Five locally produced podcasts that have OKC listening.
Mention Netflix, and someone is bound to tell you all about the latest series they just binged. On-demand media has become a cultural norm, and it’s not limited to our screens: Podcasts have also increased in popularity, and avid listeners are quick to rattle off their favorite programs, too.
Some excellent podcasts are produced right here in Oklahoma City, with content as diverse as the listeners tuning in. Whether you prefer to hear intriguing stories, professional insights or discussions of spiritual wellness, these five local podcasts are worth a listen.
01. This Is Oklahoma
When looking for the beauty of Oklahoma, look no farther than its people. “Oklahoma has special people. You don’t have to leave the state to accomplish great things,” said Mike Hearne, a Welsh native who came to Oklahoma on a golf scholarship in 2011.
Today, Hearne explores the stories of notable Oklahomans, prompting them to discuss who they are, what they do and why they do it. Many of his guests have been inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, as it is a sponsor of the show. This Is Oklahoma is approaching 200,000 total downloads.
- Host: Mike Hearne
- Focus: Oklahoma’s many notable achievers and their accomplishments
- Previous Guests: Oklahoma State University President Kayse Shrum, hospitality entrepreneur Hal Smith, BMX Hall of Famer Mat Hoffman, “America’s Got Talent” winner Darci Lynn
- Length: 45 minutes-1 hour
02. We Are For Good
Nonprofit industry veterans Jon McCoy and Becky Endicott aim to amp up the good for everyone. Their podcast (and cast of impressive guests) supports people in the nonprofit realm with the latest insights and easy-to-implement advice. They hope their content helps do-gooders do better.
“Impact isn’t made by faceless institutions or by buttoned-up organizations. It’s the people,” Endicott said. “We believe philanthropy — and the act of giving — changes people, and it has a trickle-down effect. So by equipping nonprofit leaders with the mindsets and tools to build philanthropic movements, we believe we can literally change the world.
- Hosts: Jon McCoy and Becky Endicott
- Focus: Revolutionizing the nonprofit industry by sharing insights on fundraising, marketing, board development, donor relations, events and more
- Previous Guests: Susan G. Komen founder Nancy Brinker, charity: water co-founder Vik Harrison, American Defamation League president Jonathan Greenblatt and Movember founder Adam Garone
- Length: 35-45 mins
03. Metro Library Podcast
Oklahoma history buffs, this podcast is for you. Skilled historians flex their research muscles with host Sheldon Beach, discussing some of Oklahoma’s most interesting and lesser-known moments in history and taking listeners deep into our state’s great stories, beyond the microfiche.
“I think a lot of people think we’re just the land run and the bombing, but there’s a lot more to it than that,” said Beach, adding that the state is so much more than “boomers and sooners.”
Beach admits a library podcast is never going to be as popular as “My Favorite Murder,” but the bone-chilling “True Crime” episode on the murder trial of Dr. Richard Thacker may have you coming back for more.
- Host: Sheldon Beach
- Focus: Obscure Oklahoma history
- Previous Topics: The last witch killing in America, Oklahoma as a sonic boom test site in the ’60s, the BC Clark Christmas Jingle, the OKC roller derby
- Length: 20-30 minutes
04. Thunder Buddies
Thunder fans, listen up. After the post-game press conference, Oklahoman sports writers huddle to analyze every aspect of the game — the outstanding plays and players and what it all means for the OKC Thunder moving forward.
“If you’re a Thunder fan, you should be tuning in,” said host and Thunder beat writer Joe Mussatto, who collaborates with sports columnist Berry Tramel on the podcast.
“This provides another voice in our Thunder coverage. It’s a little looser than the postgame stories that we write and a little more conversational,” Mussatto said. “Sometimes I sit back and let Berry tell hilarious stories that I’m sure our listeners appreciate.”
- Host: Joe Mussatto
- Focus: OKC Thunder news and post-game play-by-play banter
- Recurring Guest: Berry Tramel
- Length: 20-30 minutes
05. For Love With Joy
Host David Skidmore presents this podcast as a way for listeners to infuse more love and joy into their lives.
“Life has a lot of ups and downs, and the past few years have been difficult for everyone. While we disagree on many things, everyone I know wants a life of love and joy,” Skidmore said.
Each podcast includes a short story, prayer and thought-provoking questions. While a book of the same name will be published in July, Skidmore started this podcast to provide people with immediate resources.
“There is so much noise in the world, and a lot of people are tired of veneer vulnerability, the addiction to hurry and the constant demand for more,” he said. “This podcast helps people find clarity and love well.”
- Host: David Skidmore
- Focus: Helping people live for love and live with joy by facing the beautiful and painful moments in life courageously
- Previous Topics: Living for love with joy, finding faith, experiencing hope, finding purpose and meaning and exploring vulnerability in grief and loss
- Length: 10-15 minutes
