The first recorded podcast came out in 2004 and one year later, podcast became the word of the year in the American Oxford Dictionary. However, at that time, podcasts were far from being what they are now. In fact, it took a decade for the whole world to slowly enter the Golden Age Of Podcasts. Today, it is now estimated that there are over 2,000,000 podcasts available in over 100 languages.
What Is A Podcast?
There are many online definitions of what a podcast is, which explains all the details. To sum it up, a podcast is, basically, a radio show which has its own format, topic and audience. It is almost like an evolved radio show and much more than that. As audio or digital content, podcasts are available on almost every mobile phone and computer device and offers a wide range of subjects one can choose from. The listener can also choose hosts and guests to listen to, whether they are celebrities, politicians, scientists or even some ordinary people with extraordinary experiences.
Podcasts are, usually, free of charge. Portable, therefore, more personal, and available for listening at any given time. The one thing that is being emphasized and can be seen as ‘’a podcast thing’’ is its freedom. The global rise of the podcast format is also interpreted within the needs of society to respond to endangered freedom of speech, critical thinking, censorship and the lack of space in mainstream media for those who think or act differently. So, it is only natural that the LGBT+ community recognized the importance of podcasting and made a space for itself within this contemporary way of communicating with an audience.
5 Podcasts For You To Check Out
There are numerous LGBT+ podcasts available today and many of them are enjoyed not only by an LGBT+ audience. Because the hosts, topics, guests, humor and the way certain subjects are tackled, these podcasts’ reach extends far beyond an LGBT+ only audience. For a first listen, people can use any online podcast search engine and keywords to find what they like. Many Best Podcasts lists are also available online, but you should definitely check out these five (5):
- Nancy (WNYC), hosted by two best friends, Tobin Low and Kathy Tu, features a range of topics exploring the LGBT+ experience and is ’’radically honest’’ and super gay while doing so! It really is heartfelt, serious and funny. The first episode is about the drama of coming out to a family member. Not exactly a sit-down in the living room! Nancy aired until 2020, but all the episodes are available at their official webpage: https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/nancy
- Making gay history, as the name suggests, is about exploring queer history, identity and intimacy. Most of the episodes rely on the 30-year old audio archives and rare interviews conducted and collected by the host, Eric Marcus. It is very informative and educational. It features personal portraits of known and long-forgotten heroes and witnesses to history. It is available for a listen at: https://makinggayhistory.com/
- Food 4 Thot is a multiracial mix of queer writers, Tommy Pico, Denne Michele, Joseph Osmundson and Fran Tirad. The range of topics include some of the filthiest hook-up stories, Mariah Carey’s Vine account, but also queer theory, gender politics, books and authors. The New York Times described it as ’’boisterous, intellectual and sometimes profane’’. It’s been recommended by The Advocate, Out, Oprah Magazine, Vice and many others, so check it out at: https://food4thotpodcast.com/
- Queerology is a podcast on ’’belief and being’’ hosted by Mathiass Roberts, a therapist and a theologian himself. Asking questions like Is Christianity inherently queer? , Roberts meets up with philosophers, poets, priests and psychologists to discuss subjects on faith and sexuality, with the aim of exploring ways for better living for LGBT+ people of faith. The podcast is available at: https://matthiasroberts.com/queerology/
- Gay Therapy LA is hosted by Ken Howard, a licensed psychologist and a specialist in therapy for gay men with 30 years of experience. Ken gives tips and simple guidance on relationships and other related topics. Among Howard’s episodes, one can find discussions on the emotional, sexual and interpersonal needs of gay men, consensual non-monogamy early in relationships, sexual health and even money management. If it sounds like something you would listen to, visit: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gay-therapy-la-with-ken-howard-lcsw-cst/id1450860786
No matter whether you’re on the go or working/relaxing at home, podcasts offer a variety of options for entertainment or to educate yourself about history or what’s currently happening around the world.
Post Submitted by: M. Đaković