I think this is the same Green Heron I posted a photo of the other day. He or she has been hanging out on our dock a lot lately — a most welcome visitor, even if not as green as advertised!
The other day in comments, we talked a bit about podcasts, and I recommended The Moth, which rebroadcasts stories people tell at live events (or did in the Before Times, anyway). It’s not political — just compelling tales from good storytellers all over the English-speaking world. (They may have a similar program in other languages; I hope so!)
I’ve just started listening to a podcast called “In Plain Sight” that is about Lady Bird Johnson. It’s fascinating; I had no idea how large a role Mrs. Johnson played in her husband’s career and in formulating domestic policy in his administration! The podcast is based on meticulous, contemporaneous audio and written records she kept during her time in the White House.
It’s a political podcast because Mrs. Johnson was a first lady who was heavily involved in 1960s-era politics and a witness to historical events like the Kennedy assassination. But it’s a break from current politics, at least for me so far, and that’s what I’m after.
What podcasts are y’all listening to, if any? This is an open thread for any topic, not just podcasts, but I’m curious if there are any more recommendations.
brendancalling
I’ve been enjoying re-listening to Season One of “Cocaine and Rhinestones, The History of 20th Century Country Music,” while I wait for the next episode of Season 2 to be released. Great stuff.
Deep Southerner
One of the best things I’ve ever heard is this recording where Lady Bird critiques an LBJ speech and gives him a B+ overall.
SiubhanDuinne
The main thing I remember her for is her campaign to grow local wildflowers in the medians and on the verges of highways. Some states embraced the idea, others did not. North Carolina used to have magnificent displays but I’m not sure if they still maintain them. I’m sure various government shutdowns and budget cuts either closed down or forestalled the program in a lot of places. No idea what the current status is.
Does anyone remember … hmm, I think it was Fannie Flagg, maybe? … mocking Lady Bird’s highway beautification program? “A tree, a shrub, or a bush.”
jonas
Is there a podcast about Betty Ford? Another very cool first lady.
?BillinGlendaleCA
@SiubhanDuinne: And Texas would later give us a shrub and a bush.
Betty Cracker
@SiubhanDuinne: I’ve only listened to a few episodes so far, but one premise of the series is that there was a lot more to the beautification program LB is known for than is generally acknowledged and that she deserves more credit for influencing environmental initiatives and taking a more equitable approach to urban renewal projects, i.e., steering them away from gentrification sprees that displaced people of color.
SiubhanDuinne
@?BillinGlendaleCA:
Lady Bird (or Fannie Flagg or whoever) was prescient!
SiubhanDuinne
@Betty Cracker:
Very interesting, thanks! I didn’t know that. Will have to listen to that podcast.
Betty Cracker
@SiubhanDuinne: I should add I have no idea how true all of that is, but it does seem to be backed up by some folks she worked with. Anyhoo, it’s interesting.
Kent
I’ve been listening to “We have ways of making you talk” which is two British historians basically sitting around and going off on obscure tangents about WW2. If you are into WW2 history it can be interesting. They do deep dives into topics like Sherman vs Tiger tanks, etc. And lots of discussion of obscure battles of which I was unaware, mostly from the Brit perspective. It isn’t a history narrative. You have to already know the history. It’s just random obscure topics they feel like BS-ing about.
Fair Economist
Not normally into podcasts, but I have been listening to Aack Cast, a series by Jamie Loftus on the Cathy cartoon, its (mis)representation in popular culture, and its connections to historical and current feminism.
pika
In advance of a live show in their last season, I am binge re-listening to all of Mission to Zyxx, a serial improv podcast that sends up just about every convention of mainstream sci-fi and speculative programs from Star Trek and Star Wars to Lost.
They have a regular cast, and then a guest who usually sends things off the rails and/or adds to their developing canon.
When one episode was revealed as introducing bread products amid a conversation about gender simply to make a joke about “traditional rolls,” I nearly spat out my coffee.
brendancalling
Wanted to add Middle Aged Metal Heads. I haven’t listened yet, but my pal David Timony (brother of Mary Timony of Helium/Wild Flag/Ex Hex) is a regular contributor.
