Thursday, December 15, 2016

So what do you think?

I’m exploring the notion of starting a podcast next year. Yes, I know. I’m very cutting edge. I thought I would do it while I still would be one of the first.

My idea is this: Once a week, an hour show.

Can you take an hour of me each week?  

The content would be very similar to the nonsense I put on the blog. Rants about the business, war stories, movie reviews, commentaries on stuff I want to talk about – mostly with a humorous point-of-view.

I also might do some version of Friday Questions.

Add to that, interviews from time to time (writers, actors, goofy people I meet), maybe a few snippets from my old radio days (disc jockey and play-by-play), and fun experiments like maybe improv scenes or script table readings, or who knows?

In time I may add some regular guests and features. At this point, it’s all up in the air. When I started my blog eleven years ago I had no idea what I was going to post everyday. Same with the podcast. I’ll be feeling my way along.

But the tone should be “fun.” I always wanted to do a radio morning show but never wanted to get up so damn early. This might be a way to do it. Also a way to communicate with you on a more personal one-to-one level.

So does this sound remotely interesting to you? Would you listen to such a podcast? I figured I’d start it in January. That’s when people make their New Year’s resolutions to get in better shape and join gyms. Most folks I know listen to podcasts while on the treadmill. So next month might be the perfect time because come February, 90% of these resolutions will be broken and these “gym rats” will be scarfing down Denny’s Grand Slams instead of hitting the Stairmaster.

Thanks in advance for your feedback. If you say you’d listen and I decide to do it, who knows? Maybe the idea of podcasts will catch on and others will do them too. Only time will tell.

Stay tuned for more possible announcements.  

173 comments :

Carol said...

Yes! I would listen to it!

YEKIMI said...

Yes, I'd listen. Although don't know if I could sit through an hour of rants though. If I wanted to do that, I'd go visit my parents.

Rashad Khan said...

I'd listen.

Bryan Kenny said...

Great idea - I really like the idea of 1 on 1 interviews each week. And personally, I feel that a 1 hour podcast is a bit too long (30 minutes is ideal for me).

slgc said...

I would definitely be interested in listening to your podcast, but my suggestion is that you make them 20-30 minutes as opposed to an hour (unless you have something truly special happening, in which case take as long as you need!). It's often difficult carving out an hour to sit down and listen to a show, but I can almost always find a 20-minute slot.

Best of luck!

FFS said...

Yes. But us old guys need a tutorial on how one accesses a podcast.

Wally said...

Ken,
No kidding, I was just thinking about this for you before I logged on here. You're at ease w/ the mic and you got stories. Once a week would be good. check out Tony Kornhiser's podcast (@thisshowstinks on Twitter) if you haven't already. They were doing radio and then he switched in Sep. So, no figuring out format, but it's been a learning process of sorts that he talks about time to time. Same demographics, though, I'd say (34-60ish -- for the most part). Maron does only interviews with a short (or long) rant up front. Each has a format that is different but works for them.

Mike Barer said...

Podcasts can run long, on this one blog, they run about an hour. Who has time for that? You can try it, but please, don't give this up, I enjoy it too much and blogs, sadly, seem to going the way of the fax machine.

Dave said...

Sign me up!

Chris said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Bob said...

First time leaving a comment .... I love the idea of you doing a podcast!!

Matthew E said...

Ordinarily I'd say that to do a podcast you should really start with a firm idea of just exactly what it is you'll be doing every time; the podcasts I listen to all have such an organizing concept. And I still think it's the best way to go. If there's an exception, though, you might be it, because all your various jobs have required you to be able to come up with stuff to say under time pressure.

And, yeah, I'd listen. Especially if it came out late in the week: I've typically got quite a few Monday and Tuesday podcasts, but Thursdays and Fridays can be spotty.

Yachnoff said...

Reading your blog is second on my list of favorite things to do. First is listening to podcasts. So yes, please do.

Tammy said...

Count me in as a listener. In fact, I've often wondered why you don't already have a podcast, given your radio background. Sounds fun.

Albert S. said...

It's a great idea. Would definitely listen.

Cliff said...

I'd tune in to listen. It'd be fun seeing how it develops over time. Go for it!
Cliff

Mary Ann Lewis said...

Yes. I would listen. Every week. :-)

Ryan from Canada said...

