Podcast Review - BFN (Big Fat Negative)

This is a podcast about going through infertility, hosted by two friends.
They interview specialists from different areas such as mild IVF, acupuncture, and overseas clinics.
They also have a doctor they ask about a different 'old wives tale' each week.

When listening to them, it's like hanging out with some good friends while also being very insightful.

It is a wonderful podcast if you want company on your own TTC journey!

Category: Infertility/TTC
Rating: 5/5

Podcast Review - Bigfoot Collectors Club

This is a podcast about cryptids, the supernatural, and the paranormal.
So usual topic for me.
However unlike my usual listening these guys are believers, not skeptics.

I did laugh a little when the spoke about the famous Patterson-Gimlin Bigfoot footage as if it were irrefutably true.

A lot of their point for why it is real are my points for why it's fake.

I also liked that they kept accidentally saying 'Robert Patterson'.

I didn't appreciate the short musical breaks that were 3x louder than the speaking on either side.

I also didn't like the discussion that no one could have made a convincing Bigfoot suit in the 60's.
What is it with people and thinking that humans of the past (even recent past) lacked any skill or drive?!

Lemme guess, aliens.

Catagory: Supernatural/Paranormal
Rating: 3/5

Podcast Review - Sleep With Me

I am yet to finish an episode of this show... because I keep falling asleep.

Ramblings, observations, and tattered stories, told to you in a relaxed manner by our host Scooter lull you to sleep. 
It's a bit like falling asleep with the television on except you aren't woken up by the blasting of an obnoxious advertisement.

Scooter doesn't focus on a concise story line and that is part of the genius, you aren't kept awake by focusing on a story.

It's interesting enough that you are happy to put it on and listen to it, but not so interesting that you stay awake.

I have been told that it gets quieter and more rambling as it goes on, but I can't confirm that, I've never been awake for that long.

Thank you Scooter, I look forward to going to bed now, sleep onset insomnia can't win against your show.

Category: Self Care
Rating: 5/5

Podcast Review - We Hate Movies

This is a great podcast to learn about all the films you shouldn't see, with a hilarious film summary so you don't feel you missed anything.

The combination of potty-mouthed ghosts Andrew Jupin, Stephen Sajdak, Eric Szyszka (Blame It On Outer Space Podcast), and Chris Cabin works particularly well as they bounce off each other.

It is genuinely very funny! Particular favourite episodes are episode 109 (The Boondock Saints II) ans episode 145 (Hard Target).

The only downside is I'm pretty sure Steven Sajdak is Secundus.

Category: Comedy

Rating: 5/5

Podcast Review - Alice Isn't Dead

This follows the story of a truck driver (who goes by many names) as she searches for her missing wife.

I did like how despite the story involving a lesbian relationship, they feel no need to explicitly stating it. I like that a lot.

We start learning about the 'Thistle man' and begin to peel back the layers of something bigger.

I won't go too much into the story, I don't want to spoil it.

The only thing I don't like is the guy who introduces the story each time, he talks for far too long.
  And here's a question for you: Why did the chicken cross the road?

Because he wanted to be involved. Because he liked the story. Because he couldn't bear letting the story shine. Because he should be the story. Because he needs the attention. Because he needs to be the centre of attention.
Because he wants part of the fame and glory. Because he can't present a good story.
Because atmosphere be damned.
Because he can't be quiet.
Because your enjoyment be damned.
Because he must be the star.
He must be.
He must.

Catagory: Horror
Rating: 2.5/5 (It would be 4.5/5 if the stupid intro and end was cut off the episodes, but I have to rate it as presented).

Podcast Review - Sarah's Laughter

This is an infertility podcast in which each episode is a new person's story.

It is also a Christian podcast, which isn't ideal for me (not my faith) but i just skip past the closing prayer and try to see mentions of a 'God' as they way the guests see the world.
I'm not going to take away something that brings people comfort and hope while going through one of the shittiest rides that life has on offer.

I also like how it acknowledges secondary infertility, stillbirth, and miscarriage. 
It's not just an inability to conceive.

If you are Christian or can ignore that aspect, this podcast would be incredible if you were going through infertility and felt alone.

Catagory: Infertility/ Christianity
Rating: 4.5/5 (Just because I'm not Christian, I get the feeling Beth will forgive me for that, she seems to be nice.)

Podcast Review - Candy Chat

Let's start 2017 right!

Candy Chat - featuring Betty Ebersol and Tabitha Hutchison - has spun off properly on their own to make this delightful podcast!
They review Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's day, etc candy after the designated holidays (so they get it cheaper).

They love Pigglydog (discount store), Candy, and Jesus (they aren't allowed to do the podcast about Jesus anymore).

A photo from a few years ago, the ladies at a church meet-up.

If you want to hear some great reviews, and serious shade thrown at Russell Stover, check these lovely ladies out!

If only candy was as sweet as this podcast!

Catagory: Comedy
Rating: 5/5

Podcast Review - Adjudicated Guess

This is from the same people of The F Plus, lead by Lemon.
However unlike The F Plus, this is not funny or intriguing.

