Ask You: What About Podcasts?

jack baruth mark baruth

In today’s version of Ask You, I ask you: would you listen to a Riverside Green podcast?

I can already hear my brother moaning about this, despite the fact that I’m currently 200+ miles away from him.

Podcasts are awful. Nobody is good at them. I can write three articles in the time it takes to do one podcast.

He’s not wrong. Podcasts take a lot of time to do, and the ROI isn’t great. But I still think they’re fun.

We’ve guested on Matt Farah’s The Smoking Tire podcast a few times, one of which was rather legendary for all the wrong reasons.  I did the Hooniverse podcast once, too, and I don’t think I was any good because I wasn’t invited back. I did a really fun podcast called “Reels and Wheels” with my friends James Rodatus and Sid Bridge, where we discussed the epic oeuvre, Tokyo Drift. We tried doing a podcast ourselves exactly once, which was pretty decent considering we did it at 2:00 am in a hotel room in Detroit.

So, all that being said, if we did one every now and then, would you be interested? If you would, what sorts of things would you like to hear? What guests would you like to have us speak with?

GO

65 Replies to “Ask You: What About Podcasts?”

  1. Jonathan H.

    I’d be interested. I listen to a lot of podcasts and always looking for more. I’m all for a current events themed show from you guys. It would be interesting to hear your thoughts on whatever craziness is going on in the world at the moment.

    Reply
  2. Tomko

    I’d watch a brief five minute video podcast – but would not listen to an audio-only podcast.

    It was weeks after it was published that I listened to the – banned in Canada – podcsst. And I found it too inside baseball without matching video to appreciate the context.

    Reply
    • Bigtruckseriesreview

      I used to listen to Joe Rogan podcasts every now and then when they’d come on THE VIRUS XM (long before Opie and Anthony imploded – after the untimely death of Patrice O’Neal)

      “Podcasts” are “shower content”. I listen to them when I’m starting my day and I’m in the shower. OK to listen to in heavy traffic, but definitely not as engaging as music while driving unless you truly enjoy the subject.

      The only non-visual podcasts I can currently stomach are economists talking about the economic news.

      Everything else has to be visual.

      Reply
    • Cdotson

      +1

      Having to listen to words takes way too much concentration. Devoting adequate attention to listening to speakers prevents effective multitasking and takes way too long. It’s far easier for me to see words than listen to them.

      I would read (more likely, skim) a transcript of said podcast.

      Reply
    • silentsod

      I also prefer reading over listening/watching when it comes to debates and discussion. Yes, some tone and some meaning is potentially lost but the speed and the fact that it’s front and center and my full focus make up for the deficiencies of the written word.

      Reply
  3. Bigtruckseriesreview

    Take it from me:

    Podcasting is a waste of time.

    YOUTUBE is the WAY THE TRUTH AND THE LIGHT

    I can show you income statements. With only 30,000 subscribers, I am earning around $2000 a month off between 300,000 and 400,000 views per month.

    If your following is big enough, you’ll see payments immediately (threshold is $100 before Google Adsense mails or Direct Deposits your money).

    I’m sure you’ll have a YUGE following.

    The other step is simplifying your recordings and uploads. I go as cheap as possible.

    iPhone for all my videos (4K with optical image stabilizing and 60fps on my iPhone X 256 GB).

    You can record for HOURS in 1080p 60FPS or 4K and quickly/ efficiently upload to your channel. Obviously you can make GoPro motorcycle videos as well.

    Computer recording for simpler videos.

    My newest thing is making videos about cryptocurrency – international cryptocurrency news.

    I usually take $1000 or so and invest it in my Scottrade/Etrade/Coinbase monthly. My weed stocks took off recently due to California and NY letting weed take these people over.

    There’s a lot of money out there. Nab as much of it as you can possibly nab.

    Reply
  4. Ken

    My ability to consume Baruth content is pretty much constrained to breaks at work, so a podcast would be tougher. I would see myself listening to them weeks or months later, when I have the time and ability to consume longer audio based content – probably road trips. Anything topical or time sensitive I’d (personally) miss out on.

    Though Podcasts would be great for some of your longer format ramblings. The left arrow would have made a great audible.

