Just recently, I began listening to Podcasts with an open ears and an open mind. Some that I have found interesting include the Joe Rogan Experience, Sword and Scale, Crime in Sports, and ESPN: 30 For 30 Series. After listening to multiple episodes of each, it was easy for me to choose my favorite. Because of my love for sports, ESPN: 30 For 30 Series quickly stole the show for me.
Its incredible descriptions and story-telling of extraordinary moments in sport’s history from individuals directly, and indirectly, involved allow for listeners to feel the emotions for themselves. Some good, and some terribly bad. ESPN does an exceptional job of recreating moments in sports history and making them come alive again; cringing in agony, exhilarating joy, these are the moments fans yearn for and 30 For 30 provides nothing less.
For example, the one episode that sticks out to me, truly caught my attention because of the importance to me. The Lights Of Wrigleyville, reads the title. The great story behind the beginning of a new era; night-time baseball for the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. For the game of baseball, that was a huge step for Chicago to join the rest of the league in hosting night games. However, for the neighborhood surrounding Wrigley Field, it was something of a nightmare. Residents of the neighboring community fought and protested the idea until the team had to come to an agreement with the community for a limited amount of games. Aside from all of the details, this episode made me feel as if I was a member of the Chicago Cubs at the time, while also feeling like a homeowner on Wayland Ave. The ability to capture these feelings and emotions, allowing the story to tell itself and the narrator to add the connecting dots creates for an amazing experience while listening.
Sometimes advertising can get in the way of a good mood, whether it be music, TV show, or even podcasts. However, in keeping touch with the amazing experience, the ESPN: 30 For 30 podcast contains smooth advertising that transitions well within the episode. It wasn’t a long, boring list of sponsors at the end of the episode. Instead, the beginning of the episode is introduced with relevant advertisements that are expressed in ways that seem to be at least better than monotone, annoying commercials.
Now, be assured, there are definitely some other advertisements that could be incorporated that would make a lot more sense. For example, advertisements that appeal to the typical sport fan would do more for the brand than the ones that are included. Nonetheless, the exceptional story-telling and the not-so-terrible advertisements creates a podcast that is enjoyable and easy to “binge-listen” to (if that’s even a word).
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/30-for-30-podcasts/id1244784611?mt=2&i=1000395357662
Chaz's Mind 