Podcast Portal: Better Call Saul Insider Podcast

Welcome to Podcast Portal: a spontaneous column that will highlight podcasts of all genres that are lesser known or new shows that are worth giving a listen. With the medium continuing to grow, it is hard to acknowledge all of them. However, I am going to try and find as many noteworthy titles as possible to share and hopefully expand your mind to the greatest growing medium out there. If you have any podcast that you feel is worth adding to the Podcast Portal, please make sure to inform me whether through the comments or through an e-mail (information in sidebar). 

SHOW: Better Call Saul Insider Podcast
HOSTS: Kelley Dixon, Vince Gilligan
NETWORK: None
EPISODE BEING DISCUSSED: "Mijo"

It seems like a no brainer to capitalize on the phenomenon that was Breaking Bad. The show managed to captivate audiences and will arguably go down as AMC's most accessible drama. A lot of it can be thanked to the presence of creator Vince Gilligan, who helmed discussions and while rarely incorporating fan theories, knew how to tease audiences while embracing their opinions. With a charming, humble personality, he managed to make a show that remains singular and while its first spin-off, Better Call Saul, may not always click, it does give an excuse to hear what he has to say yet again about making a TV show.

Much like he did with Breaking Bad's Breaking Bad Insider Podcast, he invites on cast and crew to discuss each episode in detail. There's discussion of how stories were written and even how certain shots were pulled off. It is rather fascinating stuff if you're into the technical side of TV production. It only seemed smart that they would revamp it with Better Call Saul and have it dedicated to pointing out every small thing about the show. 

While it is likely that you would start with the first one, the second provides more of the same. With Bob Odenkirk as a guest, they go into detail on the origin of the show and how it came to fruition. With friendly banter, the Better Call Saul Insider Podcast hits all of the notes that fans would expect. It is only a matter of opinion on the show that will keep you coming back. For the time being, it is interesting to hear the artists dissect their vision with humor and pride in ways that are engaging to the listeners. To learn the inspiration behind specific shots and alternate story lines add a nice touch to the show.

There isn't much of a sell on this one. If you like Better Call Saul the TV show, there's a strong chance you'll like this. It offers the same functions as before. Thankfully everyone still enjoys talking about their craft. You are bound to learn things and with the show likely to get better and offer up more surprises, there's anticipation for more fascinating stories ahead. If you can fit in any recap show on Better Call Saul, it might as well be from the creators who made it for us. 

RATING: 3.5 out of 5

WORTH A SECOND GO?: If you loved Breaking Bad Insider Podcast, there's no reason to ignore this, especially if you like Better Call Saul. Whether you're watching them as they air or years from now, these serve as great companion pieces to each and every episode.