    Reply
  5. Bigtruckseriesreview

    As far as Return-On-Investment:

    It costs roughly $0 to publish your content on Youtube: assuming you have access to the internet (free at a public library), a smartphone to make content and…that’s it…

    You can use $5 iMovie to attach pictures to the rant/diatribe.

    When I went viral for “7 Rules of Hellcat”, all I actually had was a voice clip over some pictures I took. I had no idea it would go viral. Had I known, I would have made “the 10 Hellcat commandments”.

    A few minutes of angry ranting.

    At its peak, I was earning $500 A DAY.

    This is repeatable if you can hit the sweet spot.

    Reply
  6. Economist

    I would definitely listen to a Baruth podcast. I have enjoyed your prior outings in podcasting.
    I disagree with the need for video, though. I listen to podcasts while I am doing something else, like yardwork, commuting, reloading, and tedious work in the mornings. I cannot watch a video while I am doing these things. A video requires me to commit both time and full attention, things that are in short supply.

    Reply
    • Dr Ribs Revere

      Agreed on this, podcasts are my “background” for many activities (commuting, yardwork, exercise, etc).
      Your decision on this really depends on the eventual goal for your content, produce income (do both youtube and a podcast).
      Explore long form discussion and ideas my vote is primarily just audio and be good about describing what you are discussing and where we can find the appropriate image. Unsure who has that much time to dedicate to watching videos (at this point if its over 10 min I really debate whether or not its worth my time and attention), but apparently I am in the minority as it seems that many people with internet access have tons of time to watch and comment and discuss for hours.

      Reply
      • Daniel

        Seconded. I read when I’m at a desk and listen when I’m commuting/doing housework. Video falls between two barstools for me, so to speak.

        I wasn’t a fan of podcasting for years, but I’ve really come around on the medium. A quarterly or monthly long form show could be good, even if recorded while you yourselves are driving to tracks,etc.

        Reply
  7. VTNoah

    Longtime listener to many podcasts. The key is consistency. Doesn’t have to be perfect but you need to have something put out there on a weekly basis to build up your following. I enjoyed your infamous first appearance on TST and would definitely check yours out.

    If you haven’t already, there are plenty of great examples to borrow / steal your format from.

    Joe Rogan is huge. People seem to either love or hate him. He’s my go to. Lots of free form conversation with a huge variety of interesting guests.
    Jocko Podcast – ex Navy Seal who reads first hand accounts of war throughout history and relates the lessons to modern leadership. Great content with a lot of value you can use in your day to day. He’s big on American Made as well.
    And of course, TST.

    Reply
    • VTNoah

      Wish there was an edit function.

      Just wanted to add that podcasts lend themselves best to longform content with plenty of space to explore ideas and have in depth conversations with differing opinions. Definitely beats the quick hit content that we see everywhere that gives you that sugar rush but doesn’t satisfy long term.

      Reply
  8. ScottS

    My feelings about podcasts are the same as my feelings about the R&T (and other) automotive mag videos. They are not very flattering to people who are otherwise talented writers, and I prefer to think of the Baruth brothers in the most positive light.

    Reply
  9. John C.

    I am going to be the voice of the admittedly entertained prude here. If the point is to make your website big at some point you will be thinking about partnerships and collaborations with big companies. I wonder if material like that 2013 podcast can really fly in that world.

    Reply
  10. mopar4wd

    The only advantage a podcast is you can listen while you drive. I used to drive more and listened quite a bit now I have 1-2 a week I listen too that covers the time I don;t want to hear music in the car and that’s about it.

    Reply
  11. Danny

    Almost all of my friends are really into one podcast or another, but I really feel that they’re the worst. They’re almost always too long, and when the subject is automotive content (especially obscure racing cars from the 70’s and 80’s) I really want a visual reference of the cars they’re talking about, which is normally available in a written article or a youtube short but never a podcast. I tried to like the format, I was even a guest on a friend’s podcast, but I’ve never gotten through an entire episode since..

