What kinds of podcasts do you like?

[author_by_night]

I was thinking about podcasts just now, specifically fan podcasts/vlogcasts*, and which I prefer. I was wondering what you guys think.

For simplicity's sake, I've made up categories. No idea if there are proper names. I wouldn't call these categories strict - I think most podcast hosts actually swim around all of them, depending on a lot of factors.

*Is that an accurate descriptor? I have no idea.

Salons

Salons are podcasts that, in theory, are centered around a certain fandom or topic - however, the focus is definitely more on the hosts. So the first twenty minutes might be Courtney and Deb talking about their weekend, and they might go into long sidebars in the middle of the show. Sometimes the sidebars will still be somewhat relevant, sometimes not. Anything goes!

Study Groups

Study Groups tend to be a little more on-point. They may still sidebar a bit, but the focus is less on them and more on the topic at hand. They also tend to dive a little deeper into the topic than Salons, and may even get quite intense.


Research Labs

Research Labs are pretty focused on the topic alone. There is very little interaction on a personal level. Which isn't to say they're necessarily boring, you just don't get much, if ANY, conversation or insight into the host's lives. Often the hosts are flying solo.


Which do you prefer? Also feel free to weigh in if you host podcasts or vlogs!