Time to Think, and Thinking About Talking
I want to tell you about the “ride” I had on New Year’s Day, and about an idea I had during that “ride.” Cuz I think it’s a good idea, but it’s only a good idea if enough of you also think it’s a good idea. So I need to know whether you think the idea I think is a good idea is a good idea.
I apologize for the previous sentence, by the way.
New Year’s Ride
My friend Jared Eborn puts together an annual event called the “New Year’s Revolution Run & Ride.” The idea of it is pretty ridiculous: he reserves the Utah Olympic Oval, gives people timing chips, and lets them essentially do a Marathon of Nowhere (95.5 laps to do a marathon) from 8am to 1pm on New Year’s Day.
Off in the corner, he also allows cyclists to come join in the “fun” by riding their trainers or rollers for five hours. The Hammer and I chose this option, mostly because I have been promising Jared I’d come do one of his events for the past five years or so.
So: we set up—The Hammer on her old trainer, me on my rollers (we didn’t want to disassemble our Wahoo Kickr setups we have so nicely arranged in the basement), and we began our five-hour-long ride.
The Hammer is on the far left in this photo. My rollers are to her left.
I expected it to drag on and on and on. To be a brutal test of my mental endurance. I was therefore astonished to have the time just fly by.
Why?
Because I was completely absorbed by what I was listening to: The Serial Podcast: twelve well-written and narrated episodes of a journalist’s struggle to find the truth about the guilt or innocence of a man convicted for murder back in 1999.
I know it’s an incredibly popular show and I know that I’m probably the last person in America to have listened to it, but we have not finished it yet (I’m on episode 9, The Hammer is on episode 5), so: no spoilers please.
And this got me thinking about why I enjoyed this podcast so much. Part of it had to do with the mystery, part of it had to do with how it happened in the real world, part of it had to do with the narrator’s fantastic voice.
And a lot of it had to do with the feeling that I was part of a fantastic conversation. Yes, I know: a one-sided conversation (usually). But still, the narrator’s gift is in sounding like she’s chatting with you.
And the thing is, this isn’t the only podcast I’ve been enjoying lately. I really like Open Mic with Mike Creed, too. His style is different than mine (i.e., he doesn’t shy away from four-letter language at all), but he asks his guests fantastic, disarming questions that are at times hilarious, at other times provocative. Mike has a gift for pulling stories out of people.
The Idea
So, as I rode (in place), I started thinking, “I need to start a FatCyclist podcast.” By which I do not mean that I should start doing an audio version of my blog.
No, I mean I want to hear people’s cycling stories. I want to talk about interesting books and movies. And I want, in every instance, for you—my readers—to be a part of it.
For example, let me know what you think of:
- Book Club: There are a lot of books about cycling coming out nowadays. What if we had a “book of the month” I assigned out to read at the beginning of each month. At the end of the month, we get together online in a big web-style video conference call, and talk about the book—maybe sometimes even with the author. For example, I’d like to talk with Charlie Kelly about Fat Tire Flyer. I’d like to talk with Patrick Brady about Why We Ride. I’d like to talk with Jill Homer about pretty much anything she’s written. I’d like to talk with Kathryn Bertine or Rebecca Rusch about their books. So, is this something you’d participate in?
- Interviews: I’ve done a number of interviews before, but I feel like the technology for them to happen live and online is just now starting to be reliable enough for me to do without worrying we’re going to lose signal more often than we’re going to have it. Further, I don’t want to just interview pro cyclists. I want to interview bike shop owners. And race promoters. And people who have done interesting and unusual things on their bikes. And just normal people. And for people who join in live, I’d definitely want to give you an opportunity to ask questions.
So, a few final questions:
- Do you listen to podcasts? I don’t want to make something that nobody’s going to care about.
- Would you participate in live events? And if so, what day / time combo works well for you?
- How often is good? If I did a monthly book club and one or two interviews per month, would that be about right? Or is that more listening than you have time for?
- How long is good? Is an hour-long show about right? Half an hour? Fifteen minutes? What’s your threshold for too much?
- What else would you want to talk about? Who else would you want to talk to?
Thanks.
PS: I still don’t want to do any more 5-hour roller rides for a while.