    Reply
    • JustPassinThru

      David Newman, who did an evening talk show on WJR-Detroit until 2001 (stroke got him) used to do elaborate segments on cars…specific models and also the industry. He’d put out questions such as, which model was the most game-changing for its time; or the most ahead of its time. Just before his stroke, he did a long segment on the end of Plymouth – what led to it, and what Daimler might be planning for its American subsidy.

      It can be done. Although, of course, Newman had 30 years in talk-radio to hone his craft. I’ve listened to poorly-laid-out auto-oriented podcasts before – or started to listen; turned them off.

      It all depends on Jack & Company; but I see podcasting as the new radio.

      Reply
  12. Eric H

    I never listen to podcasts, the information density is too low.
    I have however heard your voice before and recommend huffing some xenon before doing anything that records you speaking.

    Reply
  13. Martin

    Youtube would probably be more profitable (maybe, for the time being, assuming you don’t get demonetized), but also a lot more work. Making competent video content with people in remote locations will be more work than you think- it’s not the same as a solo guy setting up a camera in his bedroom. Watching two people in a Google hangout or Skype chat is boring. TST only started adding video when they had a full studio setup and they got people physically in there, with multiple cameras and a dedicated producer to change things up. So maybe an audio podcast is better to get started.

    I would listen to a podcast you guys put together. Maybe you recap the stuff you wrote recently, and used that as a springboard for discussion with any guests you have. Bring on the other people who write for you here, or any of your friends from other sites. Not a marathon 2 hour podcast a la TST, but maybe 30 minutes would be a good target.

    Reply
  14. Marcin Laszuk

    “Podcasts are awful. Nobody is good at them” – that’s the truth, right there.

    I might be in the minority here, seeing the mostly positive reception to the idea of podcasts, but I have always been surprised by their popularity in general, as a medium. Podcasts require constant concentration and long periods of uninterrupted time for listening (I find them hard to follow if you listen to them in bursts), and upon listening to one I always come to a conclusion that I would strongly prefer to read rather than listen about what was covered, especially when it would be done by insightful writers such as you, Jack and Bark, or your guests.
    I find podcasts in general to be utter borefests, full of half-baked ideas, inside jokes that no listener understands, and dull filler.
    I did give some podcasts a shot; I tried to listen to The Smoking Tire, for instance, but even though I thoroughly enjoy pretty much all of what Matt writes or uploads, 5 minutes into any of his podcasts, the Canadian sales figures start to seem more interesting than they have any right to.
    If you do start to record podcasts, I know I’ll listen to them; especially if they are done in the spirit of the TTAC of old (I guess that description kind of covers it; regardless of whether they will be about cars or something else entirely) but I think you would make better use of your talents in writing; although, honestly, so would almost everybody else: after all, nobody is good at podcasts.

    Take from that what you will, fellas.

    Reply
  15. John

    My first ever comment on your site!

    I definitely hope you can start a podcast. Your time on TST just saying it how it was in your mind was pretty darn awesome. Maybe just commit to guest starring on more podcasts? How about do a couple with Everyday Driver?

    Reply
  16. rambo furum

    A short (5-30 minutes) one would be fine. I’d listen weekly.

    Most are ridiculously long. I can’t dedicate three hours to hear some unorganized mishmash of bored friends rambling.

    Ideally, this is rapid fire stuff with a designated leader that keeps it rolling. McLauglin Group pointed question, group answers, quick debate, move on.

    The worst is “hey, does anybody have anything to say about the so and so or should we talk about so and so?” Figure that out before recording or edit it out.

    Reply
  17. Frank Galvin

    I think you’re going about this the wrong way. Yes, it seems that the comments skew negative towards podcasts in general. Rogan, Farrah, etc are not writers by way of background whereas you and Jack made your bones with the written word thus developing the audience. The only way to gauge whether this would be worthwhile is to go ahead and do a few, then solicit the feedback. Don’t ask for topics – pick your own and go from there. Jack may have a voice for the telegraph, but between the both of you, the content is there. What interests you will ultimately interest the audience. Looking forward to it.

    Reply
  18. Compaq Deskpro

    I’m not opposed to listening to people talking, but I am opposed to 3 hour long stuff and unedited mumbling.

    As BTSR already mentioned, Youtube is a better venue for this, as long as you are okay with doing it for free. (Youtube stopped paying people who swear too much)

    And what if you don’t sound like what people think you sound like?