The questions they ask are things I either know the answer too or not, and I don't want to hear three-four people guess and insult each other for their guesses.

The fourth episode was particularly rough. Not only were they rather dismissive of Jack Chick's (if memory serve me) correct guesses, but also made public fun of a listener submitted question.

Why would anyone want to submit a question and face public ridicule?
Why support this mean spirited show?

I want to believe better of The F Plus gang, and hopefully this was a misstep.
Give this one a miss.

Catagory: Banter (Perhaps it could loosely be considered 'informative'.)
Rating: 1/5

Podcast Review - Boners Of The Heart

This is such an easy podcast to binge on!

Rose and Alice get off-topic, have great banter, and quickly produce memorable 'inside' jokes.

The first season covers unconventional crushes. 
Something most of us can relate to (whether we admit it or not).

One of my unconventional crushes, Sir Ian McKellen.

Season two "covers" bigger issues... It wanders off topic a lot, but in a delightful way.

Listening to this podcast is like hanging out with your long term friends, it is easy to a relaxed groove with the hosts.

I will admit, even though she is often the naughty boy of the show, I am a Sneddhead!

Category: Comedy
Rating: 5/5

Podcast Review - No Such Thing As A Fish

This is a podcast from the QI Elves, the people who research facts mentioned on the show 'QI'.

Which is a great show that I highly recommend.

The format of the podcast is the four hosts mention an interesting fact they have found during the week, and then discuss it.
It is quite funny and interesting, but it feels a little like listening to a private conversation, the hosts aren't great at making the audience feel connected.
I guess that may be because they don't have a background in entertainment? (I can't be bothered researching this to see if this is true about them).

Something that left a bad taste in my mouth was the earlier episodes have been taken down (from everywhere) to be sold as some form of collection.
'QI' is popular and they will already be making a lot of money from books/DVDs... it just seems really greedy. (Especially when there are other MUCH better podcasts out there that are free) 
It seems dodgy that they decided to go back and force you to pay for something that was once free.

Category: Educational
Rating: 2/5

Podcast Review - The Andy Daly Podcast Pilot Project

The premise behind this show is that Andy and his co-host are reviewing podcast proposals sent into their podcast producer (who I won't name) in the hopes they will be picked up as regular shows.

There are about 8 'pilots' (read: episodes) and each go for over an hour.

Honestly, I only found the first 'pilot' funny. 

There is a line between saying things to be shocking-funny and just being misogynistic.
I know that wasn't their intent, but they just keep coming back to this idea of abusing/killing/hurting women and it isn't funny.
It becomes distasteful and unimaginative.

Also, the comedy quickly becomes formulaic and predicable. 

I honestly hope no-one listens to this podcast, there is better stuff out there that isn't so distasteful.
If you must listen to this show, ONLY listen to the first 'pilot'. It only goes downhill afterwards.

They also say many of these characters have been on another show (which I won't mention), which I now have no interest in looking into if this is the calibre of comedy that it hosts.

I'm not going to link the website because I can't endorse this.

Category: Comedy
Rating: 0/5

Podcast Review - The Flop House

So it is called, so it shall be!

My sister, who usually gives good recommendations, insisted I try this one... and I hate it!
(Sorry sis)

It is meant to be a podcast about bad films.

They don't explain anything about the film they watched (and often I haven't seen).

The audio quality is terrible, ideas aren't fleshed out, and they all talk over each other.

And instead of editing the podcast into any listenable form, they just typed the layout into the description (which is just lazy).

I can't honestly recommend this and don't see it's appeal at all.

Catagory: Film Review
Rating: 0/5

Podcast Review - Blurry Photos

This is a well researched, informative, and funny podcast about the supernatural, paranormal, and mysterious.

Some of the topics covered are lesser known things like the Yokai and Gobekli Tepe.

I bet you haven't even heard of Gobekli Tepe.

The hosts are captivating and end each show with puns.

One of the true delights I find is the 'Candy Chat' episodes with Tabitha and Betty.

I am quickly devouring the archive of episodes and cannot recommend it highly enough!

Category: Supernatural/Paranormal/Comedy
Rating: 5/5
Website: Blurry Photos

Podcast Review - The Worst Idea Of All Time

Misery loves company.

So in my state of neuropathy, I found two New Zealand (Not Australian, everyone who can't spend 5 seconds googling something to check the facts!) boys who are in almost as much pain as I am.
Guy Montgomery and Tim Batt... I feel like I know them.

And not just because Tim sassed me on Instagram.

The idea behind the podcast (at least season 1, which I have almost finished) is to watch 'Grown Ups 2' once a week, every week for a year, and review it weekly.

Initially this may seem daft, what can you learn from something you have already seen? 
However they surprisingly point out new things about the movie each week.
Be it a conspiracy about embezzlement or a new floundering extra in the back of a scene.

From this podcast, we now have the 'Paddy Schwartz Party Time' song  (which I find myself singing at work)

P P P P P P P P Patty Schwartz Party Time!

and the Steve Buscemi Mystery Tour (where the boys give new explanations as to how Steve Buscemi's character obtained is injuries).

