Podcast Review/Recommendation: The Box of Oddities

Two days a week, I wake up to my alarm and immediately get out of bed. One of those days is Monday. The other is Thursday. What could possibly get a sleep lover like myself to greet the day so eagerly, especially a Monday? I'm glad you asked. Because the answer is, The Box of Oddities  podcast.

Where else can I learn about goo falling from the sky in a small Washington town? How else would I know there's an island off the coast of Brazil that's covered in snakes? Who, besides hosts Katrina Walls and Jethro Gilligan Toth, would not only share so many of my bizarre interests but would be enthusiastic enough about them that they'd research four topics every single week and produce a podcast for self-proclaimed "freaks" like me? The answer is... nowhere. Actually, there are other podcasts that offer a peek into the bizarre and the unexplained, but this is the best one I've found. In the year or so they've been producing their show from their home in Bangor, Maine, the married couple have discussed such a wide range of topics that I never get bored. From Salvador Dali to aliens, from mystery pop machines to mansions with dead-end staircases, this show delves into the best and worst of humanity, technology, psychology, history, entertainment, and more. It's a smorgasbord of information for the curious-minded.

In addition to the fascinating and diverse topics Kat and J.G. (yeah, we're tight like that... no, we're not) cover twice a week, their personalities and chemistry are fabulous. J.G. has an incredible radio voice, and Kat's laughter is contagious. Their interactions are sometimes hilarious; other times, they're frighteningly familiar to anyone who's been in a relationship for any length of time--and still hilarious. The two are delightfully quirky, but not over-the-top. It never feels like they're trying too hard. Their delivery and rapport is effortless.

So, I'm proud to call myself a "freak" (the affectionate name they've given their fans), and I fly my freak flag high. I only wish I could attend their live show this coming weekend in Nashville, TN. But maybe they'll venture closer to me at a later date. A freak can dream...

If you're interested in sampling the show, here are a few of my favorite episodes:
Box 036: Mark Twain Skid Marks
Box 010: Screamed at by a Hobo
Box 046: Eat a Banana
Box 096: Bowling with God

I mean, they're all good, but these will get you started.

And here's a link to my first podcast review/recommendation post, where you can find links and suggestions for finding the perfect podcast listening service for you.