Chief Oshkosh
Podcasts I enjoy:
Witness History (BBC mini-documentaries on historical events that happened on this day, usually with BBC recordings from the event)
The Land of Desire: French History and Culture (by a Francophile living in San Francisco)
In Our Time (BBC’s Melvyn Bragg spends an hour discussion wide ranging topics with true experts)
Fully Charged PLUS Podcast (companion podcast to The Fully Charged YT channel; mainly electric vehicles and smart powered homes)
Larch
I’m not typically a fan of audio presentation, but I’m loving the “Tides of History” podcast with Patrick Wyman – to the extent that listening to an episode is my reward for exercising or doing yard work.
”Tides” is from the Wondery stable, available on the Wondery app as well as other podcast apps.
Wyman is a historian specializing in late antiquity/early medieval Europe, and his first podcast was “Fall of the Rome”. Apparently he soon realized that was too limiting for what he wanted to do, so he started up “Tides”. The first three seasons cover late antiquity up to 1550 or so, then he jumps way back into prehistory. He’s interested in how multiple broad forces interact, and how people respond, to produce developments that resonate today. He also interviews historians, archaeologists, and other authors of books across a wide range of historical topics.
He also blogs at patrickwyman.substack.com, with posts related to podcast episodes as well as on current events from a historical perspective.
Kent
@Larch: I second Tides of History. His recent pre-history episodes have been especially interesting to me.
Omnes Omnibus
Not a podcast person.
neabinorb
I’ve been listening to Stuff to Blow Your Mind. The content is all over the place. There were several episodes recently about waiting in line. Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone is my favorite. It’s partly insane and partly interesting interviews.
neabinorb
And how could I forget? Le Show with Harry Shearer! He reports news that you don’t get anywhere else.
?BillinGlendaleCA
@Omnes Omnibus: Me either.
What Have the Romans Ever Done for Us?
I was not a podcast guy until I discovered Mike Duncan’s The History of Rome podcast several months back. It’s several years old but very well done and just fascinating, at least I think so.
Kathleen
@SiubhanDuinne: “Wherever I go I always plant a tree or a bush.” I don’t remember if that’s what Mrs. Johnson actually said or if it was someone’s comic riff.
zhena gogolia
Where the hell is raven? Do I have to do this all the time?
F–k LBJ.
zhena gogolia
@Omnes Omnibus: I am way too impatient.
Betty
Lady Byrd was a true power behind the throne but quietly.
piratedan
@What Have the Romans Ever Done for Us?: I feel the same way about Kevin Pollak’s Chat Show, which offered insights into comedy, a career in entertainment and the actual people who make a living in both, on stage or in front of a camera.
Taphozous
I love the green heron photos. They are a favorite bird of mine.
The influence of Lady Bird Johnson sounds like a fascinating topic.
As far as podcasts: You’re Wrong About is pretty interesting. The hosts “reconsider a person or event that has been miscast in the public imagination.”
Topics have included Tonya Harding and poisoned halloween candy.
Kelly
I recommended Fort Benning Georgia be renamed to Fort Sherman.
https://www.thenamingcommission.gov/recommend-a-name
cope
@Omnes Omnibus: Nor am I but I was willing to waste time tracing the paths drops of water follow from various places I have lived to the ocean. The Grand Junction path was the most interesting. The path from my current home in Central Florida the least. Thanks, P. Z. Myers.
https://river-runner.samlearner.com
Bluegirlfromwyo
My newest podcast is “Behind the Bastards,” a look at various horrible people throughout history. It reminds me that we overcame them before and we can do it again. Also listening to the related podcast “It Can Happen Here” in case the worst does happen.
Betty Cracker
If Johnson hadn’t screwed the pooch on Vietnam, he’d almost certainly be regarded as a hero by contemporary Dems. I don’t think that’s an “other than that, how was the play, Mrs. Lincoln?” notion either — programs like Medicaid and Medicare have saved countless lives. The Civil Rights Act was JFKs, but I’m not sure he could have gotten it passed. LBJ did, then the VRA, immigration reform, etc.
pika
@Taphozous: Michael Hobbes of You’re Wrong About also does another one on diet and wellness mythology–it’s called Maintenance Phase. I assigned the one on BMI to a class…
Kathleen
I’m listening to Lincoln’s Bible’s podcast “The World Beneath”, a history of the mob, how mob was recruited by FDR to protect the docks, and a husband/wife team cracked enemy codes during WWII. Fascinating stuff.
