Extruding America - Imagination
RhythmRunneR — Mon, 09/29/2008 - 18:43
http://www.extrudingamerica.com/index.php?post_id=194545
Before I begin, let it be known that my podcast is only 9 minutes and 4 seconds in length. (that ought to ensure lots of comments) Ahem...
Extruding America is a comedy podcast aimed at parodying popular podcasts/radio talk shows. While going under the guise of an audio news story, the subject matter is actually quite nonsensical and is intended to make the audience laugh. While geared towards anyone willing to listen, the largest audience would most likely be podcast/radio talk show connoisseurs, as they would have an easier time understanding the humor. Context is provided through style rather than content; while the show doesn't actually discuss current topics, the strategies used to deliver the message mock and reflect those used in todays world. Conveniently stored in mp3 format, the podcasts are generally short in length and easy to access from multiple devices. Following a basic formula, each episode is typically arranged the same way: initial introduction, advertisement, host commentary, interview, and finally ending comments. This setup works quite well and allows the show to make fun of various different methods of audio communication. Still, the real brilliance lies within Extruding America's script. Large words are used to describe simple things with humorous results. One rarely understands what is actually being said during interviews on the show, but the language choice makes it funny nonetheless. Combine that with a clueless talk show host, mock advertisements, and a slew of goofy sound effects, and you have one hilarious podcast that really reaches it's audience.
As for my personal opinion of this podcast, I think it's great! While initially very weird, I eventually found it funny once I understood what they were getting at. The starting commercial is always very funny, and the relationship between host and interviewer works quite well. I really wish they played upon the talk show parody a bit more, but I suppose that is something that will have to grow with time. Sound quality and effects are done well throughout all the episodes. The length is pretty perfect too, being long enough to present plenty of humor yet short enough to keep people's attention. I chose this episode in particular because I found the childlike behavior of the host more apparent than in other episodes. Pretty funny stuff!
As for my question to the class, what do you guys think of the dry humor in this podcast, and do you think it effectively parodies it's intended targets?
I don't think I got it. There
almost famous — Tue, 09/30/2008 - 21:25I don't think I got it. There were a couple of humorous parts that I was able to pick up, but honestly I wasn't a fan. I think that my dislike probably came from the simple fact that I am not the intended audience, and to be frank, I'm not sure who that audience would really be. Even though the sounds were suppose to add comic relief, I just more or less became annoyed. I was a good length for what they were speaking about, but not something that I would subscribe to. Maybe I need to work on "getting" dry humor.
Yeah, it's definitely a weird
RhythmRunneR — Tue, 09/30/2008 - 23:08Yeah, it's definitely a weird podcast. To be honest you almost need to listen to more than one to understand it. The point is to mock radio shows and similar podcasts, which is why the host sounds like Mancow or Howard Stern and the caller doesn't really make sense. The sounds in this one were over the top compared to most episodes because the host had just purchased the sound equipment. I'd have to agree with you that this podcast isn't for everyone as it does target a very specific audience, and even then there may be people who just don't care for the dry humor used in the show.
Hmmm...
Cookz — Tue, 09/30/2008 - 23:30I don't get it either I'm afraid. It was kind of interesting to listen to, and the sound effects were very good. The production and the quality was very good, so it was easy to listen to in that regard. I don't understand the humor though, it is completely lost on me. I much prefer humor in the content of a show rather then the structure of it, so I doubt I am the intended audience. While listening to the content I couldn't pick up anything that was relevant to anything though. I'm afraid the entire point of this podcast is lost on me. It just sounds like two guys talking back and forth about nothing in respect to nothing.
While I agree that the humor
sdr2010 — Wed, 10/01/2008 - 09:28While I agree that the humor is not incredibly forthcoming, I agree that the production value of this piece is fantastic. The interview made absolutely no sense, I've listened to it a couple of times and still don't really understand it. At the same time the lack of sense was somewhat interesting. Excellent sound effects save what would otherwise be an awful excuse for media. The narrators voice alone does not really do a whole lot for you, so they are somewhat necessary. Like he says, "our podcast given the chance, might become an exploration into your imagination". Who says its bad to escape sometimes?