I’ve discovered that even if audio stories aren’t about a subject I’m already interested in, I can still be really interested while listening. If they follow the right recipe, I get sucked right in. The most important part is having an interesting guest to talk to. If the story is scientific or meant to be knowledgeable, they have to be knowledgeable in their field. It’s frustrating to hear someone simply speculate about a topic. If the story is meant to entertain or teach about a different facet of life/culture, it helps if the interviewee is interesting. An interesting person can elevate a seemingly boring conversation. Sure, I may not be interested in the lives of middle school students, but if they have something unique or interesting to say and do so in a compelling way, then I’m drawn in. Their excitement is often contagious.
I’ve always loved hearing people get excited about…whatever it is they get excited about. For example, even if I dislike a movie, I can listen to someone talk it up as long as it’s personable and well supported. I would hate to try and interview someone who is completely boring, one of those people that answers questions with the two or three same words. That’s my biggest fear.
My favorite recent episode of Radiolab would have to be their Wake Up and Dream story. A few months ago, my friend turned me on to lucid dreaming. She is extremely passionate about it and is always willing to share her latest meet and greet with Jim Henson. I’ve tried it myself (with little avail) and even purchased a few books on the subject. This topic is definitely on the fringes of science and acceptability, so it was awesome for me to hear scientists discuss it so matter-of-factly. This episode resonated with me personally, but I think it would be effective for others as well. It starts out with a wonderfully creepy story about a man whose dreams are haunted. Once he masters lucid dreaming, he is able to combat his demons and find out a lot about himself. This type of story instantly draws in the listener. As a follow up, the episode includes these scientists who mention the benefits and techniques to lucid dreaming. For someone who already enjoyed this sort of thing, it was like a much needed kick-start.
I think it is really cool that you can enjoy a podcast about a subject that you aren't particularly interested in. I agree that when someone is passionate and really knowledgeable about a subject, it makes it much more interesting to me. I think that people need to have an pen mind to things. Listening to someone talk about something you aren't really familiar with can be an enlightening experience. We have to open ourselves us to different topics, we can't just keep going back to what we know.
ReplyDeleteI am with you all the way man. Even if a subject isn't inherently interesting per se,it can still be interesting if the person who is talking is an interesting person. Steven Hawking is an example of this. Astrophysics ain't necessarily my bag, but he is just such an interesting guy that I enjoy listening to him. I just want people to be sincere about who they are, and the content to be present in an interesting way.
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