Thanks for reminding me of the Lady Byrd podcast Betty. I had read about it years ago but failed to listen to it.
Fun fact I did not know and I thought I was knowledgeable about Dallas zeitgeist in the fall of 1963. VP Johnson and Lady Byrd were walking through a posh Dallas hotel lobby when they were viciously attacked by well heeled white gloved ladies of a Dallas country club who used signs to strike blows on the couple. That was around the time right wingers in Dallas bought space for JFK Wanted For Treason ads in a Dallas paper. I highly recommend the book “Dallas 1963”. It offers historical insight and a page turner of a plot. It was hard to put down and the parallels between then and now are enlightening.
PamelaAMiller
love you guys ha ha a a a a a
pika
@Kathleen: Love LB!
Kathleen
@pika: Have you heard her podcast? Amazing stuff. I also listen to Greg Olear’s Prevail podcast.
thunter2309
I love podcasts. In addition to the Moth, these are on my rapid rotation.
Youre Wrong About
This American Life
Hidden Brain
Two more obscure ones with recommended episodes:
Darknet Diaries
– Episodes 99 and 100 were excellent
Poetry Unbound
-Leanne O’Sullivan – A Poem in Gratitude for Health Care Workers
pika
@Kathleen: I haven’t started to listen yet but predict it may be on my list to binge soon!
CraigM
Levar Burton Reads.
I listen to this as I drift off to sleep, because the man has the most relaxing voice on the planet. The choice of stories is high variance – some of the best choices are authors I wouldn’t have come across otherwise, but some classic-ish sci-fi stuff which I burned out on 45 years ago and find boring. Which is fine too, since the point is to wind down and relax and sleep.
sab
@Kelly: That’s kind of a kick in the teeth to the locals. Can they have a second Ft Meigs, since the original one was decommissiomed after the War of 1812. Meigs grew up in Georgia, and as the Quartermaster for the whole Union Army he did as much as anyone to win the war.
trollhattan
World Book Club on BBC is a wonderful series of chats with authors from virtually around the globe, There’s a huge archive.
Pre-covid it was done in front of an audience and while its now done remotely they still take questions, live, voice mail and email, from readers everywhere.
Anyway, great conversations with authors and a path to discovering new reads.
xephyr
Often when I’m doing mundane tasks around the house, I listen to interviews with favorite authors on Youtube. I have a little bluetooth speaker I can move around as necessary so I don’t miss anything. I caught one with Kim Stanley Robinson yesterday (for example) that was fascinating.
Omnes Omnibus
@sab: Sherman deserves a fort.
Kelly
@sab: Yeah but they defaced Stone Mountain. I’m not a fan of Sherman’s similar ruthlessness in the Indian Wars. He was consistent.
Leto
@Betty Cracker:
(WaPo) Black people are about to be swept aside for a South Carolina freeway — again In a planned highway widening project, 94 percent of displaced residents live in communities mostly consisting of Black and Brown people
This is happening in North Charleston. I remember when this section of the interstate was updated/expanded back in the late 90s. Didn’t know the history behind the interstate system at the time, but knowing it now, and that it’s still happening, is just bleh. The same thing basically happened when they built the North Charleston Coliseum. I remember on the local news how the city was trying to buy people out, people didn’t want to leave, so they were using eminent domain. Bleh again.
Don’t really have any podcast recommendations as I’ve been catching up a lot on all the books we bought. Also we’re about to close on a home, so just super busy with that.
What Have the Romans Ever Done for Us?
@Leto: There’s a great docu-series on Netflix – High on the Hog – about African American cooking traditions, and a women he focuses part of an episode on is affected by that highway project. High on the Hog is definitely recommended viewing.
CaseyL
LadyBird Johnson’s highway beautification program included the no-littering laws, particularly in public parks. If you see old movies, TV shows, etc., from before then, people would leave trash everywhere. They’d picnic in a pristine meadow and leave all their crap – the paper plates, the cups, the food wrappers, etc. There was no sense whatsoever of cleaning up after oneself.
JCNZ
For Dylan fans, “Are We Rolling, Bob?” – conversations with cerebral Bob nuts like James Shapiro, Neal Gaiman, Geoff Dyer (also, musicians who worked with Dylan, like Charlie McCoy and Rob Stoner). It makes you feel better about being an obsessive.