Brilliant! With your background in radio, podcasting is an ideal platform for you. Looking forward to it, and hey at the very least you'll have my set of ears tuning in.

Happy Holidays and New Year to you and yours!

GoodScout said...

Yes! Would certainly listen. I always hunt out the podcasts when you're a guest.

Rudy said...

I'd listen.... especially if you post it while I'm at work!

Terrence Moss said...

Do it.

Unknown said...

Yes, I'm in. I'd much rather resolve to listen to your podcast than start working out anyway.

Chito Martinez said...

I think it's a great idea and would definitely listen. Would also love for you to mix in occasional stories from your baseball broadcasting career/thoughts on the current game. Thanks for doing this, looking forward to it!

Tudor Queen said...

I don't listen to/watch most blogcasts - I'm technologically klutzy - but I would totally, enthusiastically try to spend that hour with you! Especially since you say it will be lots more of the content I look forward to every day on the 'regular' blog.

Roger Owen Green said...

I'd listen. You should make sure you know how to do it mechanically; contentwise, I'm sure it'd be fine. Coincidentally, an online buddy of mine wrote how he does HIS podcast

Jeff Parker said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Already subscribed.

Joey Smallwood said...

Ken, count me in as a listener. Looking forward to it!

Ryan K Johnson said...

I say yes. I would add you to my list of podcasts I download. Living in Seattle I'm sure I've heard you call a Mariners game at least once in my life, even though I didn't know who you were at the time. Bring it on!

Dave said...

I'd love it. I could imagine you with a Harry Schearer (Le Show) type vibe, with some unique twists.

If you could channel Jean Sheppard, well, you have some gold there!

Curt Alliaume said...

I don't listen to podcasts or live streaming much - Stu Shostak's occasionally, but that's about it - but I think I would be able to make the time. I now work from home, which helps.

1955david said...

I believe it would be a marvelous show. I'd tune in.

Stan said...

Count me in. I'd be very interested in what shape a podcast from you would take. I have a list of podcasts that I listen to every week and I would definitely add yours to it if you decide to do this.

Phil said...

Ken, I would absolutely love a podcast from you. Perhaps you could do a version of a scene-writing exercise. Give people a topic one week with a deadline, then devote a portion of a future podcast going over several examples with your analysis. I'm not a screenwriter, but I find your analysis enjoyable, and perhaps it might translate well to the spoken word format.

Anonymous said...

Yes! More Fun Please!

Really, who says no to more fun?

Sean

Craig said...

I'd check it out. I've been meaning to learn how to listen to this new-fangled type of communication.

Bert Ehrmann said...

Long time reader -- first time commenter. I'd listen to a Ken Levine hour long weekly Podcast!

BTW -- I loved "The Me Generation..." and think it's a great book.

Steve said...

I listen to a lot of podcasts, and find that I most enjoy the ones where you have a couple of co-hosts who seem to genuinely enjoy talking to each other about whatever it is the podcast is about. Not sure how excited I would be about just listening to one guy talk into a microphone, even if it is someone I could read a blog post from every day for a few years, but if you had a partner to riff off, that would be another story.

BobinVT said...

Ken, I love your blog and check it daily. I don't always read the whole thing depending on the topic. So I spend anywhere from 30 seconds to a few minutes every day. I just don't see myself devoting an hour to listen to a podcast. Not just yours, but any podcast. It's just my nature. The blog is like grabbing a few salted peanuts from the snack bowl, quick and enjoyable. An hour podcast is like sitting down to a seven course meal. Even though it may be great, I can't sit still that long. Also, you can't skim a podcast, which I often do on a blog post.

Patricia said...

I think it's a TERRIFIC idea. Count on me as a loyal listener.

ScottyB said...

I say do it! It would be a win-win: We would be able to get a sense of that radio personality of yours we've been reading about for years, and you would would get paid about the same. Everybody happy!

Tim G said...

Yes, please. It would be great to have your podcast to look forward to, no matter how often you decide to produce one. Podcasts are as exciting as radio used to be. You would be a great podcaster with your wealth of knowledge and perspective.

By the way, do you have any thoughts on Tuesday Weld's career? She is the most fascinating performer on Dobie Gillis (except for perhaps Florida Friebus and her lovely weird energy). Tuesday's no Natalie Wood, but still....

