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Shout Out To Some Local Podcasts

Like many of you, I'm spending substantially more time at home.  I'd hoped to be back at work by this point, but the way that current world events have played out put a little damper on that.  I kill a lot of time by listening to podcasts!  You know, the little talking shows that you can listen to at your own leisure; talk radio without fearmongering, politics, or angry hosts screaming at you.

I'll open with friend of the blog, the Podcasting Janitor show:  https://linktr.ee/podjanshow
I met the host when he was doing the Tales Of Hope podcast, and he keyed me in to some great historical resources available in and around the Holland area, and Hope College specifically.  What I like is the challenge to improve yourself - every week, episodes are published centered around one common word, theme, or idea.  This week's episode, published today (4/21), leads with the question "What happens when things stop going the way you had planned?" and the title "Stay The Course."  Give this show a listen for motivational and inspirational content, lightly faith-based, but not preachy or overbearing.

Next up is the true crime podcast, You're Killing Me, Grand Rapids:   https://www.yourekillingmegr.com/
Centered geographically in Grand Rapids, but extending to outward to the entire Western Michigan region, they explore things like urban legends, hauntings, and true crime.  This is the most recent local podcast that I've begun listening to, and I love the fact that they always cite sources, instead of just perpetuating dubious stories.  I found myself frustrated by dubious stories and lack of decent sources whilst working on the Melonheads story, as that is SO mired in lore and legend.  YKMGR cuts through the bullcrap and presents information in a solid manner!

While I'm neither a runner nor a girl, Runner Girls is one I listen to:   https://runnergirlspodcast.wordpress.com/
There's a Grand Rapids-based Discord server where one of the hosts is a regular poster/visitor.  While the content of the podcast does get into very niche content, focusing on health and fitness for women, so I completely understand that I am not the target audience, but there's a good bit of witty banter and motivational content.  My wife quite enjoys all of the content though, so there's something.  I'll download each 'sode and listen for a little just to give my internet friends some download and listen numbers.

The LMNOPodcast is a product of Failed Comedian Stu McAllister:   https://soundcloud.com/lmnopodcast
It's not necessarily uproariously funny, it's more conversational than it is chock full of one-liners.  I enjoy the social media presence, as they're incredibly active on Twitter, and the overall chill vibe.  It's nothing more than Stu and his roommates picking on a few topics and BS'ing the night away.

Honorable mentions go to New Holland Brewing's old Stop And Taste podcast - they seem to have pulled past episodes from my podcast app, so I can't even pull up a link to share.  But, they explored many aspects of their entire company, from farm-to-table foods, on through the roots and stories of the beers they brew, often accompanied by small-time musical acts.  It was incredibly mellow and comforting, I wish  I could still listen to it.

Also, the Jim Lill Podcast: https://jimlillmusic.com/podcast/
While his podcast is out of Nashville, TN, Jim himself was born in Michigan, just a ways east of Grand Rapids, and often references his Michigan upbringing.
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