And for lovers of this site, The Josh Marshall Podcast is indispensable.
laura
Introducing Lost Notes: 1980 hosted by Hanif Abdulrahim (or literally, anything this man is talking about!) Fan for life?
Smartless – the actual friendship and affection between the three hosts is as zesty as the interview subject
You Must Remember This – tales of lost Hollywood (Polly Platt the invisible women will drag you through some standout movies and all of your emotions)
The Professional Left with Driftglass & Bluegal still 1st and best so take that O Bros
Big ups on LaVar Burton, Melvyn Bragg and the Cocaine & Rhinestones too!
Starfish
@thunter2309: The Terry Schiavo mess is what turned John from a Republican to a Democrat. It was horrible.
Leto
@What Have the Romans Ever Done for Us?: I’ll definitely have to check that out; thanks!
frosty
@Omnes Omnibus: I’m not a podcast person either. Now, back to BC’s picture. I’ve only gotten one picture of a green heron, perched on a branch above the water, mooning me.
I later learned this is their usual fishing pose, so it wasn’t a personal insult… I think.
Kristine
I like Bridgewater, an eerie tale created by Aaron Mahnke, who also created Lore.
I was a Welcome to Night Vale fan at the beginning. Then I fell away for a few years. Slowly getting back into it.
I like the Seeker you tube channel. Not a podcast I know, but interesting science stuff.
Betty Cracker
@frosty: Greenies seem awfully shy! I never managed to get a decent photo of one before I lived right smack in the middle of their habitat, and even over three years of that, I’ve only managed a handful of good shots. The same is true of night herons in the swamp, though they seem much less shy at the beaches. I guess they have to be more gregarious and tolerant at the beaches!
SiubhanDuinne
@cope:
Wow, thanks for that wonderful site! I’ll have hours of fun with it, I can tell already!
One of the continental divides runs through my home town of Oak Park, Illinois, and in fact ran directly though our property, figuratively and cartographically slicing the house in half about midway between the front and back doors.
To the west (our back yard), the water flowed to the Des Plaines River, thence to the Illinois River, the Mississippi, and finally the Gulf of Mexico.
And to the east (our front lawn), the original flow path was to the Chicago River, into the Great Lakes (Lakes Michigan, Huron, Erie, and via Niagara Falls into Lake Ontario), to the Saint Lawrence River and into the Atlantic Ocean. Of course, that was before the engineers reversed the flow of the Chicago River in 1900 or thenabouts. Since then I expect it follows the western path to the Gulf.
But the Continental Divide thing has always been one of the nifty little factoids about the house I grew up in.
Leto
@What Have the Romans Ever Done for Us?: I have this open in a tab for later reading, but you might enjoy it too: Basket weavers plant the seeds of Gullah culture in the next generation
UncleEbeneezer
Tom & Lorenzo’s Pop Style Opinionfest– Fashion, film, pop culture
The Black Guy Who Tips– Comedy podcast by a dope married couple, Rod & Karen. They discuss news, pop culture, politics and a whole lot of racism, sexism etc. Best comedy podcast out there.
Roy Wood Jr’s Job Fair– Work is like sex or food — you’re either getting it or looking for it. Comedian Roy Wood Jr. (correspondent on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show with Trevor Noah) explores the human condition every week through the prism of employment. Roy sits down with real people from ALL lines of work about their most memorable jobs, employment vacancies they’re looking to fill, scams they’ve run at the office, and of course, the cringe-worthy office romances. Roy’s famed humor is matched by his true empathy and curiosity for people. Join him on an entertaining exploration into the battle all of us fight every day. Balancing our need to provide with our need for emotional fulfillment. Learn from the people who got it right. Laugh with the rest of us, who constantly get it wrong. Welcome to the Job Fair.
Three Guys On– Discussion of news, comedy, and anything else relevant in the lives of comedians Randolph Terrance, Tim Miller, and Andy Kline.