Greg said...

Count me in. Looking forward to an extra hour of fun every week.

Johnny Walker said...

All I can say is: What too you so long?!

I heard you fill in for Marilu and I was surprised at how good you were. I know you have a DJ and baseball announcer background, but there's plenty of hugely successful and highly rated DJs that drive me up the wall. They talk rubbish, making empty-headed comments to fill the air, hoping to sound interesting or funny (or provocative). A mouth before a brain. They often expect everyone else to agree, too, and get upset if they're interrupted or contradicted. (Huh. I feel like I've accidentally described someone in the news, never mind...)

You, on the other hand, surprised me because you were great at *actually* being interesting, upbeat and funny... all without being annoying! You always *listened*, kept an open mind, and responded honestly and without defensiveness to what people *actually* said. There were no sweeping generalisations. You didn't shoot anybody down. You didn't ignore what other people said because it didn't align with what you'd said. Always humble, respectful, smart, interesting and funny.

That's a lot of praise, but I wouldn't lavish it if it wasn't genuine. To put it simply: You're the perfect DJ for this listener.

I'm already subscribed.

Wally said...

p.s. I will gladly talk to you about life outside the writers' room from a guy in LA at anytime if you'd like to

Unknown said...

Hi Ken,

I read your blog each day and would love to listen to your podcast. One suggestion: interview your friends and contacts in the industry and ask them the questions that you've always wanted to ask about their origin stories and most powerful moments and projects. Also, please make it long-form and keep going wherever the conversations take you.

After all these years, I'm sure like most of your readers that we completely trust your instincts about content and people and now we'd love to see where that goes in long conversations with those people and regarding those topics or projects that you find most interesting.

Good luck!
Roger

Unknown said...

Hi Ken,

I read your blog each day and would love to listen to your podcast. One suggestion: interview your friends and contacts in the industry and ask them the questions that you've always wanted to ask about their origin stories and most powerful moments and projects. Also, please make it long-form and keep going wherever the conversations take you.

After all these years, I'm sure like most of your readers that we completely trust your instincts about content and people and now we'd love to see where that goes in long conversations with those people and regarding those topics or projects that you find most interesting.

Good luck!
Roger

Thomas Mossman said...

If you're serious about doing a podcast, get back in touch with Kevin Smith. He built an empire out of podcasting. Not only would he have everything you would need to launch it, he's already figured out how to monetize it.

Brian Fies said...

I don't usually listen to podcasts but I'd listen to yours. One vote "yes."

Kirk said...

Do it on the weekend when I have more time on a computer (I have to get off this one in a few minutes) and I'll be there!

Rory Wohl said...

Hi Ken,

I would definitely listen to you rant for an hour a week. I'd be interested in you maybe just shooting the breeze with some of the people you mention in your blog and who mention you in theirs (Mark Evanier and Earl Pomerantz come to mind). (You're probably not getting Roseanne as a guest, are you?)

I'll warn you though, that I'm pretty committed to a daily podcast (shout out to The Tony Kornheiser Show Podcast - La Cheeserie!), so I would probably store up your episodes and listen to them when that show goes dark for two months in the summer.

Give it a shot, what could go wrong?

- Rory

cjdahl60 said...

I would LOVE it. Please let us know via blog when/if you decide to do this so I won't miss a single episode.

Dodgerdawg said...

Yes, please! You have a very charming voice, and a unique point of view. I would be very happy to hear you regularly on a podcast.

Dale D. said...

It does indeed sound like it would be fun. I would certainly listen. How about Mark Evanier as a possible guest?

Tim W. said...

I'm always on the lookout for a good podcast and I'd definitely listen to yours.

Joseph said...

I would listen. There's several podcasts I listen to every week and I'd add you to the list. I might end up skipping the ones that focus too much on baseball since I'm not too into baseball but who knows, I've enjoyed your baseball posts so might check out those episodes as well.

MacGilroy said...

I'm in.

Roderick Allmanson said...

sounds awesome

Pizzagod said...

I'd really try to make the time to listen. I think you're great, a true mensch, and I love your sense of humor.

The road to hell though-I have TONS of podcasts on my ipod, and one day....I'll catch up and listen to them.

I'd say yes, definitely, but there are so many people like me who have great intentions. (I guess I should start exercising more too....)