    Reply
    • Bark M Post author

      People who haven’t heard us speak before will be so disappointed. Our mom was a coloratura soprano, if that gives you any idea.

      Reply
  19. Aleksey

    I will absolutely listen to the Baruth Bros. podcast! There are a lack of well-produced podcasts about the auto industry without hosts that aren’t totally paid shills for the marketing folks. Objective and fun discussion of the industry and various vehicles would be great!

    Reply
    • Economist

      I don’t even need well-produced. Just get together, maybe invite some guests, toss back a few Ketel Ones, and hit the record button.
      I would listen every week to the Baruth Bros take on whatever crosses their minds.

      Reply
  20. Acd

    Ever since Jay Thomas died this summer I haven’t found anyone very entertaining to listen to. Hell yeah I’d listen to a Baruth podcast!

    Reply
  21. Thomas Kreutzer

    I think they podcasts a gimmick that would pull effort away from the main focus of the site. They still require thought and writing to be good, plus then you have to have the technical ability to make something professional quality. Sure, there are a bunch of youtube dumbasses out there churning out shitty videos, but do you really want to line up with those guys?

    If you get away from edited/scripted segments – ala Top Gear – and just get a bunch of guys in a room talking, you get the Smoking Tire podcast you guys participated in a couple of years ago. While listening to you guys “dish” on other bloggers was fun for your fans, and I’m sure it also damaged some relationships and turned some people off. There is a reason behind the old saying, “Never have a photo taken with a woman (other than your wife) under your arm or a with a drink in your hand.” That is especially pertinent considering the way things get blown all over the internet these days.

    Reply
    • JustPassinThru

      This is all probably true; but it opens Jack’s market to a whole new group of followers.

      I’m a radio junkie. Back before the Web I listened to talk radio – which existed, of course, before Rush; but the loosening of the rules brought new voices and liberties that made Rush the vanguard.

      Now, with the realities of broadcast (specific times; political sensibilities; commercial spots) all obvious and overworked, podcasts are the thing. iDon’t do the iPhone; I have an MP3 player which I listen to while working or working out (no, I’m not buff).

      Jack will have to decide. Was I in his shoes, I’d have Mark Bark work to coordinate it all, that Jack could make appearances and have issues…and BarkMark do the slogging, distracting logistical work.

      Reply
  22. Ronnie Schreiber

    Instead of podcasts, livestream on YouTube. That way you can interact with readers and the recorded livestream can have a long tail, depending on the topic. Also, it’s easy to monetize.

    Reply
  23. Q

    As much as I love cars, I haven’t found an automotive podcast that’s worth listening to on a regular basis. Marshall Pruett’s engine sounds is much more interesting than the aimless cross-talk stuff (e.g. Jack Baruth disses Doug Demuro).

    If it covers various other topics like the format of this site, I’d give it a try.

    Reply
  24. yamahog

    Your legendary podcast had me cracking up – your voice isn’t what I imagined it would be and your filthy jokes were HILARIOUS.

    Most of the commenters point out that the information density of podcasts is terrible and they’re right. By and large, your efforts would be better rewarded with writing.

    Podcasts seem to work best as a conversation. Would you record a few podcasts per year? Don’t keep a schedule, but whenever you have a hilarious story to share, grab a mic and maybe someone to keep the story moving along. Your ‘giant crabs that eat people’ story arc is something that might work well as a podcast.

    Reply
  25. St1100boy

    Put me down as a yes vote. I subscribe to several podcasts (though I don’t listen to every episode) and find them excellent entertainment on my lunch break, while driving, walking the dog, etc. I’m always looking for more good content to add to the rotation.

    I’m not sure you even need guests. I’d like to hear the Baruth Bros talk about what they’ve been up to with cars, maybe a little light auto news content too. Sort of like the Two Enthusiasts do for motorcycling.

    That, or make it something like GM Street on the Ringer that has an ex-NFL general manager comment on NFL events. Your collective experience in the car sales, racing, and media worlds could make for a fun podcast. The stories alone would be worth it.

