I give ‘em all 5 stars!

Shel & Neville Inaugural Podcast – For Immediate Release

The topics and discussion are terrific. Download it for yourself and listen. Or, get iPodder and, even if you don’t have an iPod or MP3 player, listen to it on your computer.

Rather than rehash their discussion, I’d like to examine the value of what they have created.

First, having now ‘heard’ them will make reading their blogs so much more enjoyable. Both podcasters have ‘mic persona/presence’ … meaning, it was as if the radio were tuned to USA talk radio (without the shouting or political nonsense) or the BBC. Their deliveries were professional.

Shel is in California and Neville is in Amsterdam. They both deal in Communication, yet their life experiences (professional / personal), cultural backgrounds, etc. add to the flavour of the podcast. The international flavour is a plus. The contrasting accents – alone – make the audio experience that much more enjoyable.

Another plus? They provide notes and links at For Immediate Release.biz for the sites and people they discussed in the podcast. They also cross-posted the same links to both of their blogs. Nice touch!

Overall, they are ‘adding value’ (I know, trite phrase) to their blogs. The podcasts have helped to further personalize their blog conversations. Of course, their blogs were already great reads. Podcasting serves to give the conversation more appeal! People in business/government will eventually listen to these guys. Let the word get out and they will have an audience beyond bloggers and their individual blog audience.

Yes, this will now be required listening in class. Visit For Immediate Release.biz and their blogs – Shel Holtz and Neville Hobson.

Amy Gahran: Inaugural Podcast

Writer, editor and trainer Amy Gahran of the blog ‘Contentious‘ has also jumped on the podwagon. Amy is a solo act now. We’ll see if she does interviews with some of her colleagues. Visit Contentious and check it out. The content is wonderful. Amy had, I think, a few technical problems in getting the inaugural file out, but that won’t scare me away.

Amy has a kind voice, too. I believe she worked from a script, or talking points. Good idea for a newcomer to audio technology. However, after listening to her – despite her script – I think she has a presence, too. There was a conversational tone to her voice and delivery. It will undoubtedly evolve after more and more podcasts.

Amy is a welcomed entrant to my iPodder download cue. Her writing expertise will prove to be a valuable resource. We’ll be listening to you in class, too. Thanks for your show, Amy.

Consequences of Hearing These Two Podcasts

One side note. I now know what my dream device would be – a combo MyFi XM2go and iPod/MP3 player built together. This will alleviate having to carry two devices. Why do I say this? Because now I have examples of content – beyond even IT Conversations – that will make me spend less and less time listening to traditional broadcast radio. The time has already dropped way off. And I am a radio nut!