Podcast Portal: Human Conversations

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: Human Conversation
HOSTS: Erin McGathy, Wayne Federman
NETWORK: Feral Audio
EPISODE BEING DISCUSSED: "1"

As the website would suggest, every show on Feral Audio is fiercely independent. It has also produced a lot of impressive work from comedians such as Duncan Trussell, Dan Harmon and Esther Povitsky. Their shows are frank and often edgy in ways that the more popular networks aren't. It gives them a nice touch that has thankfully defined them as one of the more interesting networks out there, especially as it maintains a niche market that isn't being focused on. 

Among the noteworthy shows is This Feels Terrible, which is lead by Erin McGathy. Her relationship advice show has been one of the flagship series for awhile now. However, between her husband Harmon's edginess and some strange desire, she has teamed up with Wayne Federman for a new show. What is it about? Nothing really. The only aspect that currently makes any sense is that it will run without failure for 55 minutes weekly. The conversations start by addressing their age differences. In fact, there's even discussion on whether or not Federman is fine with McGathy cursing. Already the two forces are going at each other with predictable reverence.

The one factor to take in is that this is a sporadic show where nothing is really chosen as a central topic (think Jordan Jesse Go! or FEaB). From there, it becomes a random series of discussions about stuff ranging from Hitler's art career to the proper way to say McGathy. At times, it feels like they're the best of friends capable of delivering a quality show. Others it feels like a gimmick meant to challenge them to fill time. There's charm in their chemistry that thankfully withstands one episode, but raises the odd question on why this show exists. He fills in some gaps for fans of either host, especially McGathy and her recent marriage to Harmon. There's insight that isn't present elsewhere. However, it feels geared towards This Feels Terrible fans who simply need more.

Overall, it is another show that is fun to listen to but isn't necessarily immediately understandable. The concept is kind of ingenious and will help anyone needing a 55 minute hole to fill on a weekly basis. However, there's still a need for this show to evolve and find its purpose before assessing it any further. It is fine as it is, but the sudden release of the series despite it being clearly recorded two months ago (they talk about the Golden Globes - which happened mere days ago in the episode). There's concern that it won't be a regular thing or that it will necessarily be timely. However, it isn't a total waste either provided that sporadic conversation allures you.

RATING: 3 out of 5

WORTH A SECOND GO?: Like all sporadic conversation shows, it is a tough call. Either the show will improve and become one of those many cult podcasts, or it will remain aimless and have no function. I lean more towards the former, but I am already worried that this episode was recorded months ago and is just now being released. What does that necessarily say about the show's future?