Comment by DavidV | 01.6.2015 | 3:45 pm
1) I loved Serial and am getting into Podcasts. I love bikes and listen to talk radio (Stern) most of the day, so a Fatty podcast would be great.
2) I don’t see myself participating in live events.
3) I think a monthly book club and a few interviews would be good. A podcast after Leadville, or other races we read about, with you and other people who did it would also be cool.
4) 45 minutes would likely be the sweetspot for me, but if it’s engaging, I’m cool with anything.
5) The thing I like most about your site are the ride reports. So hearing more about different rides from different perspectives would be cool. A short interview with a gear maker would also be interesting. 5 minutes with the Silca people about their four million dollar pump would be interesting.
Comment by J | 01.6.2015 | 4:19 pm
SPOILER: The Butler did it.
Comment by Jeff Dieffenbach | 01.6.2015 | 4:39 pm
Longer response when I’m off my trainer, but surveymonkey!
Comment by TucsonDave | 01.6.2015 | 4:46 pm
A half-hour podcast once a week would work for me. My commute is 30 minutes and that’s my prime listening time.
Anybody bike related would be great. Pros, ex-pros, amateurs, wrenches, tech advice, riding advice, diet tips, manufacturers, humorous stories, commentators (Phil, Paul, Bobke) ect.
Keep up the awesome work! I appreciate it.
David
Comment by Eric | 01.6.2015 | 4:55 pm
1. I listen to lots of podcasts, often while I’m biking (both while commuting and on longer rides).
2. Live events rarely work well with multiple people over the internet, so I’d probably skip those.
3/4. Once a week for up to an hour sounds good. If I’m bored with what you’re talking about, I can skip ahead to the next thing on my podcast queue. The power!! Bwa ha ha ha ha!
5. I don’t follow pro cycling at all, but loved reading Pro Cycling on $10 a Day after hearing about it here. So stories of cyclists, their favorite rides, what crazy things they’ve done, all good. Also, one thing I like in podcasts is co-hosts bantering together on their topic of interest (e.g. Firewall and Iceberg podcast for TV, or the Grantland NFL podcast with Robert Mays and Bill Barnwell) – it’d be fun to hear you trade jokes and stories with your biking crew.
Comment by HyperSprite | 01.6.2015 | 5:10 pm
I don’t post often and often erase what I might post before hitting Submit Comment but I will try and follow through on this one.
1) Yes, when I find a good one. It seems many are a crap shoot so it ends up being like trying to pick a good radio station in a new town where they all seem to be playing commercials. Even if you just read your blog, I would listen, and anything cycling related would probably keep me coming back.
2) I am not really a participant kind of guy, I would rather be a lurker.
3 and 4) As often as possible without making you feel pressured to do something. I liked the way Cycling360 podcast did theirs back in their heyday, they would do one long one, once a month, 45 to 90 min, and then a five minute show every week or two they called their “quick tip”.
3 book thing) As for book’s, if I am reading, it needs to be work related, that is about all I have time for if I am sitting still long enough to read. All of my non-work books are audio books, so I can listen to them during my commute (where I go through about 2 books a month). So if it was on Audible, I’m all over it. Otherwise, I’ll defer books to others.
5) Who and what? I’m ok with whatever but find myself going back to your race recaps for ideas and tips.
Comment by Scott | 01.6.2015 | 5:31 pm
1 Yes
2 Yes
3 Yes
4 bi-weekly or monthly
5 20-60 minutes
Comment by Bart the Clydesdale | 01.6.2015 | 5:47 pm
1) Yes, but the language is a bit of a turn off for me for most pod casts.
2)Yes, evening
3)Monthly
4) 30-60 min
5)Individuals that started events that have become EVENTS, and cyclists with stories they can tell with entertainment value.
The book club idea would be great.
Comment by FreddyFreshlegs | 01.6.2015 | 6:08 pm
Would it be sponsored by MailChimp?
Comment by Kristina | 01.6.2015 | 6:17 pm
1) Occasionally… I frequently get bored listening to them, though. The off-topic or long and drawn-out chit-chat gets annoying to me.
2) Yep, probably… particularly book clubs. Yayyyy, books.
3) Monthly book club sounds awesome. The interviews would probably be more hit-and-miss… if it’s someone I find interesting, or if they’re talking about something I find interesting… I might give it a try.
