In case you haven’t heard, podcasts — a form of downloadable digital media —  have been steadily gaining popularity in recent years, and Saskatoon is no exception to this growing audio entertainment trend.

The term “podcast” itself is a combination of the words “iPod” and “broadcast.” The podcast exists in a space somewhere between a traditional radio show and a personal blog. Podcast creators develop episodes of their podcast and upload them online where listeners can stream or download them — for free — at their convenience.

All that you really need to start a podcast is a recording device, some free editing software and time. This makes podcasting a relatively inexpensive and accessible creative medium that just about anyone can try.

The most popular podcasts — the ones topping the iTunes charts — such as Serial, Radiolab and Stuff You Should Know, are professionally made podcasts with high production values. While some people like these types of podcasts, there are also many that are made by ordinary people in ordinary places.

There is a handful of ambitious podcasters based right here in Saskatoon. Their podcasts range in topic from movies to music to current events, but each one has elements that connect it to our humble prairie city.

Here’s a sample list of Saskatoon podcasts, all created by people who call this city home:

1. Weirdo Magnets: In Weirdo Magnets, hosts Dean and Dana ask interesting people from around Saskatoon some interesting questions. The podcast frequently features interviews with local musicians and explorations of obscure parts of Saskatchewan history, like the origins of the supposedly haunted Weyburn Mental Hospital and the origins of CFCR 90.5FM community radio. Episodes are available to stream at weirdomagnets.ca or for download on iTunes.

2. Enter Sandman: A brand new podcast from the Sheaf’s very own opinions editor Zachary Tennent, Enter Sandman explores an age-old question: is Adam Sandler actually funny? Zach and co-host Spencer have embarked on a quest to rewatch every Adam Sandler movie and find out the answer. Follow their journey by downloading episodes off of iTunes.

3. USSU On The Air: Did you know the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union has its own radio show? Did you know that all of those episodes are also available as podcasts? Join the vice-president student affairs each week, Renata Huyghebaert, as she discusses anything and everything related to student life at the U of S. All episodes are available at ussu.ca.

4. Laundry List: Saskatoon’s resident feminist radio show, Laundry List tackles topics related to gender and social issues, ranging from sexism in sports to pop culture to food insecurity. Tune into CFCR 90.5FM — Saskatoon’s community radio station — or stream episodes of off laundrylist.podomatic.com to listen in.

5. Radio Book Club: Another podcast that also happens to be a show on CFCR 90.5FM, Radio Book Club features book reviews, author interviews and literary discussions with a special focus on local authors. Listen on CFCR 90.5FM or at radiobookclub.podbean.com.

6. This Night Will Change Your Life: A program that describes itself as equal parts karaoke night, talk show and podcast, This Night Will Change Your Life brings listeners to Thursday nights at Amigos Cantina. You never know exactly what to expect from this podcast, but your life may never be the same. Past topics have included interviews with the LadyBits Improv group and even a crossover podcast with Weirdo Magnets. This podcast is available for download on iTunes — or live at Amigos during Thursday night karaoke.

This by no means is a comprehensive list of every Saskatoon podcast out there — I’m still discovering new ones every day. With the growing popularity and low barrier of entry to podcasting, I’m sure there will be many more great programs in the near future.

Who knows? Maybe the next podcast featured in the Sheaf will be yours!

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Emily Klatt

Graphic: Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor