[Swprograms] Podding Along - Issue 307

[John Figliozzi <jfiglio1@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Most radio listening takes place in the car or while doing other things that allow freedom for the ear, but not the eyes and hands.  Podcasts permit a shift of listening time from a set appointment to virtually any convenient occasion.  I do it while “power walking” (most) every morning in what sometimes seems like a vain attempt to diminish the results of sitting behind a desk for 35 years.  The act of putting one foot in front of the other can be pretty monotonous and by “podding along” while plodding along the mind also gets something useful to do.  So it is with the time spent commuting to work day after day.

Podcasting has expanded almost exponentially so very quickly that it can justly be considered a medium all its own.  Therefore, the attempt here has to be to highlight only a small portion of it, just one corner where excellence reigns.

Some of the best radio comes from the public networks of the UK, Australia, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand and the U.S.  Apart from the originating program’s web site, most programs are made available through any number of other amalgamation sources such as iTunes and TuneIn. 

Admittedly, these are thoroughly subjective recommendations, but my interests and tolerance for incompatible views are pretty wide-ranging. Here’s another in a continuing series of small samplings, offered in a 90 minute scope (more or less):

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Capsule Review:  HARDtalk - BBC WORLD SERVICE
Most interviews conducted with leading political figures err from either taking too light a touch or relentlessly going for a “gotcha” moment.  The best interviewers do their homework thoroughly, stick to the facts and insist that their subjects do the same.  HARDtalk and its interviews by veteran BBC journalist Stephen Sackur, are  just that — direct without being impertinent, but with a business-like air that takes its subjects seriously and expecting no nonsense responses to his queries.  Things can get combative but without the histrionics.  Guests know what to expect from Sackur, yet they come to the program anyway because they respect his expertise and know he respects their stature  There’s no coddling but no unfair efforts to embarrass either.  HARDtalk is the best political interview program on radio, bar none.
Program website:  https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p004t1s0
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“Brian Cox: From poverty to 'Succession'" 
HARDtalk - BBC World Service
Brian Cox, star of the global hit HBO drama Succession, is currently in New York, the US city worst affected by the virus. His long career has taken in everything from King Lear to the ruthless, media mogul Logan Roy in the HBO drama Succession. He defied childhood poverty and tragedy to make it; where does his fierce passion for acting come from?  (23”)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3cszc1m

“David Nabarro: Is the WHO failing its greatest test?" 
HARDtalk - BBC World Service
With nation states across the world struggling to contain the coronavirus pandemic, there’s an urgent need for an internationally coordinated response. That’s where the UN agency the World Health Organisation should have a vital role to play; but right now, the WHO is at the centre of a political storm. Donald Trump has withdrawn US funding, accusing the agency of being China-centric. Stephen Sackur speaks to David Nabarro, the WHO special envoy for Covid-19. Is the organisation failing its greatest test? (23”)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3cszc1n

“Zoltan Kovacs: Is the EU facing its first de facto dictatorship?" 
HARDtalk - BBC World Service
The coronavirus pandemic has prompted governments around the world to take emergency measures. Liberties have been restricted in the name of safeguarding public health, but no European nation has gone further than Hungary in the embrace of authoritarianism. In Hungary, democracy has in effect been suspended indefinitely. Stephen Sackur interviews the country’s State Secretary for International Communication, Zoltan Kovacs. Has Covid-19 ushered in the EU’s first de facto dictatorship? (23”)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3cszbx4

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A monthly (well, mostly monthly) compendium of these newsletters, plus on occasion additional pertinent material, is now published in The CIDX Messenger, the monthly e-newsletter of the Canadian International DX Club (CIDX).  For further information, go to www.cidx.ca

John Figliozzi
Editor, "The Worldwide Listening Guide”
NEW! 184 page 9th EDITION available NOW from Universal Radio [universal-radio.com], Amazon [amazon.com], Ham Radio Outlet [hamradio.com]
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