Steve's Podcast Reviews

The Butterfly Effect  is probably the podcast for which I had no expectations, but proved to be fascinating. This podcast is about the free website called Pornhub. If you're like me, you didn't know porn was free. It turns out porn is free now and everybody but me seemed to know it, hmmm. If you are expecting an earful of sexual moans and groans, you will be disappointed. Think hi-tech meets porn and you will get the idea. The initial story revolves around the starting of Pornhub in Montreal. The story continues with the effects of free porn on the established porn industry, mostly in Southern California. From there, the story progresses into other stories that well, you've got to listen to believe. The narrator has a very addictive British accent that keeps you interested. Nothing preachy here and no discussion on morality. Wait for the stamp collector episode. Definitely 5 out of 5 stars

Over my Dead Body is another true crime podcast based on the murder of Dan Markel. This story demonstrates the power of wealth. My knock on this podcast is that it comes across as a 48 hours episode. While the research is extensive, the editing of the program was confusing at times. You know who murdered Dan but the story is really a cat a mouse game. The accused are set for trial in the summer of 2019. 3 out of 5 stars

The Cold Podcast is the story of Susan Powell and her disappearance. You probably remember this story from about 6 years ago but the reporter who authored this story has done 3 years of research. The podcast has 17 episodes each around 1 hour long. The story teller and the detailed facts kept me keenly interested in each episode. Susan was a Mormon which affected her views on marriage. Her husband, Josh Powell, was a dysfunctional person from a dysfunctional family. All the above elements created a very sad and bizarre story. I give the podcast 5 of 5 stars mostly because I'm a true crime fan and raised a mormon. 4 out of 5 stars for everybody else

The Dream  is a new podcast that can't legally say that Amway is a pyramid scheme.  If you are thinking about a MLM (Multi level marketing), listen. The podcast was not one of my favorites. Most of the episodes could have been cut in half and still told the story. The podcast shines when the people she interviews are talking with out interruption. Enough to hold my interest but I rate this 3 out of 5 stars.

The Dropout . Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos, need I say more. Many podcasts on Theranos but I think ABC has done the best. I'm always amazed at the chutzpa and the greed of people. Kudos to Tyler Schultz. The podcast was done professionally and with a good commentator. 5 out of 5 stars.

Caliphate  This podcast traces the path of ISIS recruitment. Very informative but gives good background to the Muslim cause and goals for ISIS. 4 out of 5 stars

I'm a big history buff especially for WWI. The king of history podcasts is Dan Carlin . His delivery is great while staying politically neutral. Many of his specific topics are multi episode, some taking up to 6 hours to complete.  I've listened to them all. Short (1-2 hour) podcast to get started on.  Prophets of Doom, #48  After the Protestant reformation, religion changed and everything was up for grabs.  American Peril, #49  The Spanish American War is discussed. Was the US the good guys or bad guys? To really get hooked on Dan Carlin. Blueprint for Armageddon , #50-55. Five episodes but you will give you a good understanding of WWI. My personal favorite Destroyer of the Worlds , #59.  How did the US become a nuclear power and the politics behind it. Lots of wow moments. In 2nd place, My History can beat up your Politics . Never boring and always informative.  Favorites Charleston 1860 and Secession. A little more complicated...