1865– April 15, 1865. President Lincoln is dead and the country in turmoil. Secretary of War Edwin Stanton takes control, determined to bring the assassin to justice—but the hunt for John Wilkes Booth isn’t all that grips Stanton. Lincoln’s successor, Vice President Andrew Johnson, is likely to bend to southern interests and undo the very progress for which Lincoln died. Edwin Stanton must employ every bit of political wile he can muster to secure the future of the freed slaves, and the nation. Consumed by his conviction, Stanton will betray his friends, his honor, and the very constitution he is sworn to protect, all to steer the country towards justice.
Marsha’s Plate– A Black trans Podcast. #MarshasPlate is a lively podcast where three friends come together every Thursday to share opinions and perspectives that centers the black perspective. Hosted By Diamond Stylz, Mia Mix, and Zee. All Houston-based digital strategists, black feminists, civil right advocates, and black trans people. We explore topics of gender, current events, politics, and scumbags all around the world upholding systems of oppression from a black trans feminist lens. With our funny no-holds-barred style we introduce you to new perspectives, stories that connect you to transness, and trans community leaders around the country
How We Win– 2016 changed us. We woke up, and now we’re fighting back. In 2018 we took back the House in a massive blue wave and in 2020 we took back the White House, but that was just the beginning. We’re looking ahead to how we’ll build a just and equitable America for us all. Every week you’ll hear inspiring frontline stories from activist leaders, politicians, celebrities, and political insiders. And hosts Steve Pierson and Mariah Craven will give you the tools you need to make an immediate impact on our most critical races.
Pod Save America– Former Obama staffers talk politics, activism etc.
You And Me Both– Hillary Clinton’s podcast
The Body Serve– Tennis podcast hosted by a very funny gay couple from Toronto. Very feminist and anti-racist.
Kent
@Omnes Omnibus: Sherman has no roots in Georgia. Surely there are some Black Georgians who are worthy of the recognition.
Stephanie Luke
@CraigM: I like Burton, but I’d vote for Roman Mars as having the most wonderful podcast voice.
Anoniminous
@Kent:
One of a number of continuing discussions* about WW 2 that generates the heat of a thousand suns and minuscule insight.
* read: shouting matches
The Golux
The Moth is great. My favorite episode is “Franny’s Last Ride”, by Mike DeStefano.
catclub
I still listen to Animal Spirits financial podcast, but I would no longer recommend it.
What distinction should be made for podcast-like youtube channels? Fall of Civilizations sounds similar to the Roman history one. Youtube podcasts on Riemann Zeta function. (mathologer)
catclub
How does that relate to the Cars Guys story about a repair shop that thinks they killed the animal that they found dead in the car they are repairing, and try to replace it with a living one?
The Golux
@catclub: I haven’t the foggiest idea what your comment means.
Sure Lurkalot
I listen to the Professional Left with Driftglass and Blue Gal and EarHustle. “You’re Wrong About” sounds up my alley, thanks for the hat tip, juicers.
Kathleen
@pika: If you pay on Apple you can binge listen to every season now. I’m on Spotify so I have to wait for her to start loading Season 2. She also has a Thursday “sit down” interview. The last one was with Andrew McCabe. Interesting stuff.
H.E.Wolf
Bill Moyers’ eulogy for Lady Bird Johnson is lovely.
https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/2007/07/16/senate-section/article/S9258-2
Betty Cracker
@UncleEbeneezer: I either never knew or had somehow forgotten Hillary Clinton had a podcast. Looked it up, and she’s had some fascinating topics/guests, so thanks for the rec!
Anoniminous
@Kelly:
Or at least a BBQ place
Ken
I preferred Van Williams as the Green Heron, and of course Bruce Lee was the perfect Kato.
karen marie
@Larch: Tides of History is also on Audible – handy for me as I lose podcasts scattered over the different platforms. Thanks for the recommendation!
I recently listened to Edith! It’s on a variety of platforms, including Audible.
I’ve been mostly having Robert Rankin read his novels to me over at Audible. He is a brilliant writer and reads like nobody’s business. I just finished “The Book of Ultimate Truths” – truly an epic journey!
karen marie
@piratedan: Have you heard the Rule of Three podcast? Jason Hazeley & Joel Morris invite a guest comedian each episode to talk about a comedian who influenced them. It is super interesting to me because they talk about the craft, why things are funny and how comedy works. Fascinating!
karen marie
@CaseyL: I’ve never seen anything like you describe, and I’m old. Not saying littering wasn’t a problem, but I never saw what you describe in or near any “pristine meadow.”
karen marie
@CaseyL: I’ve never seen anything like you describe, and I’m old. Not saying littering wasn’t a problem, but I never saw what you describe in or near any “pristine meadow.”