Peter said...

Do it do it do it!!!! It's a great idea! Would love to hear you interview actors and writers and would also love to hear clips of your old radio shows.

Dave Denholm said...

I'm all ears, Ken!!!

Beth Ciotta said...

I vote, yes! A thousand times yes!

Mark said...

I like it! Podcast on.

Pete Grossman said...

Hell, yeah. I'd listen - I like what you do as I relate to a lot of it. Good idea.

Kim A Tenhor said...

I think it's a great idea! With the Inauguration on January 20th, I'll need something intelligent and funny to listen too.

Michael Hagerty said...

I would absolutely listen.

cd1515 said...

definitely in

404 said...

I guess my only real concern would be: would this be in addition to, or would it replace, the daily blog? If you did a podcast from time to time, I might be able to listen from time to time, but I would hate to lose our daily time to hang out.

Pat Reeder said...

I would definitely listen. And if you want some guests who are radio guys and have the world's largest collection of embarrassing celebrity recordings (and the stories behind them), drop George and me a line.

Ted said...

A thousand times Yes!!

Zappa the Unholy said...

Groovy idea! I'll make you a deal. You said you always wanted to do a morning show but never wanted to get up early. So, you do the podcast whenever you would like, and I'll listen to it in the morning. Win Win.

Sean Savage said...

It's a crowded field for sure, but I'd certainly carve out an hour a week for it.

Eric said...

Yes, please do it. I walk my dog for over an hour a day and desperately need something interesting to listen to.

Barefoot Billy Aloha said...

Sure, I'd listen! But I'd rather watch, so I'll suggest going with live video on Facebook. You can go up to 4 hours if your bladder could handle the pressure. :)

You could still play airchecks, have guests live or by phone. Google "Facebook live video" and get details. It uses you computer camera and mic. Easy peasy.

I'd do it but who gives a shit about some guy in the forest with a microphone?

I mean: FOUR HOURS!? It's like ABC's Jerry Lewis show in the '60's...or any telethon we've ever seen, only with a smaller but worldwide audience. Do it for as short or long a time as you want. No crying though...

Heck, I bet you could link it to your blog site somehow.

Here is a YouTube video on how to do it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRQfyzutz4s

I have never done it before, so I watched the video for 30 seconds and did it. Waaay easy.

I've been producing podcasts for clients since 2005 or so, and while they're fine, nothing replaces the excitement of watching live. Working without a net, etc.

Think of it this way: YOU will be CAPTAIN VIDEO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ben said...

Great idea. Just make sure you use quality equipment/software. You don't want to sound AM!

Pat Howard said...

Hell ya do the podcast sounds good.

Barefoot Billy Aloha said...

Jeezus, I did my first trial run of a :05 comment using Facebook live video and it worked so very well that it immediately posted to my Facebook, and my wife came out of the bedroom this morning asking what was going on, then three seconds later, my brother-in-law 1,000 miles away 'liked' the video. I'm a director.

Cecil B. Oxley

VincentS said...

Absolutely, Ken.

Andrew Wickliffe said...

yes please.

Boomska316 said...

I endorse this product or service.

Bobaloo said...

I would subscribe and listen.

ErnieErnie said...

Oh yes. Please do, I'll be listening!

Daniel said...

Yes. Have it delivered with regular frequency but not too often (maybe every two weeks at first). Keep it short at first (30 minutes tops). Expand from there.

Mateja Đedović said...

I've been an avid reader for the full 11 years and I've never commented thus far, but I had to say yes to that. I'd LOVE to listen.

John Hammes said...

Life is short. Play hard. Do it.

As mentioned by others, an hour would be kinda long: how about just 60 minutes, instead?

Mister Charlie said...

To be honest I don't bother with podcasts.

I much prefer the written word, though I am sure your personality would be even more obvious in the podcast.

You should do what you want to do, and then you'll be successful no matter what...I worked in radio on days when I KNEW there wasn't a soul listening. I still enjoyed doing my show, you might as well.

Anonymous said...

You are definitely one person I would want to hear. I'd even put up with the baseball/sports stories to hear your other opinions......'cause I think you're a hero.

By Ken Levine said...

Chito Martinez,

Great to hear from you. I think I called your first MLB home run when you were with the Orioles. Hope you're doing well.

