My other passion

Podcasting is a lot like blogging: The people who love it are really into it. Those who don’t like it tend to really dislike it. That’s okay, different strokes for different folks, and all that.

I’m a huge fan of both: I’ve always considered myself a blogger first, which is kind of ironic when you consider that one of my podcast episodes gets downloaded more in one week than my blog gets hits in several weeks. Still, that’s how I see myself, so, I love blogs—writing posts, reading others’ posts and commenting on them (not as much as I should).

But I also love podcasting. I love the challenge of producing a recorded programme that others find at least somewhat interesting, and also the challenge of always trying to improve the sound quality. All of that appeals to the creative side of me as well as the geeky side, so it figures I’d love it.

Podcasting, especially within the context of Pride 48, provides something special: Community. The fact is, were it not for Pride 48, I wouldn’t be part of any podcasting community at all: I’m not aware of any other GLBT podcasts (that are only podcasts) in New Zealand. In fact, there are very few non-commercial (not originating as radio shows or similar) podcasts at all in New Zealand, so mine is kind of doubly unique.

Some of the folks in Pride 48 have become my close friends; others are less close, as is the nature of such things, but we all respect one another and support each other in doing what we do. It doesn’t matter if we like each others’ shows—hell, we may not even listen to each other—but as podcasters we know what we all face and we’re supportive of each other.

This past weekend was Pride 48’s annual 48-hour (which is where the name comes from) live podcasting extravaganza. That’s why I haven’t posted anything since Thursday—I was too busy with last-minute details (I coordinated the shows that broadcast from outside of Las Vegas). There’s always a tremendous feeling of family that emerges among those who take part in the weekend, whether as podcasters or listeners, and why not? There’s nothing else like it in the world.

In the final speeches, there was much said about how Pride 48 is a family. The fact is that independent podcasting, with its emphasis on the human voice and human interaction, provides a connection with the world, and with other LGBT people, that no other medium does as well. Its portable nature—they can be loaded onto any portable music player—makes them ideal for people who lack safety or community—or a welcoming family. In such cases, Pride 48 podcasters can help some people feel less alone and less isolated. That’s a pretty great return on investment, in my opinion.

I love blogging. Maybe now you know a little better why I love podcasting, too.