Rollup!

I haven't seen the film (and won't) and know that he only has 40% feeling in his body with his hands up in the 'touchdown' position for the past two years.

Don't watch 'Grown Ups 2'. I cannot stress this enough. But listen to this podcast.

This should be part of the medical treatment of chronic pain. Surgery, drugs, support groups, and 'The Worst Idea Of All Time'.

Live every moment, love every day, because before you know it your precious time slips away.
* I initially thought they picked this song as a self-depreciating jab at the decision to do this, but at about episode 35 I realised it was from the film. This was a joke on behalf of the Universe.

The movie also apparently uses the song 'Werewolves of London'.
If you ever hear me singing this, there is a 100% chance I've been drinking.
Drunk me loves this song XD

Catagory: Comedy/ Movie Review/ Madness in action
Rating: 5/5

Podcast Review - I Don't Even Own a Television

This is a podcast about bad books, reviewed and analysed so you don't have to.

It's a horrible feeling to waste your time reading a bad book when there are so many good books out there.

I want my time back, Tim Lebbon!

So, in theme with the show, let's do some high-points and low-points!

High-points:

- You get to hear about bad books and know what to avoid.
- Difficult and complicated subject matter is approached and handled in a mature and considerate manner.
- It is really funny at times.
- It is an easy listen, it doesn't feel like a chore.

Low-points:

- I don't like the jingles (I expect disagreements on this point).
- The audio quality from live shows/skype guests is distracting.

There are clearly more positives than negatives.

So if you are a bibliophile, check it out!

'Night of the Crabs' is a great place to start.

Category: Books/Review
My Rating: 3.5/5

Podcast Review - Blame It On Outer Space

This is another podcast about conspiracy theories told to us by our 'enlightened' hosts Eric Szyszka and Ben Worcester. 

It is a fun way to learn about the conspiracy theories, myths, and legends of the world. There is also a story arch involving the hosts so you need to listen to it chronologically and there is a lot for you to catch up on.

It also features a healthy connection between sightings and 'jazz cigarettes'.

It is ranges from tongue in cheek to blatantly funny and you can listen to it any time without getting the heebie-jeebies.

Occasional guests often feature and a particular favourite of mine is 'Wilford Brimley'.

Why CAN'T I smoke my jazz cigarettes in here, String-bean? God-Dammit!

I adore this program and consider it an absolute gem!

Side note: If you ever wondered what it sounds like when my siblings and I talk nonsense, this is a pretty good approximation! XD


Rating: 5/5
Catagory: Conspiracy/Comedy

Podcast Review - Lore

After getting a taste for the unexplainable, Lore was a nice little historical look at the supernatural, paranormal, and mysterious.

There are 28 episodes at the time I wrote this and they don't take long to power through. They are well produced and Aaron Mahnke's voice is perfect in both tone and timing for this type of podcast.

The only issue I have with this podcast is the plugging of sponsors often goes on for as long as the story part of the podcast itself. But you can skip this. (I don't mind sponsors, podcasts need funding, but it shouldn't be half the download).




Rating: 4.5/5
Catagory: Paranorma/Supernatural

Podcast Review - My Dad Wrote A Porno

By now you may have guessed two of my favourite things to have in a podcast: analysis and bizarre smut ... and MDWAP delivers.

The podcast goes chapter by chapter through the erotic fiction 'Belinda Blinked', written by 60 year old Rocky Flintstone. Jamie (Rocky's son), Alice and James, analyse the language used (often incorrectly) in their delightful English accents.

This is not a good way to brush up on your 'birds and bees', as Rocky's idea of sexy (and indeed, anatomy) is not based in the common reality.

But for his first novel, it is a bit of fun and this podcast will have you laughing as you follow Belinda's journey in the sexy sales industry of pots and pans :D

Rating: 5/5
Catagory: Erotica

Podcast Review - Lou reads the Internet for you

I found this after it was mentioned on 'The F Plus' as a similar thing to what they did - things on the Internet read out for your amusement.

Lou has a soothing voice and I love it when he records at work and co-workers walk in on him talking about his vagina/boyfriend/fursona/etc... XD

It is often shorter than The F Plus and is a great sampler of what the World Wide Web has to offer!

Go listen to it now!

Lou reads the Internet for you


Rating: 5/5
Catagory: Comedy 

Podcast Review - The Black Tapes Podcast

This creepy little fiction series came to my attention in October last year (Halloween-ish time) and was a delight to listen to.

Sit yourself in a dark room and let yourself get lost in the story of Alex and Dr Strand... then occasionally remind yourself it is fiction XP

Because it is fiction, I won't do into details (I hate spoilers!) but I will recommend you go and listen to it for yourself.

The only negative is how DAMN LONG it takes for new episodes! The wait between season 1 and season 2 was unbearable and I almost gave up on the story all together.

I can wait a long time if I just know the end date (and the people who produce this are not great at communicating with their fans).

Rating: 4.5/5
Catagory: Paranormal fiction