ChipO said...

I look forward to listening to you as I work out.
Thanks,

estiv said...

The podcasts I listen to are from the BBC and the New Yorker, so you'd fit right in. ;-) I'll second the suggestion to start with about thirty minutes, and expand if necessary. Longer podcasts I tend to put off until I have a lot of time to spare.

Unknown said...

Ken, Great idea and count me in as a listener. I also agree with others that say an hour long may be too long. However, you can split up an hour long interview into two 30 minute shows. Of course you could have a very special episode of 'Devine Levine' during sweeps week that runs an hour long.

If you plan on doing your own editing, you may find an hour long show a pain to produce each week. Some celebrities producing podcasts have a small staff to help produce their longer shows, so you can keep that in mind when you land a big sponsor for "From Ken's Den". (Any of these show titles working?) Whatever length show you go for I'll listen.

Bruce said...

Be a pioneer. This whole podcasting thing might just catch on.

Doug R. said...

Yes, please.

Unknown said...

I first discovered you on the Howard Stern Wrap-up show and thought you were very good on the radio...I love this idea.

Rod said...

I would tune in, most definitely! I mean, if I can spend 20 minutes watching Jerry Seinfeld drive around and have coffee with a friend for 20 minutes, I'm sure I could listen to you once a week! Besides, I used to listen to you every day when you were doing the Mariner's broadcasts in the early 90's when the team was terrible---I'm sure a 60 minute podcast would be a breeze.....

blinky said...

Hour is too long. Imagine a good Fresh Air Segment with Terri Gross: 20-30 minutes.

ProstHelmut! said...

Hey,

I'd love to listen to it. I'd love one hour episodes too - in fact, most of the good podcasts seem to get their conversational energy out of going indepth. But to everyone preferring shorter episodes, maybe you can divide into a thematic segments as times goes on, so people have an easy time pausing the episodes at certain points.

Anonymous said...

Yes please! I so enjoyed you on the Mariners broadcasts and would love to hear more of your wit, stories and of course any guests you could bring to the podcast.

Unknown said...

Sounds great, Ken! I'd definitely listen!

One question -- what's a treadmill?

Best ~
Steve M.

Bob Zirunkel said...

An hour-long podcast can fly by for a listener, as any fan of The Tobolowsky Files can attest.
Count me as another "Yes please!" Ken.

Todd Everett said...

It sounds like a good idea. Realistically, though, I listen to Marc Maron in my car and Gilbert Gottfried in the gym, am backed up many episodes on both, and don't know where I'd find time for a third podcast.

Stoney said...

Please do the podcast. And, if you wish to go a step further, I would gladly fork over the dough to lease an hour of airtime for you on WBCQ, the 50,000 watt shortwave blowtorch transmitting from northern Maine. They are already a "Le Show" affiliate.

Speaking of snippets from old radio days, I recently unearthed my Aircheck Factory cassette of "The Birth of KTNQ". The day after this Christmas will mark the 40th anniversary of that broadcast. Would love to hear you play that with some commentary.

julian said...

i'm in!

Karen C. said...

Hi Ken
Yes please!

blinky said...

Now that I think about it....The time should be determined by content. Ten minutes of comedy gold is better than 60 minutes of filler.
This isn't broadcast, you are not filling a slot. But you should do fake commercial breaks.

ally said...

YEAH! I had asked you in a Friday Question what kind of radio show you would do, and now you're actually going to do it! This is awesome!,

David said...

A podcast from you....Yes!

SharoneRosen said...

Cool! And another great reason for you to guest on my "2Boomer Broads" podcast in January!

Unknown said...

Sign me up!!

Rob Frankel said...

I would definitely listen, Ken...but I think 60 minutes is too long. IMO, the ideal length would be 15-30 minutes. It's not like a music show that could work as background audio. Your podcast is something that would be worthy of paying attention to, and it's hard to find a full hour for that kind of listening.

sHARON said...

All I have to say is YES, PLEASE!

Mike Botula said...

Absolutely! I think the on-air canoodlings of Ken Levine would be a standout in this age of syndicated soul-less program content. Just let us know when we can connect.

I'm Outraged! said...

Ignore the people saying 20 to 30 min, an hour is perfect, it's a radio chat you can listen to whenever you want, stop and restart, have on in the background, you don't need to devote an hr to it and sit next to the speaker with your pipe and beverage.

