The Everything is a Primary Source Podcast Season 2 in review
The Everything is a Primary Source Podcast Season 2 in review
The sophomore season of the EPS Podcast was a learning experience, especially for me
I’ve mentioned several times on the podcast that the idea for the program comes directly from how I look at pop culture media as historical artifacts. This has long been a fun brain-flexing exercise when I’m rummaging around a thrift store or yard sale, or watching a movie or listening to music. But over the last 18 months I’ve expanded that to now looking at all these things and everyone I meet as a potential show topics and guests. As much as I might annoy my family by taking out my business card everywhere we go, they understand what the EPS podcast is all about and are definitely on board with its mission (proven by them appearing on several episodes already!).
Season 2 continued the quest to learn about history through popular culture with hour-long episodes on topics ranging from The (UK) Office to Django Unchained, Wheel of Fortune to Carl Sagan’s Cosmos. I got to talk with Alex Robinson, co-host of the podcast which inspired mine above all others, Star Wars Minute, and made incredible connections that I hope will last, including with Rolando Pujol and the Society for Commercial Archeology.
Listen to Season 2 on YouTube here.
I can’t say enough good things about the friends who joined me for episodes in Season 2 after helping me get the podcast off the ground last year in season 1. The great conversations I had with them in both seasons underscores why podcasting emerged in the first place and is growing by leaps and bounds everyday. Podcasting will recede some in the coming years, but ultimately the appeal is how democratic the medium is. I hope that by working with me on my show, my friends—whose amazing brains are the reason we’re friends in the first place—will be confident to appear on more shows or start their own.
And then there was the “podcast karaoke” events which produced so many of the weekly short episodes. You should’ve been there for the pitches to different venue managers about my idea of setting up a table covered in pop culture “artifacts” to inspire conversation with their patrons. It’s not an easy thing to describe, but thanks to the willingness of various museums, taprooms and a diner, I recorded some of the best content of the season on the spot with a candid audience. I can’t remember how often I asked my guests “did you think you’d end up on a podcast when you woke up this morning?”
My wife put things so well at the early phases of me taking my show out on the road: “Everyone has a story to tell.” She’s right and between both sides of the show, I’ve learned so many things about people and their interests that I otherwise would have no way of knowing.
I learned quite a bit about the technical side of podcasting, as well as how to grow the show and market it, etc. But that’s not of interest to most of you, I’m sure. Ultimately, Season 2 of the Everything is a Primary Source Podcast confirmed something I’ve felt most of my life; everything and everyone has value. I’m so glad I got the chance to mine so much of this in Season 2.
Season 2 may be over, but the Everything is a Primary Source train isn’t slowing down. I’ll be hosting a virtual podcast karaoke for the Society for Commercial Archeology’s conference in Erie, PA early next month which will be followed by a live version at Portsmouth NH’s 400 anniversary celebration on June 3rd.
Right around that time will be the start of “Part-II-Palooza!” where the second parts of episodes from the second half of season 2 will be published. You can access them today by subscribing here or on Patreon.
But before any of these events will be a special bonus episode featuring award winning author Laurie Halse Anderson on the power of primary sources. This will be simultaneous with the exciting introduction of The Everything is a Primary Source History website which is the landing place for my educational and media consulting services.
There will be enough EPS content coming your way to bridge the gap until Season 3 launches in September. I will certainly be spending that time, especially in my travels, garnering topics and guests, but if you have suggestions for either, leave a comment here. Season 2 could not have happened and Season 3 will not take shape without you.