4) Interviews — 15 minutes, even if you have to edit. Book club – probably an hour? Depends on how many people you have and how much you want them (us) to contribute thoughts/opinions.
5) Echoing @DavidV, above, I love the race reports you do. So I think I’d like hearing about awesome races people have done. Also (though I am likely a minority here) I’d like to hear people who made major life changes with their bike.
Comment by BigRedClydesdale | 01.6.2015 | 6:21 pm
1 No, but I’ve been planning to start once spring rolls around; just listening to music gets tedious on the bike.
2 Possibly; depends on schedule.
3 monthly book club and 2-3 interviews per month.
4 30-45 minutes.
5 With cycling I like a little of everything. It’s why I read blogs with very different angles on cycling.
Comment by Miles Archer | 01.6.2015 | 7:29 pm
Don’t do podcasts. I did download some podcast app so I could recently. I have a lousy commute and a podcast would be something interesting to listen too while I’m cursing at the other idiots on the road.
Book club. I’m in for the reading. Maybe for the participating in a discussion. How long, how often, and when. That’s a tough one.
Who to talk to for a podcast? The guys at Red Kite Prayer. People from http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/ who ride across the country for no good reason.
Bicycle builders – I’m not a huge fan of the hand built thing, but some of those guys might be interesting once in a while.
Some of your readers have some amazing stories too.
Previous contest winners and what they’ve done with their fabulous prizes.
The Specialized wind tunnel engineers (especially the hairy legs episode). Heck any of the engineers for bike manufacturers on what they do and how they do it. (I’m a geek, i know it)
Your buddy who did the carbo rocket thing. The science, the business, the marketing. What surprised him?
I probably can come up with more ideas – ideas are easy, executing on them is hard.
Comment by rb | 01.6.2015 | 8:35 pm
Do you listen to podcasts?
I have never listened to a podcast. (full disclosure: I am a VP of IT that needed to have his 7 year old show him how to turn off the iPhone)
Would you participate in live events? And if so, what day / time combo works well for you?
Yes. Evenings are good.
How often is good?
I suggest alternating book club / interview by month
What else would you want to talk about? Who else would you want to talk to?
Shop owners who ride are my favorite people to talk to in the bike world. They are kind of national treasures really. We should have the FattyFriends nominate an owner or two every month or two and get them in on the conversation. Afterall, anyone you’re willing to pay $87 to for a tube is worth talking to
I also second the motion for ride reports. I would love to participate in a “Fatty Tweet meet” or something similar post races where some of your readers may have participated.
***finally*** are you actually riding rollers freestanding with no wall or other device to help prop you up? if so, I must learn to bow more deeply when I see you.
Comment by Randy | 01.6.2015 | 8:38 pm
1) Yes, I listen to Podcasts. Adam Carolla and Memory Palace are my favorites.
2) I don’t see myself participating in live events. Would rather follow on Twitter.
3) 1-2 a month would be good.
4) Time: probably 30-45 minutes. But, maybe not stick to a time. Sometimes 8 minutes may be plenty… or something longer if fascinating. (Short one could be something like: Fatty asks 5 Leadville winners for their best tip and biggest mistake)
5) Topics i’d be interested in: top riders; “stories from the ranks” (first year pro as a cyclist or triathlete); women’s riding! — very under served; pre-event discussions (who’s racing? who’s going to maybe win TDF? Leadville? Kona? etc.) then post-interviews with interesting people.
Thanks for asking!
Comment by Edwin | 01.6.2015 | 8:55 pm
Feel free to diversify, but please don’t let it impact your writing! I love reading your posts but have no interest at all in pod casts, book clubs or interviews…
Comment by Nic Grillo | 01.6.2015 | 8:56 pm
I’d definitely be interested. I spend a lot of time in the car, and podcasts are a great alternative when music gets old. There is certainly room in my world for a cycling podcast. I think the Fredcast is the only one I listen to regularly. I like the idea of a book club component too. As for time, I think that depends on the content, but an hour or less would probably be best.
Comment by Jeremy | 01.6.2015 | 10:00 pm
1) Yes.
2) Probably not. Time to do things, including work out is a bit dicey.
3) Once a week, max. The time to produce a good podcast is more than you think.
