Through the ages, human beings have always greatly valued storytelling, sharing chronicles, and passing down their history and wisdom from generation to generation. From oral traditions to engraving stone tablets to the written word, storytelling has shifted across cultures and time.
With the birth of podcasts, storytelling is once again ushered into a new era, with true-crime enthusiasts at the forefront. Since the debut of “Serial” in 2014, podcasts have served as a sort of auditory adventure, allowing for spoken word storytelling with an incredible ease of access. To explore this modern method of storytelling, I am going to compare the podcast “Man in the Window” (L.A. Times/Windery), Episode 1, “Phantom in the Fog,” with its literary counterpart, “In the Footsteps of a Killer.”
This podcast invites the listener into an atmosphere of riveting interviews, harmonious sounds, and emotionful narration. It takes advantage of its sensory aspects to immerse the audience in the narrative. Meanwhile, the written source, though lacking auditory and emotional representation, is able to achieve its immersion through vivid language and minute details.
At the heart of storytelling is its captiveness and pace. Podcasts, such as “Man in the Window,” are able to successfully orchestrate suspense, cultivate anticipation, and leave the audience eager as to what they may hear next. They use their full control over the pace and ambiance to grasp the reader’s mind, acting as a symphony of words and sounds.
Written sources, like “In the Footsteps of a Killer,” are more like beautifully composed sonnets. They divulge at a rhythmic pace, allowing the reader to interpret their melody. Words present a wider view of the events taking place and can offer a more meticulous exploration of a case. There is so much depth that can be explained through the written word, allowing readers to savor each detail. However, a drawback is that they sacrifice the true immediacy that audio representation excels at.
As a final verdict, I can confidently state that no one medium of expression is superior. Podcasts, as well as written articles, each hold their own unique allure. What I personally believe is that the enthrallment of a podcast assisted by a written description or article is the true best form. This allows the reader to experience the best possible blend of both worlds.
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Great observation about the long human history of storytelling!