Betty Cracker
@karen marie: Interesting premise that Edith Wilson was secretly our first female president. :) I hope she was a better one than her husband (which would not be a high bar to clear).
Since America seems to have collectively decreed that only men are allowed to be president,* anyone who’s interested in studying women at the pinnacles of political power in the U.S. can either read about first ladies or study Nancy Pelosi.
*Yep, still bitter.
karen marie
I guess I killed this thread!
Betty Cracker
@karen marie: I saw that done on Mad Men. Does that count? ;-)
Also, I do remember people routinely hurling trash out of moving cars in the 70s. Then the weeping Native American commercial came along and shamed people into doing better.
WereBear
Political podcasts with The Professional Left, The Muckrake, and No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen.
Opening Arguments is a lawyer and a comedian analyzing legal issues.
QANON Anonymous reports on Q related issues, and conspiracy theories throughout history.
Torrey
The Bitter Southerner: associated with thebittersoutherner.com, a magazine website with stories about the South. I seem to recall that the “bitter” was originally in reference to bitters, as the magazine originally had an alcohol focus. I think there are just two seasons of the podcast, but both are worth listening to. And the host has one of those gentle voices that you can fall asleep to but won’t put you to sleep.
BBC History Extra, associated with BBC History Magazine: each episode is two unrelated stories, although each is usually connected with an article in the magazine that month.The podcast has introduced me to a few historians I hadn’t been aware of, and quite a lot of history I hadn’t been aware of.
PJ
@Betty Cracker:
I still see people just throw trash out of their open car windows (and I’m not talking just cigarette butts, though most smokers still don’t seem to consider that to be “littering.”) Things are a lot better now than they were in the ’70s, though, when the ditches of the road my neighborhood was off of were clogged with trash. I do think the crying Indian campaign helped – it seemed like it made an impression on everyone in my generation.
Feathers
Adding a hearty recommend for Tides of History.
Shedunnit about the Golden Age of detective fiction. Focusing on Agatha Christie and the other women writers from the UK in the 20s and 30s. Does also cover related topics. Interesting episode on Christie style novels from 1930s Japan, some of which have been recently translated. Want to track them down.
You Must Remember This history of classic Hollywood. Recent season on Polly Platt a must listen. How a very talented woman had a long, important and influential career, without ever becoming a “name” or getting the recognition she deserved.
Love Is A Crime also from Karina Longworth, who does You Must Remember This. About the scandal when Joan Bennett’s producer husband shot her lover. Co-produced with the couple’s granddaughter. Features Zoey D. and Jon Hamm as the doomed(ish) couple.
Pharniel
Musicalsplaining, Song vs. Song and The OSP Podcast are my go to these days.
Apocrypals Is also a treat.
Kay
@CaseyL:
This makes me happy, that people got better even if only in that one way :)
Esme
Make My Day with Josh Gondelman is a half-hour of delightfulness every week—his guest plays a game whose only goal is to make Josh laugh, then they give pep talks and make a donation to charity.
I’ve also been listening to Appodlachia, which is basically a progressive-leaning current events podcast about issues affecting Appalachia (labor, the opioid epidemic, the hosts’ loathing of J.D. Vance . . . ).
J R in WV
@PJ:
Yes! When I worked with DEP, the solid waste people had a holw unit dealing with people dumping trash just anywhere. Neigbor took a walk one pretty day and found a guy dumping a truck full of his waste on her beautiful farm. She is as hard as nails, and made him load all his shit beck into his truck, and told him she expected to see the weigh-bill from the landfill when he finished dropping his crap off at the major landfill. And I bet he did too!
The staff will find a wild dump and clean it up with back hoes and loaders and trucks, and then spend the next year with cameras spotted around the old now cleaned up dump, using the video with license plates to arrest new dumpers, making them clean up the dump until people in the area figured out that their dump was no longer a safe place to dispose of their crap. Told me it took at least a year to really make a diff to the community that has been using a pretty hollow as their dump.
I think Ladybird’s project made a big difference in making trash get disposed of in the permitted dumps.