4) I’ll listen to an hour-long show, but the 30-45 minute shows tend to be in my sweet spot, which is about the length of one preparation period minus a trip to the restroom.
5) Talk about things that excite you. I’m into The Gist with Mike Pesca over at Slate at the moment. Seems to be just about right with commentary, interviews, and timing.
Comment by Eric | 01.6.2015 | 10:54 pm
You & I are the same age but I just started mtn biking a couple of years ago. I desperately search for biking blogs of all colors. I listen to many podcasts but have yet to find a decent podcast on bikes or biking. The podcast train is rolling, you have a niche & can offer something many others cannot: an audience that’s built in from your readership. I recommend you listen to the podcast Startup, then talk to the guys @ gimlet media.com. You may be just the kind of guy they’re looking for. I’d subscribe. Look forward to hearing(see what I did there?)
Comment by Bee T | 01.6.2015 | 11:17 pm
I’m in the minority as I can’t stand podcasts. For me, listening to talking without a person is just incredibly draining and I need a beat to keep me going.
I have a number of virtual meetings already, so nope, no more for me.
If you did do anything, I’m a fan of the TED talks… 15 minutes.
Comment by Mike from Melbourne | 01.7.2015 | 12:06 am
I only listen to one podcast, IMTalk which is an Ironman triathlon podcast from New Zealand, it comes out weekly and is great. It varies in length from 1 to almost 2 hours depending on what’s happening in triathlon world.
Live events probably wouldn’t work for me due to the time difference.
One hour is a good length for me.
Comment by Mark in Bremerton | 01.7.2015 | 12:31 am
Low tech here (no smart phone, even), short attention span for fussing with tech. I’ve had limited success with podcasts. And to be honest here, no offense intended, you are a better writer than talker/interviewer.
So call me a dinosaur, no offense taken, and don’t stop writing!
Comment by Scott | 01.7.2015 | 1:52 am
listen to TONS of podcasts…did a podcast personally based off Google Hangouts (aka live event)…
Thoughts: more often is good if you want to develop a following…but you have one with the blog…releasing predictably is also important-wondering when fatty is going to roll one out isn’t a key to success
Length:if it’s good you can go forever, if it sucks, well, you can’t. I listen to WTF and he’s a great listener and really makes you feel like you’re getting to know the guest. Those typically go 75 minutes and I want more. Listened to Serial and could have gone longer each week. Other podcasts, not so much. If they like you, they’ll listen….
Other topics: rides for the rest of us (Ragbrai, etc), vacation spots to ride and enjoy, equipment reviews, charity success stories created through biking.
School of Podcasting by Dave Jackson very helpful FYI
Good luck!
Comment by Tom in Albany | 01.7.2015 | 6:05 am
It has been a while since I did podcasts. I used to d/l them to my iPod back when I was flying a lot. Planes make for good podcast listening arenas. (By the way, my favorite was “Wait! Wait! Don’t tell me!) At this point, I’d listen when I could and participate when I could. Probably not more than once/week and probably 15-30 minutes. If you did an hour, I’d probably break it up.
Comment by Darren | 01.7.2015 | 6:27 am
1: yes, most of the time when i am training or driving i listen to podcasts over music
2: occasionally – if i couldn’t participate live i would most likely listen to a recording
3: timing sounds good, monthly book club may may be more than i have time for however is a great idea.
4: length doesn’t really matter any time from 30-60+ minutes is ok. some other podcasts i listen to go up to 90 minutes – i don’t have a problem with that.
5: i like listening to new/interesting people, anyone who has an interesting story or i can learn something from
Comment by Kel | 01.7.2015 | 7:01 am
Yes – I do listen to podcasts — when I am running long distances or in the car. I like around 30 min. Happy new year!
Comment by the Putti | 01.7.2015 | 7:55 am
1. Yes, I listen to podcast, typically while driving
2. I’m always intrigued by your live interviews, but I’ve never been able to sit through one. The timing just doesn’t ever work out. I am more likely to listen to them after.
3. Monthly would be good, and if they aren’t live, maybe you could solicit questions from us prior to you taking to the authors, etc.
