the wildebeat
Posted by podcastfanatic on December 30, 2006
The Statistics
What’s it Called? The WildeBeat
Where can I find the show? http://www.wildebeat.net/
When was the first episode produced? April 2005
How long is the average episode? 5-10 minutes
How often is an episode released? Once a week
The Review
The WildeBeat provides information which enables ‘normal’ people to become involved in wilderness recreations such as hiking, canoeing, camping, bird watching etc. The show is hosted by Steve Sergeant who, according to the show’s website, has 30 years experience being engaged with a range of wilderness pursuits. From the sample of shows I’ve heard Steve is not only extremely knowledgeable about and interested in his subject but has also mastered the practical aspects of putting together a podcast such as audio production and interviewing.
Each edition of the show contains narrative provided by Steve and an interview or two with a subject matter expert such as a kayaking guide, hiking boot aficionado or a park ranger. Some shows focus on developing skills to improve your wilderness experience such as looking after your feet, selecting suitable equipment for various activities, what food and utensils to take on treks and even how to take your trusted pooch into the wilderness with you. Other editions of the show are mini audio documentaries about particular wilderness experiences such as a wild bird chase, visits to various parks and locations or getting up close to a mountain rescue operation. There are also editions of the show dedicated to reviewing or testing equipment, backpacks etc.
The blog associated with the show is full of great information which complements the podcast. The show notes for each edition provide a great summary of the show and provide links to any places, people or suppliers mentioned in the show which, I suppose, is fairly standard for good podcasts these days. However The WildeBeat gets extra points by providing ‘sticky’ articles about the background to the show’s development and, something I’ve rarely seen, statistics on how many downloads the show receives. About the only improvement I could suggest would be to provide access to the archives via category or keyword searches of some kind as if a listener wanted only to find they skills shows or was keen to hear the show on telemark skiing they’d have to scroll laboriously through the chronological archives.
If offered the choice of returning to the sculpture-filled piazzas of Florence or the rainforest-surrounded rivers of Tasmania (both of which I’ve visited and enjoyed) I would choose Florence every time. I am, at heart, a city girl. However, I’ve yet to find a podcast devoted to art history or the cities of Italy that comes close to being as informative, well produced and inspirational as The WildeBeat. As an example of niche or specialist podcasting this is the show others should be measured against. Steve’s enthusiasm for his subject is palpable, his knowledge and experience evident and his overall approach is so positive and practical that even a half-fit, nearly-40 urban dweller like myself feels inspired to head off to the wilderness sometime soon.
The Rating
Will download every episode, listen to it immediately and, in all likelihood, become a stalker of the show’s host
Reviewer: Bernadette
Date review first published: 27 August 2006
February 1, 2007 at 11:12 pm
The thing I like about the WildeBeat is that Steve gives you just the best parts of the interviews. I saw him comment (on a forum) one time that he really tries to trim the fat out of the interviews. I am not sure what he gets rid of, but what stays is really the most juicy and flavorful comments.
The content is great, but I am more impressed with Steve’s abilities to produce a great show. Because of the nature of his show, it is obvious that he does not always have the most hi-tech gear available with which to record/produce the show, yet it is great every time.
February 2, 2007 at 12:56 pm
I agree David…Steve has learned that what you don’t say (or include) is just as important as what you do say (or include). I understand that podcasting frees people from the time & space restrictions of traditional media but quality beats quantity regardless of the medium you use.