Podcast of the Week: Not the Special Edition

This week: Not the Special Edition, the sci-fi and cult podcast for people who aren’t dead.

We’re big fans of podcasts here at We Are Cult, and we’re always looking for new shows to subscribe to. So if you’re looking for ear candy, we’re here to help!

Every Friday we profile must-hear podcasts by giving podcast creators a platform to tell us about their shows in their own words.

This week: Freelance writer Miles Hamer, co-presenter of Not the Special Edition, the sci-fi and cult podcast for people who aren’t dead.

What’s your podcast about?

Self-destructively, we don’t have a USP at all, which probably explains our hilariously low listening figures- we’re just a nerdy fabcast. It’s a couple of dudes chatting occasionally on topic about sci-fi, horror, video games etc. Anything that fits into the ridiculously broad category of geekdom. Plus really stupid quizzes.

The whole thing is just a pretext to get Kit into bed anyway. Not for sex you understand; I just want my bed to smell like him.

If you had to describe your show in 10 words or less, what would you say?

Shouldn’t it be “10 words or fewer”? I’m a dick.

Which episode would you recommend for a first-time listener? Do you have a favourite episode?

The recent Danny Boyle one, which surprised me in the edit, ‘cos I was very tired and grumpy when we recorded. Failing that, the David Lynch one, recorded over three separate sessions, which hopefully no one’s ever noticed until now. Also, show 17, ‘cos that had me being painfully shit at the Rizla Game.

What inspired you to create this podcast?

The entirely selfish desire to create something that I would listen to. I like shows which perhaps bury a few nuggets of informed observations amongst a lovely ocean of froth and character. IGN and anything involving Matt Cundy & Nathan Irvine have always been really good at that. There’s an ultra thin line between entertaining charisma, and just plain indulgent showboating. I think we get the balance right most of the time.

Which guests have you had on your podcast?

Well, I started out with Will Salmon & Steve O’Brien as co-hosts as planned. Due to sound recording problems and availability it didn’t really work out. And that’s where Kit came in. He’s just such a damn nice person and I find it childishly funny to try his seemingly limitless patience.

But we have Steve and Will back in whatever form we can manage as often as possible. I’ve met up with them a couple of times and recorded some nonsense or they’ve sent over audio files. They’re our (not) special correspondents.

Which equipment do you use for your podcast set-up?

Yeti Blue, which we’re hopeless at setting correctly. Audacity for editing. And MS Paint to do the laughably lo-fi episode covers. I don’t know how to Photoshop, and can’t be bothered to learn.

What would you say is the best length of time for a podcast episode?

That’s the thing about podcasting, it can be whatever you need. We hover around the hour mark. I try to be as brutal as I can be with editing. I’ll tighten up every half second and mop up dead air and pauses like a man possessed. I’m genuinely touched by every single person who takes time out of their finite lifespan to listen to our silly show. It sounds cloying but I find that legitimately humbling. I am ridiculous.

Which podcasts (other than yours) would you recommend we listen to?

<Tom Baker voice> Other podcasts?!

Podcasting is such an intimate medium that one person’s fave can be ear Kryptonite to another. That said, I like the obvious stuff – Wittertainment, Kevin Smith, Adam Buxton, Richard Herring etc. Also, a few wrestling podcasts like Inside the Ropes (I’ve got Kit properly back into wrestling, which I laugh about on a daily basis).

So then:-

Now Playing retrospectives = BRILLIANT

Cundy & Nathan. Despite being a video games podcast, it’s their silliness, old school obscure references, everyday lack of expert knowledge, and affectionate dynamic that makes them charming.

The Hysteria Continues – endearingly shambolic slasher cast.

Go Bayside! Hilarious breakdown of Saved by the Bell episodes. Bit specialist.

Regular Features. Funny. Dark. Inspired our quizzes.

And finally, Movie Matters. Unlike us, they’re film and gialli experts.

Where is your podcast available to listen to?

http://notthespecialedition.blogspot.co.uk/

https://notthespecialedition.podbean.com/

And iTunes. Come subscribe and give us a 5 star review! And send me banknotes.

What is the future of podcasting as a creative medium?

Beats me. More streamlined, bespoke media specifically engineered towards ever more niche interests probably. Whilst Kit keeps waffling on about Nicolas Winding Refn and I bang on about Friday the 13th and the Chuckle Brothers.

❉ Not The Special Edition can be heard here: http://notthespecialedition.blogspot.co.uk/and here: https://notthespecialedition.podbean.com/

❉ Download past episodes or subscribe to future episodes of Not The Special Edition  on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/not-the-special-edition/id966205459?mt=2


❉ Have you got a podcast? Email wearecultcontent@gmail.com if you would like it to be featured.

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