4. 30-45 minutes
5. I find myself drawn to stories by people folks who do long adventures, started with Jill Homer, but I’ve been intrigued by stories of people riding the divide (not racing it) or hiking the Appalachian Trail or PCT. I wish I could do that instead of being stuck to a desk…
Comment by Daddy Style | 01.7.2015 | 8:54 am
Don’t hate me but…
None of the above. I barely have time to keep up with the blog that I love and have followed for years [Seattle days]. Be flattered, yours is the only blog I follow. There is no time for more.
Good luck, I suspect I am an exception.
Comment by MattC | 01.7.2015 | 9:10 am
Uhm….what’s a podcast?
Live events: I can’t do them as they are typically in the day…and I work “in the field” so rarely have the chance to sit on the computer at any specific time.
Book club…well…I JUST got a Kindle fire so have started reading more…not sure about a new book every month tho (quite honestly, I’m kind of turned off by the high-price of so many Kindle books…for crying out loud I can buy a paperback NEW for $6 to $8…why on earth charge me MORE than that for an E copy? It’s pure highway-robbery…that’s what it is, and I won’t do it).
How long doesn’t matter as I won’t be able to participate anyway…it’s my pesky job!
As to what/who else to talk to/about…no idea and it won’t matter to me anyway (see above).
Comment by Repack Rider | 01.7.2015 | 9:14 am
I love to talk about my book.
Just sayin’.
That is fantastic news, Charlie! I’ll be sending you email and let’s set it up. I am LOVING your book. – FC
Comment by Mikeonhisbike | 01.7.2015 | 9:28 am
I listen to a lot of podcasts during my hour long commute around the Puget Sound. I listened to Creed’s podcast for a while and they were fasinating but I couldn’t handle the foul language. It was out of control. So I deleted that feed.
The podcast I love is the enormocast that you referenced last summer. It has to do with rockclimbing which I don’t do at all but Chris does such a good job interviewing his guests and asks them a lot of general questions about life that it’s pretty darn interesting. It keeps me awake during my commute.
If you did something similar I would listen to it every week.
Comment by Evan | 01.7.2015 | 9:57 am
Ben at http://www.mountainbikeradio.com would be a good person to talk to.
Comment by Brian in VA | 01.7.2015 | 11:18 am
I don’t listen to podcasts (prefer music) but create one for work on a monthly basis. My daughter told me about The Serial and I haven’t gotten it yet but it’s on my list for when I finish The Great Fatsby.
I’d be interested in something monthly and would be up for live stuff if the timing worked out. I can adjust my own schedule so whatever works for you. (Hey, I’m easy.)
Topics – I’d love to hear regular people talking about cycling, too, not just pros/shop owners/competitors. How about, making the most out of the equipment you have – from a wrench?
Just my random thoughts.
Comment by davidh-Marin,ca | 01.7.2015 | 11:24 am
Fatty, you should save your Repack Rider interview until May, and Boggs Mtn. Live cast from the Mtn Bike Hall of Fame here in Marin.
Of course that’s after we take you down Repack on a ‘Klunker’. I’m confident Charley could get some of the ‘Old Guys’ out to show you how to descend in jeans, boots, and a flannel shirt!
Comment by ABW | 01.7.2015 | 11:26 am
I’m a devourer of about a dozen podcasts. I listen to at least a couple a day, and I’ve been waiting for a good cycling podcast. Please do this!
1. Answered
2. Maybe. Technology needed for this can be challenging.
3. 20-45 min is my sweet spot. Weekly or so.
4. Current events, including new tech.
Thanks and keep up the good work!
Comment by MIcroTim | 01.7.2015 | 11:44 am
1. I listen to podcasts constantly.
2. No live events.. I have strange schedules.
3. Weekly would be great.
4. 30 min – 1hr per podcast.
5. I’d be happy just hearing from your core riding group, and any one else you find interesting.
I sure hope you do a blog post about your thoughts on SERIAL…
Comment by Dave T | 01.7.2015 | 11:53 am
1) I have listen to pod casts in the past but haven’t figured out how on my iphone yet? Will need to have my kid’s help me on that one then I would love to listen to your podcasts.
2) Yes I would participate depending on the day and time. During the work day 6am to 5pm my availability is erratic. Best time for me would be early evenings most weekdays.
3) Once a month sounds good.
4) 1 hour or less sounds about right.
5) Race or ride reports are always great, how about reader gear reports about what new gear is really worth buying.
