Does every celeb really need a podcast?

It seems like every time I open my phone, I’m bombarded with another celebrity announcing their new podcast. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good podcast. I find them informative, entertaining and a great way to pass the time.

But lately, the sheer volume of celebrity-hosted podcasts, not to mention the deluge of opinion-slinging amateur hosts, has left me feeling more overwhelmed than enlightened. Are we truly benefiting from this podcast proliferation or are we just drowning in a sea of unqualified voices?

The real head-scratcher for me is the celebrity podcast phenomenon. Why do so many feel the need to jump on the bandwagon? Is it a genuine desire to connect with their audience on a deeper level or simply another avenue for self-promotion and brand building?

And why, oh why, do they insist on inviting their equally famous friends on as guests? It often devolves into an echo chamber of privileged perspectives, a dizzying vortex of inside jokes and celebrity anecdotes that leave me feeling more excluded than entertained.

The worst part is the incestuous nature of these celebrity podcasts. It’s a never-ending cycle of self-promotion: “I was just on so-and-so’s podcast, talking about my new project, which you can also hear me discuss on so-and-so’s podcast next week!” It feels less like genuine conversation and more like a carefully orchestrated marketing campaign. It’s a constant reminder that I, a mere mortal, am peering into a world of glitz and glamor that I’ll likely never experience.

But the issue extends beyond just the famous and fabulous. The democratization of podcasting, while ultimately a positive thing, has also led to a surge of individuals who seem to believe that simply having an opinion qualifies them to host a show. And while everyone is entitled to their voice, not everyone is necessarily equipped to hold an audience’s attention, conduct a compelling interview or even articulate their thoughts in a coherent manner.

This brings me to another pet peeve: the rise of the video podcast. The audio format was initially appealing because it offered a certain level of intimacy and allowed for multi-tasking. Now, I’m expected to watch people talk into gigantic microphones for an hour — or three hours? What exactly is the entertainment value there?

And the editing! Don’t even get me started on the distracting jump cuts that plague so many video podcasts. It’s like watching a Frankensteinian creation of sentences stitched together from fragmented thoughts and rambling tangents. These jarring edits are a blatant tell that the host is struggling to articulate a complete thought, or that they’re desperately trying to salvage a conversation that’s gone off the rails. It’s a clear sign that maybe, just maybe, you’re not cut out for this.

Look, I understand the appeal of podcasting. It’s a platform for connection, for sharing ideas and for building community. But let’s be honest with ourselves: not everyone is a natural host or a captivating interviewer. Actors should focus on acting, singers should stick to singing, and individuals should carefully consider whether they possess the skills and passion to create a podcast that genuinely offers something of value.

Personality doesn’t automatically translate to podcasting prowess. Before jumping on the bandwagon, maybe we should ask ourselves: Do I have something truly interesting to say? Can I hold an engaging conversation? And most importantly, am I adding to the conversation or just contributing to the overwhelming noise?

Maybe, just maybe, the world doesn’t need another celebrity podcast. Maybe, just maybe, what we need are more insightful, well-prepared and genuinely engaging voices that offer something more than just another echo in the celebrity chamber.

Let’s raise the bar, people. Let’s demand more from our podcasts. My ears (and eyes) will thank you.