Johnny Walker said...

Well it was a nice idea, Ken, but I'm just not sure if enough people are interested.

(Boy! How many podcasts start with such an audience?!)

David said...

Hell Yeahhhhhhhhhh !!!!!

I would loveeeeee to hear you rant about Hollywood cosying up to Gibson with no shame! And Jan being awards season..... GO KENNNNNNNNNNN !!!!!!!!!!

Peter K said...

yes, pretty please! since some people commented that one hour would be too long - why restrict yourself to a certain length? just go on as long as there is something interesting to say and i'd be happy to listen!

Kent said...

I think you should go for it if you're interested in trying it. What have you got to lose? Can't guarantee I'll listen regularly, though, just because I'm really, really bad at keeping up with podcasts. Even the ones I like. But hell yeah, go for it. Why not?

Anonymous said...

Back when I lived in LA, I used to really enjoy listening to Mike Hodel's Hour 25. I have never been much into sci-fi but I really enjoyed listening to Harlan Ellison, J. Michael Straczynski, and a variety of working writers discussing a wide variety of subjects but centered on working writers in the heart of the industry. It made for some fascinating radio, but I must confess that when I sampled the podcast years later, I was disappointed.

Live radio has an edge that I find missing in podcasts; internet live streaming is better than prerecorded podcasts, IMO, and I would strongly encourage a "Friday Questions" format done live with phone calls.

As a general rule for the variety of shows I follow now, I enjoy the YouTube streaming format with audio/podcast available for download after the live stream.

So, yeah, I think it's an interesting idea and could be really neat. An hour long format can be 59 minutes too long or fly by--but I'd be biased toward an hour format because you inspire faith that you can construct a truly great show. Have you considered broadcast? There are a number of business models that allows a broadcast/podcast synergy. (Even non-commercial requires a viable model.)

Look forward to your new endeavor. Happy holidays and thank you for your great blog.

Kalama Keith

Caleb Nelson said...

I think if you made it a goal to book a guest every week, you'll have enough material for a solid hour, with enough solo material left over for any weeks where your guest bails. I fully agree with everyone saying your show should embrace the jeopardy of being live so that you can put your broadcasting instincts to good use and make an even more entertaining show. Can't wait to hear what you do!

Scott said...

I think this a great idea. It would be a must-listen every week.

If you need anyone for voice overs or an announcer, let me know. I'm available for cheap. :)

Unknown said...

Add me to the long list of supporters for a Ken Levine Podcast. Although I never thought of you as one of the Pod People. And don't be surprised if it takes off and you find yourself ding more than one hour weekly.

Jake said...

Go for it!

Cap'n Bob said...

I'd gladly listen as long as it doesn't air the same time Judge Judy does (4 Pacific Time).

Unknown said...

As long as you talk it up to the vocal.

Mark said...

I'd listen.

Barry said...

Hell yes.

Jahn Ghalt said...

Go for it, Ken. Some "advice" worth what you paid for it. Your writing has an "essential" quality - just enough to make the point, with nice dry humor. Keep this for your monologs.

A podcast has a big advantage over a broadcast or sports announcing - it does not have to "fill up" a whole hour (or whatever). It doesn't have to conform to any particular length. I'd say if you use a film/TV editor's discipline and cut down to the best stuff, you'd automatically be better than most podcasts at the get go - big advantage for an experienced pro like you.

Not to insult (since you probably already know this), but if you want to know what NOT to do, tune in to sports radio.

Roy DeRousse said...

This "podcast" idea of yours sounds like a winner. I'd listen. Maybe let the content influence the length of the show. It could be different lengths from week to week.

brian t said...

I like the idea, though I wonder if it's wise to specify the length in advance. I'm of the opinion that padding is bad for podcasts, that a podcast should be as long as it needs to be and not a second longer. It's not radio, you don't have a time slot to fill. I already have more podcasts on my phone than I have time to listen to, so it's not like dead air is a problem!

Tony Ross said...

I'd listen, miss Beaver Cleaver at KYA.

MikeK.Pa. said...

Sounds like the consensus is for 20 minutes, so just do three segments a week. A win-win.

Tom in Vegas said...

Great idea, Ken...I'm in the 30 minute camp!

