Podcasts continue to proliferate, offering everything from the latest headlines to comedic entertainment. According to Pew Research Center, U.S. listening has increased over the past decade, with a June 2023 report noting that 42% of Americans ages 12 and older listened to a podcast in the past month. There is. In 2013, that average was just 12%.
Richmond has become a hub for both podcast creators and listeners. Virginia Commonwealth University Institute of Contemporary Art has hosted his Resonate podcast festival for the past two years and is planning his third edition in 2024.
This event is an opportunity for producers to improve their skills and for enthusiasts to join the industry. There's no shortage of independent content creators in the region, with communities spanning niches, interests, and subcultures. See the sample below.
“Ear sieve”
wrir.org/show/sifter-for-the-ear
Since 2022, local production veteran and critic Jerry Williams' “Sifter for the Ear” has featured news, interviews and reviews related to the film industry. Williams, also known as TV Jerry, said what makes his show worth listening to is its focus on Virginia, and guests include actress Constance Wu, a Richmond native, and Petersburg resident. and former “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” star Daphne Maxwell Reid. . During his drop-in segments, another person joins the conversation for just a few minutes, and another voice enters the conversation. “I'm trying to find people who can add perspective, so that's another thing,” he says. “It's not just the person, it's the person you're related to in some way.” He is available on major streaming platforms.
“Women and Politics”
Broadcast Thursdays at noon on WRIR-LP 97.3 FM. wrir.org
Carol Olson started Women and Politics in January 2017. The program brings women together to discuss local politics and highlights the important role women play in public service. It's intentional that the podcast name includes the word “and” instead of “in.” Olson says this is a way to highlight the role women play in politics, beyond her role as an elected official. McClellan helped decide on her name). “Women are actively participating in community activities and, in fact, it influences our politics. Women want politicians to be the focus and do the work behind the scenes. They are often the leading voices on matters,” Olson said. Now, her co-host Sheri Shannon leads the conversation, with Olson in a production-focused role.
“Randy Wilson Podcast”
randywilsonpodcast.com
Randy Wilson says his show is “culture to culture.” Wilson's podcast features engaging conversations with changemakers and people with unique perspectives at the intersection of politics, community, sports, and entrepreneurship. Recent guests have included local songwriters Radio B, HCA Nursing Executive, Lever His Stoney Mayor and more. For Wilson, who started out as a podcast fan before creating her own podcast, the appeal of the platform is that it provides a foundation for more authentic, accessible, and interesting conversations. “I think it humanizes the conversation and takes the business out of it,” Wilson says. “This takes commercialization out of the conversation. It allows everyday people to leverage their voices.” Available on major streaming platforms.
“Studio B RVA”
jaysmack.com
Jay Smack's “Studio B RVA” began in 1995 as a local radio show. Since then, it has moved many times and changed form, but the music remains. The show will feature interviews, live performances and songs by local and regional artists. Smack also hosts WRIR's local music corner, “River City Limits,” and “The Good Eye Podcast,” which publishes conversations with experts in a variety of fields. Smack credits the show's longevity to its format. “This is all about just being a platform, and I think that simplicity is what helped keep it going,” Smack says. “I'm just a musician. And the people who listen to it are mostly other musicians or people who are fans and are involved in the local scene.” It's available on major streaming platforms.
“Eat it, Virginia!”
instagram.com/eatitvirginia
WTVR-CBS 6 hosts Robbie Martin and Scott Wise take listeners on a deep dive into Richmond's food and the people who make it. In each episode, restaurateurs tell the story of how they got to where they are, and Martin and Wise guide the conversation with chemistry and wit. Restaurant owners recently featured on the show include Maria Martin of Juan More Taco, Brennan Griffith of pop-up Nam Prik Pao, and Trey Owens of JewFro. Available on major streaming platforms.
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Additional RVA Podcast Samples
