My Formula for the Perfect Apple Podcast

Sunday, January 19, 2025

It’s no secret that podcasts have become an increasingly popular medium over the past decade. However, many have also become more political and polarizing. Now, one may have expected this from business or news-focused shows, but this has also become an issue with Apple podcasts. To be clear, I am not talking about the Apple Podcast app but podcasts about Apple. And I am not limiting my use of the term “political” to consternation about the American government; I am also referring to the pessimism directed at new foundational technologies like artificial intelligence.

The next four years will be tough for many people. They’ll want an escape, even if they agree with some of these political views in principle—look no further than MSNBC’s plummeting ratings for proof.

As a devoted podcast listener, I want more shows that are fun. I want shows that at least try to be optimistic, that understand the practical reality of our life in 2025 and want to connect with the audience at a more intimate level. I get a real sense that some of these shows have grown out of touch. I’ve spoken with others in the Apple community about this, and I know I am not alone in feeling this way. Of course, there’s always room for serious conversations, but there needs to be some balance.

I’m sure that some would argue that it’s Apple and not the shows that have “lost the plot” (I said as much on Threads recently). But I don’t think Apple has changed much from a decade ago. Tim Cook’s Apple may be undeniably different from Steve Jobs’ Apple, but pretending that change happened recently is denying reality. That said, let’s talk about the building blocks of what a new Apple podcast should look like.

Diverse viewpoints: The perfect show needs a variety of hosts (or frequent guests) with differing opinions. There’s been a sort of an expansion of homogenous viewpoints; some seem so sure they’re right that they’ve grown snarky, alienating parts of their audience. A great conversation, one that’s truly engaging, needs to have a solid mixture of folks who can explore a topic from every angle without fear of descending into an argumentative abyss. That’ll keep conversations fresh and make them more relatable.

Focus on what’s actually important: While personal stories and anecdotes add color, they should at least complement the core topic of discussion, not overshadow it. It’s one thing to talk about the products you’re using or your workflow; it’s another to spend too much time discussing things the average listener cannot relate to.

New voices that aren’t jaded: We’re currently listening to many of the same voices we were listening to a decade ago. That’s not a dig; I deeply respect people who have been on the Apple beat for ages. However, we also need to hear from more folks who see things from a modern perspective, people who aren’t quite so jaded or tired.

Optimism about new technologies: It’s one thing to critique an aspect of a technology; it’s another to be diametrically opposed to it even existing. You cannot talk about technology from an unbiased or at least somewhat neutral perspective.

Take yourselves less seriously: These shows are supposed to be fun. They’re not supposed to be adversarial or profound; at their core, they are entertainment.

Bring back practicality: Let’s stop complaining about things that we can’t control and focus on talking about the things that we can.

Balance the politics: Politics have their time and place. But when tuning in to an Apple podcast, I want to hear about the products and the technologies. Period. Straying into personal political opinions risks alienating listeners, especially when that’s not what they tuned in for. If I want to know about Apple’s relationship with the government, I’d rather hear it from professional journalists who cover those specific fields and frankly understand what they’re talking about. There’s no reason to create an adversarial relationship with your listeners, especially when they may agree with you.

Easily digestible: I love a long podcast. However, the issues I’ve laid out here tend to lead to unnecessarily long shows that talk more about irrelevant than relevant topics.

Some Apple podcasts are already doing many of the things I’m suggesting here, regardless of whether they’ve been around for years or are newer to the scene. But there’s also clearly room for something different. While the existing shows I’ve critiqued may have their audience, it’s worth asking: How long will that last?

Okay, that’s enough from me: What do you think? Is there room for a fresh, fun, and engaging new Apple-centric podcast?

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