Thursday, June 11, 2015

Your New Favorite Podcast alert: Mystery Show!

While the Billy and Bryan Show is on
the run from the law, not to mention our creditors who seem to believe we cashed their sponsorship check and spent it all on beer and cookieshiatus, we know that your ears are definitely looking for some new podcasts to listen to until we put out another "classic ep" [classic episode]. You're in luck!

Mystery Show is the brand new offering from Gimlet Media, producers of StartUp and Reply All. It's like Serial, but without the due diligence, each mystery lasts for one episode rather than a whole season, and -- at least so far -- each case gives you some measure of closure. It's hosted by Starlee Kine, who you should know from This American Life.

So far, Starlee has investigated a video store that went out of business overnight, with no warning; an obscure book sighted in the possession of a major pop star; and a belt buckle. Each episode has thrilled and delighted me, thanks to Starlee's quirky investigative style that follows any lead -- no matter how tangential -- and knack for interviewing persons of interest. I can't believe the sudden surges of surprise, pathos, and delight that spring up with each plot twist -- this is truly a must-listen. And once you've started listening, add to your experience with my Mystery Show magazine on Flipboard, which is full of extra links to content about and inspired by the show.

And in true BABS fashion, the Top 5 Reasons You Must Listen to Mystery Show:
5. So that once everyone starts talking about it, a la Serial, you'll know exactly what they're talking about.
4. To get context for this video.
3. To find out just how long someone can talk to customer service at a bookstore while checking on the status of a book.
2. Mystery Show host Starlee Kine was responsible for perhaps the greatest story in the history of This American Life: "Break-Up", featuring Phil Collins!
1. You really need the experience of being delighted by the story of a belt buckle.

So find it on iTunes, or read more at Flipboard!
Mystery Show on Flipboard

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Episode 31: Best of 2014 Part 2

We are forever finished with 2014 after this recap of those things that we appreciated with our eyes: Top 5 movies, TV shows, and books!


Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Episode 30: Best of 2014 Part 1

We begin our year-end two-parter by looking back at the best Songs, Albums, and Podcasts to hit our earballs in 2014. Check back next week for Part 2 when we focus on eyeballs! (That's moving pictures, televisual stories, and word books!)