There is, perhaps, no more iconic format in podcasts than the long form interview. Two people or more (most often dudes), sitting and talking for anywhere between half an hour to three hours. Going deep. These shows can be the best and worst of podcasting. Best, because the lack of external length constants really can allow for a deep conversation. Worst, because sometimes it can be 45 minutes of great conversation surrounded by an hour and a half of blah.
I've had many of these shows in my podcatcher over the years, and I've deleted many as well. These are the survivors, and although I don't listen to every episode of some of them (time being finite), I do listen when the guests are interesting.
This is the big one. If you've heard of 5 podcasts, you've probably heard of this one. What started as out as a podcast about comedy (Maron is a standup, after all) is now simply an interview show, with some of the biggest names in entertainment and out of it. The Obama interview is probably the most famous, but it is one of many great episodes.
You may have heard of this one by its previous name, "The Nerdist." Along with WTF, this one is known for taking its host (or hosts, some of the time) from "respected comedian some people know," to "huge star." and in ID10T host Chris Hardwick's case, host of all TV shows not hosted by Ryan Seacrest.
Remember how I mentioned most of these have, historically, been shows with dudes interviewing dudes? 2 Dope Queens co host Phoebe Robinson noticed that as well, so she created a podcast where she interviews, over the course of a season, a bunch of people who aren't white guys, plus a token white guy. This is a well edited show, without nearly as much slack as some of the others. And its return for a third season this week prompted this topic.
This is an science fiction and fantasy interview show, wrapped up in a bit of fiction. Author Emma Newman interviews guests (who are also authors, usually), while her husband, author Peter Newman plays her evil butler, Latimer. Latimer hates her husband and tries to assassinate her guests. He always fails. It's all rather funny and the conversations are great.
What are your favorite interview shows? Lemme know in the comments.