    Reply
  26. Lexlibrarius

    I think a podcast would be great, but I would hate to see it limited to automotive subjects. You need to do conversations about the whole panoply of your and Bark’s interests. You know, reflecting on the human condition, talking about great writing, how different industries really function, maybe some anecdotes about women, that kind of stuff. Maybe bring Farago on to discuss the sordid history of TTAC and how you would put together a dream team to make an automotive website that would make the JalopTrend types regret every knee pad, guilty conscience piece they excreted since 2005.

    You know, family friendly entertainment.

    Reply
  27. Michael B

    The only ones I listen to are short, or easily fast forwarded through. Possibly even listened to at 1.5x speed. I can’t devote 2+ hours/week to podcasts OR YouTube. Mike Rowe from Dirty Jobs has a great one called “The Way I Heard It,” and the tagline is “The only podcast for a curious mind and a short attention span.” The stories are riveting, entertaining, and best of all, less than 10 minutes. If you could do well researched, quick hit podcasts like that, sure it would be great. But longer form stuff like TST, and even Autoline, usually it ends up getting fast forwarded through. And I ALWAYS fast forward the ads.

    Reply
  28. smallblock

    I used to listen to podcasts, but stopped. My 1/2 hour commute isn’t long enough to finish one, and any podcast worth listening to diverts brainpower and cuts my productivity at work. I switched to music with nonsensical / unintelligible / no lyrics.
    When I was listening, I liked TST, Cammed & Tubbed, and Adam Carolla’s Carcast and Ace on the House. Hooniverse was hit or miss.
    I went back and listened to your guest appearance on TST. Very entertaining, your voices were higher than I expected. Matt Farah and Cameron VanDerHorst are naturals for radio and voiceover work, but you are much better writers.

    Reply
    • Jack Baruth

      Not that Mark and I are exactly Lou Rawls, but that was two drunk guys yelling at a microphone ten feet away.

      I have the same vocal range as Karen Carpenter.

      Maybe that’s not a good example. But you know what I mean.

      Reply
        • JustPassinThru

          Since we’re comparing…I have the voice, and also the speech patterns, of Dan Akroyd. Back when Dragnet, the spoof-movie, was released…my friends were in stitches. I didn’t know whether to be flattered or annoyed.

          But, if you were interested, I could be bribed into doing voice intros and advertiser spots…

          Reply
  29. Al Doland

    I don’t think a podcast would be a good use of your time. You both have families and multiple other pursuits. Almost anyone might think they could do a podcast and many do with varying success; however, very few can write as well as either of you. In my opinion your thoughts deserve the written word. Just saying.

    Reply
  30. Ryan C

    Yes, please. The limits of podcasts are totally real, but for those of us with listening time in our days, they’re pretty great. YouTube is okay, but the CPM or podcast ads makes Youtubers envious.

    Reply
    • silentsod

      Thank goodness someone else noticed it. I’ve written up and decided not to post about it three times thinking it was uncouth/childish of me to do so.

      Notice how it’s right next to both someone who has many times been described as one and a posterior.

      Heh.

      Reply
  31. WheeTwelve

    Trying to remember, I do not believe I have ever listened to an entire podcast. Every time I started listening to a podcast, it sounded like the entire point was the podcasters’ ego-inflating, not because there was something of value to communicate. As such, my vote would be ‘no.’ However, there are exceptions. A podcast would be fine only if it’s the best way to present/communicate whatever topic the podcast is on/about. If that means that the podcasts would become frequent, or remain infrequent, it would not matter, as long as they are the best way to present/discuss topics.
    How many posts on this site would you like to go back and delete, because in retrospect you do not consider them to be “good enough?” After a year or two of podcasts, do you believe the ratio of the good/bad podcasts would the similar to the ratio of good/bad written articles?

    Reply
  32. Superslippy

    I would vote in favor of a podcast. I listen to podcasts all the time while commuting or doing boring stuff like the gym or doing house chores. I think the TST appearances we’re very entertaining. Everyday Driver have built up a huge audience from podcasting. The issue is you need to do it on a regular basis or you won’t build an audience. You also need a format gimmick unless you can attract guests or have unnatural talent. YT would be more profitable in the long run but it’s a massive time investment.

    Reply

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