Jahn Ghalt said...

I second Farley about interviewing "industry origin stories"....

...and Peter's idea to do clips of your old radio shows ...

......and blinky's idea to do "fake commercial breaks" - remember Cheech and Chong's? "commercials" - some professional talent might like to do that (but hard to pay them enough).

Harlan Ellison: love that curmudgeon - even when he P!$$e$ ME OFF!

Thumbs down on "the excitement of watching live. Working without a net, etc." Sorry, but, look at all that great television that wasn't "live" - even if done with a live audience, the great shows were still edited. Still, I'd listen to "live" if you didn't tie me down to a set time.

Now for "my idea". Try some old-time "radio shows" - start with that spec Dick Van Dyke Show you wrote (which I liked on-the-page).

Rick said...

I've never gotten into podcasts, but it seems like a popular idea among your readers.
So I'm in favor of it; so long as it wouldn't be replacing this wonderful blog.

-Rick Libott

Courtney said...

You're ideally suited for podcasting, having, as so many in the trade do not, knowledge of the proper method for speaking into a microphone. And, hey, if YOU don''t know how to keep it Tight, Bright 'n' Happy, who does?

Unknown said...

I would listen once a week to our podcast. I dont agree with you politically, but I enjoy your stories about the business and do share your likes on TV shows and movies

LouOCNY said...

Yes Yes, and thousand times YES!!

pumpkinhead said...

I currently don't listen to any podcasts, but if you do one, I will give it a listen.

Unknown said...

yes

goodman.dl said...

As others have said above - Tony Kornheiser is doing the show five days a week, and you'd be targeting a similar demographic.

Which is to say, there should be an audience for what you like to talk about, beyond those of us who already read your blog. And you have enough material for a weekly show. If it's the sort of thing you want to do, I'll fit it into my rotation.

And then at some point, you can have the other Ken Levine on as a guest. To talk about how great it is to be Ken Levine - and settle that great LeVEEN vs LeVINE debate.

DwWashburn said...

I think it's a great idea. I've enjoyed you on stushow.com and tvconfidential.net. As with the blog, I would probably skip any discussion of writing or show running, but stories of shows you've been, stories about baseball, or Friday questions I would probably tune in to.

Glenn E said...

Sounds like 2017 is the perfect time for the return of the "On the Line with Cliff Levine" podcast! Looking forward to it, Ken.

Unknown said...

I love the idea. Might even consider it as a weekly special on my radio station!

Unknown said...

First off: yes.

Secondly: I listen to a handful of podcasts that, essentially, have no set time limit. These usually run from 23-48 minutes (heh), with an occasional show that goes over an hour. And I find I MUCH prefer those to the podcasts that have a pre-set time limit. For the obvious reason: they run as long as the material is interesting. For the most part, anyway. And while I'm not remotely suggesting you wouldn't be able to entertainingly/interestingly fill an hour each week, well... you're NOT on radio, so your time limit is mostly unnecessary.

Thirdly: along those lines - though this might be more work than you want to do - I would rather get two small bites from you a week, than one big one. Even if those were only ~15 each. Though I imagine any guest interviews you do, I'd want as much of that as I could get :)

And lastly: yes, please. In any way you wanna do it.

Brian O. said...

"Being asked to be on a friend's podcast is the new jury duty" - Kevin Pollak

Anonymous said...

Paul from Portland says... Sign me up! I love the idea Ken!

Doug said...

Sounds great Ken.Yes!

Akbar said...

I would like that. Don't want to set out expectations, though I imagine it will be entertaining.

Anonymous said...

I nominate Roseanne and Zach Braff as some of the 1st guests

Roger R. said...

DO IT!!

Alan Iverson said...

For sure count me in, Ken.

I'm of the opinion that a podcast which runs for an hour is fine.

Three weekly podcasts I listen to run for over 55 mins at least, and one usually runs for an hour thirty.

You might open the floor for opinions on content later, but if I may suggest and interview with fellow blog reader 'Jeff Maxwell', that would be my pick. He has some fabulous stories to share. Secondly, the one-time batboy for the New York Yankees 'Thad Mumford'.

Bring it on!!!

Peter said...

It would be awesome if you could do live podcasts too so that you read out questions and comments emailed in by listeners.