Comment by Fellowfattychris | 01.7.2015 | 11:54 am
1- I don’t listen to a lot of podcasts, but I would listen to yours
2- I really don’t have time for live events.
3- Sounds good to me.
4- 30 minutes to an hour
5- Anything or anyone cycling related
Comment by M @readeatwriterun | 01.7.2015 | 11:55 am
I haven’t listened to Serial and don’t plan to. Perhaps if they did the sequel on another topic.
Do a podcast! I LOVE podcasts, that’s what I train with on all my runs (and some XT rides) and listened to for my first ultra. Just finished Rusch to Glory (loved it, picked it up based on your posts w/ her) and heard her on Athlete on Fire, would love you two to talk! Bought Kathryn Bertine’s book, would love to hear from her too.
I do have trouble keeping up with the ones I have now, especially some of the longer ones – but I also listen on my commute or when I’m doing additional workouts at the work gym or doing stuff around the house. I’d say monthly or twice monthly, 30 min to an hour.
Live events probably wouldn’t work for me, but if you do such things, would be great if you recorded for later viewing/listening.
Comment by cheryl | 01.7.2015 | 12:12 pm
Don’t do podcasts as I don’t ride indoors-but then I hardly read/write blogs either. I’d rather be outside doing something…and when I am at work I have to be “present” with my kids….
Comment by Mark | 01.7.2015 | 12:27 pm
1. I listen to podcasts almost daily.
2. I would not listen to a live event live.
3. 3-4 times per month.
4. Up to 90 mins per podcast.
5. Do what you like and your readers/listeners will probably like it, too.
Comment by Jill Homer (@AlaskaJill) | 01.7.2015 | 12:45 pm
I like the idea for a Fat Cyclist podcast, and I’d love to chat with you someday. (Even if you don’t record anything. It would be fun to just talk. ;-)
I’m among those who don’t listen to podcasts typically. Even NPR I take in small doses when I’m driving because being talked at tends to put me to sleep, even if the subject is highly engaging. But I can see your podcasts being entertaining and funny.
I’m looking forward to your upcoming book project!
Comment by Mike McMahan | 01.7.2015 | 1:47 pm
1) I listen to tons of podcasts (especially in the winter since I can’t keep my fingers from freezing whens it’s 30 or below (tips are welcome) and I’m on the bus a lot more.
2) I haven’t heard any live podcasts myself, and think that would work better as some sort of Skype situation.
3) Weekly would be fine
4) I say anywhere from 20 mins to 65 is perfect. Don’t be to rigid about it because realistically you won’t always have time or content for an interesting/entertaining show to fill X amount of minutes.
5) I like funny stories from regular people that are also interesting and educational. If you could work in some history of the subject with some anecdotal stories from yourself or shop owners and make it feel like we’re all in a coffee shop, eating donuts, after a ride that would be my idea of perfect; well short of actually going on a ride with all of you.
Comment by BostonCarlos (formerly NYC) | 01.7.2015 | 2:39 pm
1: I don’t, but not because I’m against them… I just haven’t found any that I love. Probably much like you before Serial.
2: Yes, probably. Just after lunch (east coast time) would probably work best.
3:If it’s a series-based (I would say serial, but I don’t want to confuse it with Serial) podcast, I’d say bi-weekly at most. If it’s something that you could skip one every once in a while, you could probably go as often as weekly.
4:15-30 min is probably what I’d want to hear most.
5:WBR employees, Mechanics (Anyone from Racer to Trek’s Team mechanic), FoF’s, The Hammer?
Comment by UpTheGrade, SR, CA | 01.7.2015 | 3:46 pm
1) No, but I might start if you did one
2) No, cannot make time typically
3) Sounds like a good place to start
4) as long as the content is good, any length (I’d be listening in chunks, not all in one go)
5) The Frugal Cyclist (that’s me, I have no money for cycling and so improvise like making my own rear mudguard, marshal to get into events free, etc. Would love to get more tips)
Comment by fattodd | 01.7.2015 | 4:27 pm
I am a huge fan of podcasts and have been for years. There are several that I have listened to almost from the beginning and they all had several things in common:
1) They were horrible at first.
2) They were done on a regular schedule. Once or twice a week but they always came out when promised.
