strangely, a fan of the bitonal orange layout I hurriedly selected, I'm willing to explore some other options. I also liked how personal Amelia's blog set-up was. From the title to her bio, it was clear she is a person who chooses to be interested in things rather than begrudge them.

 I, on the other hand, wasn't thrilled about making a blog. But the funny thing is, I actually enjoyed writing my first few posts. Visiting Evan's blog, I could tell he isn't too excited about this whole blog thing either. However, I think there's something to be said for embracing you're situation, so I hope both of us can strive to become better writer's and more engaged students this semester.