Whether you’re in the mood for Hudson River living, movies and music, or spooky folktales, you’ll find it all when you tune into these local shows.
Podcasting is one of the world’s fastest growing forms of entertainment and in a creative hub like the Hudson Valley, there are more than a few options for audiophiles and rush-hour survivors alike. From film to forensics, this list showcases some of the most unique podcasts in the area.
Cidiot
Life and Culture
Average length: 10 minutes
When to listen: Downtime during the day, lunch break
Available on: Spotify, Google, iTunes, Anchor
Cidiot focuses on the inner workings of the Hudson Valley and all it has to offer. Created by a New York City native, the show targets newcomers who are learning to love the area as much as any lifelong resident. The narrative style creates a brief, yet engaging story.
The format of the show makes you feel like you’re listening to close friends tell an anecdote, which is refreshingly conversational. With normal stories about the holiday season, gardening, and more, the podcast is great for cidiots and philoso-farmers alike. Tune in to hear all about the day-to-day trials and tribulations this couple faces.
Darkside Records Podcast/ Dorkside Podcast
Music, Geek Culture
Average Length: 60-80 minutes
When to Listen: Morning commute
Available on: Spotify, Apple, YouTube, Website
Created in Poughkeepsie’s Darkside Records store, the Darkside Records Podcast is a great listen for fans of music in any form. The show extrapolates on music both new and old, as well as industry happenings such as the Grammy Awards and Record Store Day. This talk show-style podcast is inviting and laid-back, yet still highly informative. For those who enjoy the business itself, keep an ear out for banter from the store’s colorful staff.
For even more witticisms, check out Darkside’s sister show, Dorkside Podcast, which is packed with nerdisms galore.
Forensic Inservice
Medical / Crime
Average Length: 30-45 minutes
When to Listen: Before bed, after work
Available on: Spotify, Apple, Website, Stitcher
This community-minded podcast diligently works to bring the conversation of mental health into the field of law and criminology. With broad topics such as the insanity defense, incarceration rates, sex offenders, and more, this well-rounded show dedicates itself to speaking for the people, especially those who may not be able to speak up themselves. It balances adept and concise language in a digestible way, making the conversation stimulating and open to pretty much any kind of person.
Join Stephen Price and Stephen Koonz, who are involved in psychiatry and criminal justice/social welfare, respectively, as they traverse this difficult landscape to keep the conversation alive.
Hi-Phi Nation
Philosophy
Average Length: 50 minutes
When to Listen: After work, before bed
Available on: Spotify, Apple, Stitcher, Website
A narrative show that focuses on philosophy as an exploratory medium, Hi-Phi Nation hopes to bring new light to popular topics of conversation. A story-based format keeps the conversations fresh and lively, and the producers do their best to bring in multiple voices that show all sides of an issue to create a well-rounded production.
Recorded at Vassar College, this local gem is reminiscent of popular podcast formats like WNYC’s Radiolab and NPR programs like Invisibilia.
Hudson Valley Disruptors
Business
Average Length: 45 minutes
When to Listen: Morning routine, work commute
Available on: Spotify, Anchor, Apple, Stitcher
This podcast tells you everything there is to know about local “disruptors” – entrepreneurs who pave their own path to success as opposed to following the rule book given to them. This talk show-style production is bare-bones in the best way possible. Aside from hearing the amazing stories of some of the Valley’s most influential people, you’ll also learn the behind-the-scenes of what it’s like to be your own boss, and how to balance that with the stress of everyday life.
Listen in on discussions of business in the Hudson Valley and see what’s shaking; it’s never too late to make your dreams come true.
Hudson Valley Legends
Folklore
Average Length: 20 minutes
When to Listen: Late night, driving through the Valley
Available on: Spotify, Apple, Stitcher, PlayerFM
This spooky podcast spotlights all the most chilling and thrilling tales in the Hudson Valley. From asylums to headless horsemen, Hudson Valley Legends discusses the lore and legends of the area. Spotless production and well-researched stories make it easy for anyone to become a supernatural buff without any of the risk.
This show is perfect for car rides home, especially late at night in the Valley. After a brief hiatus, this show is officially back up and running as of June 2019.
The Marvelists
Geek Culture / Comics
Average Length: 1 hour 30 minutes
When to Listen: Long car rides, before bed
Available on: Soundcloud, Stitcher, Spotify, Apple
A show made by geeks, for geeks, The Marvelists hopes to bring knowledge, dialogue, and dad jokes to the superhero conversation. A weekly show about all Marvel Films, (…yes, even that unreleased Fantastic Four one) It discusses both comics and movies, even hosting special guests like actor Mark Ruffalo and director Roger Korman.
The show makes every effort to bring its community of listeners into the fandom fold via social media and a consistent stream of interviews, convention appearances, and movie reviews. Whether you’re a super-nerd or just getting started, this show is the perfect opportunity to learn about Marvel comics, movies, and the professionals that make it all happen.
Story Screen Presents
Film and TV
Average Length: 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours
When to Listen: Evening at home, post-movie discussion
Available on: Soundcloud, Website, Apple, PlayerFM
A long-running series of film critique and discussion, Story Screen offer a myriad of shows on some of the greatest forays in the digital medium, both new and old. This podcast rides the line between review and conversation, keeping a lively stream of discussion while informing the viewer.
For the new movie reviews, the producers break up the shows as to not spoil them for those who haven’t gotten out to the theaters yet. Listen to “The Overdrinkers” for a healthy dose of frenzied conversation, the “Cathode Ray Cast” for all your TV-binging needs, and “Hot Takes” for, well, exactly that.