3) They all changed and became something much different from when they started. They also became much better.
This list doesn’t include radio programs (even serial is a quasi-spinoff from TAL) or some podcasts that are done by seasoned interviewers.
I wish you the best of luck and I will be listening.
Comment by spike | 01.7.2015 | 6:04 pm
1. I am definitely a fan of podcasts, and regularly listen.
2. I probably wouldn’t do live events.
3. Monthly, weekly, bi-weekly whatever would be fun.
4. I think under an hour is good, but if the content is good keep going. I regularly listen to several podcasts that go into the 90+ min range. I just break it up between many listens.
5. All the cyclists, endurance athletes, fun people. I trust your judgement :)
Comment by Heidi | 01.7.2015 | 7:07 pm
1) Car Talk (sob) and Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me
2) no
3) whatever floats your boat
4) hour-long is great
5) I’m with Mike McMahan: “funny stories from regular people that are also interesting and educational.” I’d much prefer conversations to interviews (you ask, they answer).
Ooh! First you introduced me to television series The Killing (loved it) and now the Serial podcast (I’m partway into second episode and plan to continue).
Comment by Heidi | 01.7.2015 | 7:10 pm
Hmm, podcast versus radio program – I guess I didn’t sort that out.
Comment by john | 01.8.2015 | 12:10 am
you should save your Repack Rider interview until May, and Boggs Mtn. Live cast from the Mtn Bike Hall of Fame here in Marin.
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Comment by Molly | 01.8.2015 | 5:05 am
Will definitely listen to a Fat Cyclist podcasts! I listen to a lot of podcasts and I think 30 minutes to an hour is a good length (I have no rational explaination this :P )
Comment by Jeff Dieffenbach | 01.8.2015 | 1:10 pm
1. Do you listen to podcasts?
JEFF: Rarely, but more out of my not yet having figured out how to than out of lack of interest. Perhaps include a good “how to get started” tutorial.
2. Would you participate in live events?
JEFF: Yes. During the week, evenings on East Coast time work best; on weekends, mid to late afternoon. But, for a compelling enough topic/speaker, during the workday isn’t out of the question.
3. How often is good?
JEFF: Monthly sounds about right.
4. How long is good?
JEFF: 45-60 minutes is probably the sweet spot. There’s probably a need for more time if the group is bigger and the topic/format more interactive. Perhaps have the ability to break out into smaller groups? But, that lessens the Fattyness!
5. What else would you want to talk about?
JEFF: Mostly, politics, sex, religion.
Comment by T | 01.8.2015 | 4:03 pm
30 minutes is my preffered max for non-music podcasts. Lots tend to drag on and blah blah blah after that.
Comment by spaceyace | 01.8.2015 | 7:06 pm
I really like the the idea of a book club, but my level of commitment would probably end up like my commitment to century training. Very gung-ho with poor follow through.
Podcasts, on the other hand, I can handle. As many and as long as you like, just keeping in mind that anything less than 20 minutes is probably too short.
Comment by Libby | 01.9.2015 | 9:38 am
I would listen to podcasts if I could find recently made ones, I seem to always find old casts. I don’t even listen to my son’s podcast unless he posts a link to one! (I can’t find it on my own for some strange reason).
The one podcast I used to listen to the host is now up on numerous sexual assault charges (Jian Ghomeshi). Haven’t listen to the new host. I’d listen while cycling indoors…I need something to motivate me to do it more.
I’ll pick up the book today…Chapters has it in stock & I get a discount. Plus I don’t have to wait! I’ll try to make it to the live talk about it.
Length…I like 30 mins. but longer if good. I can sew/craft/housecrap/cycle indoors while listening.
Topics: the guys who own the Perry Rubber Bike Shop in Savannah Georgia. Nice dudes. Met them in 2012. Bought a water bottle because we only had carry-on luggage (I strongly discouraged my hubs from buying the Orbea). Rebecca R. would be good to listen to. First aiders at events (we get some interesting stories & the paramedics that do mtn. bike events have tons of really interesting stories!).
Comment by Rachel | 01.14.2015 | 8:28 pm
I would not listen to a podcast. I love reading your stuff, and would happily read transcripts, but I am just not big on listening to such things. I like music while I’m doing other things.
So that makes the rest of the questions pretty moot.