Dispatches From the Heartland
The best podcasts from outside the DC-NYC-LA bubble
Recently one of our readers, Jim, noticed the general lack of geographic representation in podcasting.
“I listen to a lot of podcasts, primarily comedy, storytelling, and business, and always notice there isn’t a lot of coverage of shows outside of New York and Los Angeles.”
We agree, Jim.
Thanks to Jim, our readers, and the Bello team, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite podcasts from outside the usual metropolitan hubs. Check out our suggestions below and let us know what we missed in the comments.
The Midwest
Hello From the Magic Tavern
This high concept comedy podcast from Chicago invites comedic improvisers to create a magical world.
Midstream
An earnest take on unemployment. A former comedy producer from Chicago, Nate DuFort talks to people who have recently started over.
Aw Jeez
Minnesota Public Radio hosts Tracy Mumford and Jay Gabler recap the popular Fargo TV series. Get caught up in time for the launch of their second season on April 19.
Curious City
Each week Chicago residents pose questions about their community and the team at Curious City tracks down the answers.
To the Best of Our Knowledge
This series from Wisconsin Public Radio goes in-depth on one topic per week. A recent show explores how poetry gives us new ways to think about place and personal identity.
West
Off Shore
“Sometimes being in the middle of nowhere gives you a good perspective on everywhere else.” A podcast about Hawaii.
Roam Schooled
Portland producer Jim Brunberg and his daughters Dana and Veronica live by the motto, “Let’s go find things out.” What an adventure it is!
Out There
Former Wyoming Public Radio host Willow Belden shares stories about our sacred relationship with nature.
Here Be Monsters
Although we’ve been fans of Here Be Monsters for awhile, it’s still difficult to explain what the show is about. Hopefully that’s enough reason for you to check out this curious show whose host, Jeff Emtman, hails from Seattle.
How to Be a Girl
A single mom raising her young transgender daughter in Seattle. A conversation not to be missed.
Threshold
The first season explored the complex and surprisingly political story of American bison.
The South (ish)
Inside Appalachia
From West Virginia Public Broadcasting comes the stories of Appalachia’s history, rituals, and people.
Gravy
The Southern Foodways Alliance documents, studies, and explores the diverse food cultures of the American South.
Neighbors
This Nashville podcast launched its fourth season this week with the story of a man who took a real-life trip on the historic Oregon Trail.
Baltimore: The Rise of Charm City
An audio documentary series featuring the oral histories of businesses, landmarks, and neighborhoods in Baltimore City.
Scene on Radio
Hailing from North Carolina’s Center for Documentary Studies, Scene on Radio is not just another storytelling podcast. Their 4-part series, Seeing White, is worth adding to your podcast queue alone.
The Most Wonderful Wonder
A self-proclaimed “audio marvel,” this quirky bi-weekly history and music podcast comes from the heart of Oklahoma.
Just a Story
A husband and wife team from Austin, Texas examine what urban legends say about our humanity. Don’t miss out on the haunting artwork that accompanies each episode.
New England
Outside/In
You don’t have to be particularly outdoorsy to appreciate this podcast about the out-of-doors from New Hampshire Public Radio.
Rumble Strip Vermont
This podcast doesn’t nearly get enough due for its thoughtful stories with everyday people.
Erie Canal Theatre
Improv theater for the ears. They’re launching new shows in 2017, but for now check out all 18 episodes of their Switchboard Infinity series.
Soonish
Soonish is a podcast about the future: How we think and talk about it, what we can do to shape it. One look at the credentials of host Wade Roush and you’ll understand why he’s made Cambridge, Massachusetts his home.
Oh, (and) Canada
Media Indigena
This show’s hosts document and describe the unique experiences of Canada’s indigenous communities.
Commons
If you’re tired of American politics, tune into conversations about our Canadian neighbors to the north. Justin Trudeau would be proud.
The Bello Collective is a publication + newsletter about podcasts and the audio industry. Our goal is to bring together writers, journalists, and other voices who share a passion for the world of audio storytelling.
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