I don't know if your decision to do this is because of that tragic night last month, but I can definitely say it'll be awesome to hear you do snarky rants about the asshole taking up residence in DC in January. Now, more than ever, free speech is essential during dark times.

Jack Terwilliger said...

Sounds like a great idea. Would definitely subscribe. Especially like the idea of experiments-- like, do an improv scene and then tell us what went right or wrong and why. That kind of stuff is such a great feature of the blog, and could also be great in a podcast.

William Gallagher said...

Most definitely, yes.

iain said...

Yes, absolutely!

Tom Asher said...

YES! That'd be fantastic!

Diane D said...

I don't know if you want to give any more information, but if you do:

1. You seem to imply there would be interaction with your listeners, and that would make it much more appealing to me (don't worry, I won't call). Is that possible on podcasts? I know what podcasts are---sort of, but didn't think you could have a call in feature.

2. Would you continue with the blog? That would be important to many..

3. I would listen if I could figure out how and it was inexpensive.

Unknown said...

I am in.

Phil said...

Yes. Yes. Yes. A thousand times yes.

But not too much on the baseball, please: we Brits won't have a clue what you're talking about.

Table readings - yes, please. Anything that approximates to your writer's-room-based courses would be fascinating, too.

Neal said...

Yes. Yes. Yes.

crackblind said...

If you want to get a feel for it, I'd recommend going on The Nerdist. Besides the fact that they had the "Other" Ken Levine on already and it would amuse me to have you on as well, I think Hardwick has a really good handle on the format.

MDHaines said...

I read this regularly because I enjoy it. I also look for two podcasts pretty consistently. I like The Jim and Mickey show and one put out by Blastr.com. Both are weekly. I do not listen as regularly as I read. I am 54 so I may be just a bit outside of the with it generation. I would give your podcast a shot, but would probably not commit to it every week. My comfort level with tech would slow it down, not my interest in what you would have to say.

Unknown said...

I like the idea. I especially like your humorous radio stories. I have a request. You and Billy Pearl did a gig in San Diego, I believe on B100, that is legendary. You cued up a record and did a joke over the intro, then backed up the record and did another joke. You tried to outdo each other. This went on for a while and is the funniest moment I can ever remember in radio. If you have a copy of that, please post it in your blog.

Jerry Barber said...

Good idea as long as you don't discontinue the blog. I really like your radio stories. I have a request. You and Billy Pearl did a gig on B100 where you cued up a record and did a joke over the intro. Then Billy would re-cue the record and try to outdo you. This went on and on. The funniest bit I ever hear on radio. Please post it on your blog if you have a copy of it.

Mike Barer said...

My suggestion, try one and see how you like it.

Keith said...

I have cancelled my SiriusXM subscription and am listening to more podcasts on my commute so I would love to listen to a podcast from you! I read this blog every day during my lunch and Friday Questions are always a highlight of my week, so that would be fun to hear in an audio version.

mickey said...

The podcasts that I think are the most listenable are ones with intimate one-on-one interviews that go beyond what you get on a typical talk show. Podcasts that aren't as good are ones where people, even some pretty good comedians, are trying too hard to be funny--with nobody to rein them in, they tend to become self-indulgent very quickly.

I think aiming for an hour is good; that gives you enough time to get past the promotion and publicist driven canned answers.

Myles said...

Go for it! Would definitely listen!

DC said...

Please, please, please do it!

John said...

And very near the end, sneaking in just under the wire, something good happened in 2016 - yes please from west London!

Jason Roberts said...

I agree with everyone! I would def listen. I would also love to do an episode with you too!

Ger Apeldoorn said...

While reading blogs daily have dropped from me schedule, I would certainly return for a podcast.

Katherine @ Grass Stains said...

I'd definitely listen. I listen to 10 or 12 podcasts regularly (I subscribe to them via Overcast), and they range from 20 minutes to 75 minutes per episode. My commute to work is about 25 minutes each way, so I often split a podcast in half or in thirds if I'm listening in the car. If listening while I exercise, I can fit in an entire long ep. One of my closest friends co-hosts a moderately successful pop-culture podcast titled The Popcast. She and her co-host are part of a podcast mastermind group that they've found very helpful in terms of growing their audience and talking through various challenges. If you're interested in joining, I'd be glad to introduce you.