Just like it challenges musicians to make an album every February, and just like it recently had folks take a crack at stand-up comedy just for fun, Unpossible NL is challenging podcast enthusiasts to make 3 episodes of a podcast this September, “because you can.”

This is not a contest, it’s free, and anyone can do it. As this graphic from UnPossible shows, participating this September is as easy as 1-2-3…4-5.

Dubbed as “The RPM Challenge of podcasts” by UnPossible founder Elling Lien, we can only hope it catches on as much as the RPM Challenge, which consistently produces over 100 new local albums every February. It’ll be nice to have 100 or more podcasts to listen to as we cozy into fall, and nest a little, for some post-summer, indoor R’nR.

Get political, get silly, take it seriously, or don’t. Just do it. In an interview with ArtsNL, who funded the project, Elling says, “If it can be recorded, it can be a podcast.

“Sure, maybe a good jumping off point is to think of any radio show or podcast you already love, and try to find a way to make that format your own. But people should take that as just a jumping off point.”

Host a news show limited to the news on your street. Start a political podcast about family bathroom politics. Make a podcast about your dog. Make a podcast FOR your dog.

Your options are pretty limitless. “Just jamming out a few ideas,” Elling says, “You can write a sci-fi radio play and do all of the voices and sounds with your friends. Host a news show limited to the news on your street. Start a political podcast about family bathroom politics. Make a podcast about your dog. Make a podcast FOR your dog. Host a fictional news show set in a fictional world.

“I really love throwing things at the wall and seeing what sticks. You could even literally throw things at a wall and record that.”

Speaking of loving things, when asked, off the top of his head, what some of his personal podcast go-tos are, he said “I mostly listen to Comedy Bang Bang, which is just so ridiculous and fun. Radiolab is another one I go for regularly.”

Workshops & Launch this Weekend

UnPossible NL is launching Podcast Jam with workshops to get you ready to roll, technically speaking, and to get your mind racing with ideas for your show.

ST. JOHN’S
September 1 at the St. John’s Farmer’s Market (workshop room, by offices/washrooms), 1pm.

BONAVISTA
September 2 at The Commons Coworking space (Public Building, 2nd floor), 1pm.

You can also bounce ideas off people, ask questions, post or see snippets of what people are working on, and get engaged on the Podcast Jam Facebook Page.

The workshops are free, but space is limited, so you’ll need to fill out this form. Sign up for the challenge itself here: https://www.unpossible.co