Podcasts: revival of the oral tradition
Humans are often far from the bullseye when predicting the future.
A memorable prediction came from Campbell Soup in 1992, when they predicted that by the year 2000, 25% of cars would have microwaves. More recently, the once-incessant predictions of drone deliveries and driverless cars have faded to a whisper. Amidst these predictions, one unforeseeable prediction has become a cultural worldwide sensation: the podcast.
Long before the internet, the printing press, and scribes, humans had a strong oral tradition. Renditions of Greek classics like The Odyssey would take days to be told. First Nations people in Australia have a rich oral tradition, passing down stories and customs through Dreamtime stories.
In celebration of the revival of the oral tradition, I’d like to share some of my favourite podcasts with you.
The Blindboy Podcast
The Blindboy Podcast features Blindboy Boatclub, an Irish artist from Limerick who has worked extensively in the entertainment industry as a TV presenter, musician, author, podcaster and more. The podcast initially started as a way to promote his first book, The Gospel According to Blindboy, by reading excerpts on-air. However, his manager warned him that no one would buy the book if he continued reciting it! Since those early days, the podcast has evolved into whimsical musings on eclectic subjects, as well as interviews with drag queens, scientists, artists and even the Irish president. A core theme is mental health and wellbeing, explored through lived experiences, including his own autism diagnosis in his thirties, which is discussed throughout the podcast.
Decoding the Gurus
Decoding the Gurus is an Australian podcast by psychologist Matthew Browne and Northern Irish anthropologist Chris Kavanagh. The duo uses their academic lens to analyse the secular guru sphere, traversing disciplines such as philosophy, psychology, sociology, anthropology, and more. The podcast dissects the modern-day guru sphere by combining their academic expertise with a relaxed and jocular atmosphere, often lacking in academia. Consisting of both analysis and interviews, this podcast is entertaining and informative, providing a unique Australian perspective on the cultural heavyweights of our time.
This American Life
This American Life reminds me of having a home-cooked meal prepared by my nonna (RIP). It’s warm, inviting, and nourishing. The first episode aired in 1995 under the name Your Radio Playhouse and has since evolved into the 60-minute format it is today. Hosted by Ira Glass, the podcast features essays, memoirs, fiction, and more, offering listeners an opportunity to experience the human condition from the perspective of that week’s guest. It’s also the first-ever Pulitzer Prize winner for a radio show or podcast.
Take Note
And finally, let’s look at Adelaide University’s very own podcast, Take Note. Launched this year, Take Note is an invaluable resource for any uni student, particularly those at Adelaide University. It aims to help students navigate the ins and outs of university life. The podcast discusses relevant issues such as advice from lecturers about how to tackle assignments and exams, student debts, disability on campus, and experiences of international students in Adelaide. This podcast is a handy tool, discussing relevant and vital issues relating to student life concisely and casually.
Next time you’re listening to your favourite podcast or checking out a new one, remember that although podcasts are a modern phenomenon, they are part of a long-standing oral tradition inherent to human culture.