Last week we mentioned our new “Other People’s Podcasts” feature, or “OPP” for short. We were overwhelmed when we received several great submissions. The first edition will take a listen of Robert Ashley’s A Life Well Wasted, a monthly podcast (or rather, “internet radio show”) that focuses on one specific subject in the gaming-verse featuring commentary and interviews related to the topic and interspersed with music.
Whew.
The podcast is only in its infancy, yet has garnered the attention of several people due to Ashley’s unique perspective on (and history in) the gaming industry, often being compared to “This American Life”. It looks at topics that other podcasts and even publications fail to explore fully. ALWW is journalism for the ears. This month, Ashley’s topic focused on why we play games.
Entertainment Value
The fast-paced nature of the podcast is attributed to its excellent editing, great use of music, and Ashley’s ability to pull the right amount of commentary from those he is interviewing. No one rambles on, no detail is missed, and each interview is entertaining. Where This American Life tends to dwell on one individual’s commentary, ALWW surpasses it in its variety of inputs. Ashley doesn’t just interview one or two people associated with the subject; he allows a Nielsen-like cross section of the industry to tell their tale. The podcast is one of few that you wouldn’t mind keeping in your iPod and listening to several times before the next is released.
Original Content
While ALWW does mirror TAL on some format aspects, the podcast is a first for the gaming genre. There is no gaming news here, no contest announcements, and no quirky bookends that are popular amongst podcasts from other videogame websites. This is the story of one subject, from different perspectives and different voices, all with a common theme and all highly interesting.
Production Value
This is really where ALWW shines. From the choice of music interludes, to the right editing cuts, to the quality of audio recorded (minus a few instances of recording live “on the street” interviews) the show sounds professional and experienced. Ashley, a musician, pours his effort into creating the show. I guess having a month between episodes allows for the maximum editing effort (in a good way).
Cast Members
This episode, entitled “Why We Game”, has Ashley visiting GDC to interview developers, speaking to programmers about the possibility of gaming with an almost world-saving purpose, meeting a Green designer who creates artful masterpieces, and meeting someone with a nasty distaste for working on a crappy game and the crappy reviews that came with it. A better cast cannot be found.
This is my new “favorite” podcast. After listening to it I often feel as if I’ve bettered myself, learning some valuable insider information that I can geek out over. From beginning to end it is a worthwhile effort, well-balanced, and enjoyable.
A Life Well Wasted can be found on iTunes or on Robert Ashley’s website.
Do you have a podcast that you’d like us to listen to? Send it over! Visit our “Contact” page and send us the link! And remember, a podcast is only as good as its latest episode. :)
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