This is highly recommended, a series where I provide a compelling argument for why you should like something that I like. 

Dear Reader, 

I know what you’re thinking – I’m a late adopter on this trend. And that’s true! By many accounts, we’ve already reached Peak Podcast™. But just because other people have already done something and done it well doesn’t mean I shouldn’t try my hand at it, right? (Don’t answer that.) Podcasts have become so easy to start that it would almost be criminal for a serial bit-haver like me not to start one. At least that’s the argument I used to convince myself. 

But in case you don’t bother to read this entire blog post (why would you?), I’m going to get my plugs out of the way before we even start with the proof points. My new podcast is called How Cool Is This?. It’s a podcast about your ideas: the good ones, the bad ones and every idea in between. We (me and my co-host Brian) just put the ideas out there to see what people think about them. It’s also a short podcast: no episode is longer than 5 minutes, because there’s no reason they should be. Good ideas should be able to be explained quickly. You can find more information – and submit your own ideas – at howcoolisthis.show. 

Now that you’re utterly tuned out, let’s get on with the blog.  

I highly recommend starting a podcast. 

Why? 

A Fun Thing To Work On 

I work on a lot of different things, including this blog. Not all of those things are fun things to work, including this blog. So when I get the chance to pour my effort into something that’s even halfway enjoyable, I do it. Maybe it’s the tedious intricacy of editing audio. Maybe it’s because it has nothing to do with my day job. Maybe it’s because I’m not required to write, which obviously isn’t my strong suit. Regardless of the reason, putting together the podcast is objectively fun. 

Brings Me Back To My Radio Roots 

One my favorite parts of college (besides the general “you’re allowed to do whatever you want for the first time in your life” vibe) was working at the college radio station, KCOU 88.1 FM. I did everything from run the boards to run a show to running the whole station. Working with audio helps me return to the days of little responsibility, even though I was technically responsible for the whole station. (Probably could have tried a little harder at that job. Sorry Mark.) 

Hearing The Sound Of My Own Voice 

I know a lot of people have a problem with listening to the recorded versions of themselves, but I’ve got an ego the size of Alaska. (Why else do you think I keep writing a blog that no one reads?) I love rewinding each clever turn of phrase; hearing my low but not too low tone with just a little bit of rasp slink out of my headphones. I have a theory that every podcast host loves the sound of their own voice. How else could you possibly talk for hours at a time once (sometimes twice) a week? 

Having A “Show” 

It seems like every “artist” has a platform that’s the perfect distillation of their creative vision. My podcast is definitely not that. But it does allow me to say things like “I have my own show” in casual conversation. Does that go over well? Depends on who you ask. 

Finally Getting On iTunes 

Ever since I was a young man, I had dreams of being a bonafide Rock Star™. I learned how to play the instruments. I set up a makeshift recording studio in my basement. I spent hours turning my generic teenage issues into vague and uninspiring lyrics before laying down some warbly and off key vocals. But all of that dreaming and working never resulted in getting my music out on a platform that felt more real than MySpace (R.I.P.). Even now, when it’s easier than ever to put whatever you want on legitimate streaming platforms, I still feel some pride seeing something I made out there in an official capacity. 

There’s got to be one thing you don’t like about starting a podcast. 

Being Part Of A Chorus Of White Men That Don’t Need To Have Their Voices Amplified 

The great democratization of content creation has helped elevate a lot of voices that would have otherwise been ignored. But one of the unintended consequences of the great democratization of content creation is that thousands of people that look and sound like me think they might as well “make something”. Do I think my podcast idea is unique? Yeah, sure. But I’m sure as hell clogging the digital airwaves with something that may or may not be worth the space. You’ll have to listen for yourself and decide. If anything, I can promise you that my voice is pretty easy on the ears. 

Speaking of, I’d love for you to listen to the podcast. Because as of my last count, it looks like the majority of listens have come from either me, my cohost Brian or my parents. As good as it makes me feel to know that my parents support my creative endeavors (although I’m not sure if they’ve ever read this blog), it does feel a little lame to have them as my only fans. 

Who knows? You might like the podcast so much that it replaces highly recommended as your source of premium Nicholas Holder content. Because we all know one source is more than enough. 

love,

nicholas