South Dakota’s Pod People

Podcasts are big. As of 2019, most Americans have given the former “little medium that could” a listen, thanks to a surge in mainstream popularity. They’re a opportunity to reach a targeted audience with niche programming, inspiring community growth on social media and in the real world. Whatever you’re interested in, there’s a show for you. And right here in South Dakota, creatives are sharing their passion with growing audiences.

Ben Hanten of Yankton is interested in the moments that define us – the “whys” and “hows” of the human experience. The Lanyard, named for the ubiquitous backstage pass vehicle, serves as a platform for the politico and marketer turned entrepreneur (Ben’s Brewing Co.) and community advocate (@ILoveYankton) to invite local game-changers and decision makers to discuss their experiences, challenges, and breakthrough moments.

Hanten looks for guests he wants to learn from. Up-and-comers are great and all, but he wants to hear the unique perspectives of people who’ve actually seen a thing or two.

“They have to be people I’m genuinely interested in getting to know,” said Hanten. “My very first episode was with Sister Maribeth Wentzlaff, prioress at the Sacred Heart Monastery. I knew of her, but didn’t know how she became a nun and some of the behind-the-scenes details – it was maybe my favorite episode so far.”He continued, “I also really loved the live episode with (singer/songwriter) Matt Fockler. He told his stories about songwriting and performed four original songs.”

Other notable moments include swapping “Bill Janklow stories” with former Lieutenant Govermor Matt Michels in episode two, and Hanten’s unabashed fanboying over Rock Garden Tour’s Ted Heeren, as they discussed their mutual love of small-town South Dakota.

STREAM AT ANCHOR.FM/THELANYARD.

> “I have a ton of favorite podcasts, but three faves that I’ve listened to multiple times includes: The Black Tapes, Limetown, and Spines. All three of these are fictional audio dramas with a spooky bent.” – Sarah Werner, host of WriteNow and Girl in Space.

> “I really enjoy Criminal with Phoebe Judge. It is an incredibly well-constructed show that takes a broad view of the definition of crime, and does so with a really compassionate and human point of view.” – Brian Bieber, host of Ghosts & Horses Radio Hour and producer of The 605 Show.

> “Honestly, I wanted to hate Dax Shepard so badly, but his podcast, Armchair Expert, is one of my favorites. His interview style is so interesting, and I love how he sometimes takes his experience with alcoholics anonymous and uses that to talk and relate with guests. It’s effective and not too much.” – Alana Snyder, host of The 605 Show.

Writing is messy. It can be equal parts inspiration and self-doubt, triumph, and heartbreak. So often, we’re fed the idea that writers are a chosen few, struck by the proverbial lightning bolt – young Sylvester Stallone writing Rocky in a single weekend or Mary Shelley penning Frankenstein on a stormy night. Sioux Falls’ Sarah Werner’s Write Now podcast is here to shed light on the realities of being a writer – to say, “yes, it’s hard. Yes, it takes time to hone your craft. But you can do it.”

“Initially, the Write Now (with Sarah Werner) podcast was going to be an instructional podcast aimed at helping people my age – millennials – fit creative writing into a too-busy lifestyle,” said Werner, a writer and marketing professional. “Today, the show has evolved into a look at what it means to be a writer and live creatively.”

Write Now’s premise is two-fold. In addition to serving as a resource for fellow writers, it’s a chronicle of Werner’s real-life creative journey developing the successful sci-fi drama serial podcast, Girl in Space.

As Werner’s podcasts have taken shape, so has her career. In addition to thriving on the public speaking circuit, her Facebook group, I Am a Writer with Sarah Werner, is more than 2,200 members strong.

STREAM AT SARAHWERNER.COM.

GIRL IN SPACE

“Abandoned on a dying ship, a young scientist fights for survival (and patience) with the on-board A.I.” – girlinspacepodcast.com

STAND TO SERVE

“A podcast that focuses on conversations with people who are standing up to serve in the bravest, scariest way possible: by being who they were meant to be – no matter what.” – standtoserve.com

THE CONVERSATION WITH ADAM WEBER

“Adam Weber (of Embrace Church) sits down with some of the finest people on the planet to ask about what they’ve experienced and learned in the past and also what they’re currently learning.” – adamweber.com

THE DRESCH CODE PODCAST

“A Dresch perspective on music, comedy, and the arts from comedian/musician Zach Dresch, co-host Ryan Howe, and guests.” – live605.com/podcast/dresch-code

THE SIOUX EMPIRE PODCAST

“The ‘quirky but harmless’ podcast that’s all about Northern Plains news, comedy, music, and culture. Join them on their comedic odyssey through all things Sioux Empire, pop culture, and beyond.” – live605.com/shows/the-sioux-empire-podcast

THE TALE FEATHER

“Campfire-style podcast discussing a range of topics.” – talefeatherpodcast.podbean.com

This is a show by friends for friends – at least, that’s how it feels. Listeners are invited in as co-hosts Alana Snyder and Vaney Hariri gleefully banter about the state of entertainment and culture in South Dakota.

Snyder is the founder and publisher of 605 Magazine and Hariri is a Sioux Falls-based entrepreneur (Think 3D Solutions) and musician (stage name: V the Noble One). Along with producer (and low-key comedy genius) Brian Bieber, they record in various bars, restaurants, and businesses throughout the state, inviting local movers and shakers to discuss their careers and upcoming events. The 605 Show keeps it light – playing games, sampling food and drink specialities, and having a lot of laughs with whoever stops by.“We’re breaking bread and we’re learning,” said Hariri. “Alana is a writer and mew as an entertainer, were infinitely curious. We really want to know, ‘How does this work? How did you do that?’ When you’re interviewing, you have to be truly, genuinely curious and actually engaged in what their experience is and what they care about. That’s where the magic happens.”

STREAM AT 605MAGAZINE.COM/THE-605-SHOW.

When Perry Miller began hosting Beer Untapped on Brookings Radio in 2014, South Dakota had “maybe four or five” craft breweries. Five years later, we can choose which local six-pack we’d like to bring to the barbecue – because more than two dozen breweries operate in the Mount Rushmore state. Clearly, Miller was on to something.

Beer Untapped episodes are easily digestible five to eight-minute dives into the world of South Dakota craft beer. Miller is often joined by Wooden Legs Brewing Company co-owner Seth Koch to cover the news of the local brewing industry, beer trends, and general observations on various styles and techniques.Now that the show’s 200+ installments are available as podcast episodes, Miller is brining South Dakota beer to the rest of the world. And with the influx of new breweries in the state, there’s still plenty to talk about.

“I think what they’re doing right is they’re doing really quality beer and they’re making it easily accessible for people who haven’t tried craft beer,” said Miller.

He continued, “I think the best thing South Dakota brewers can do is continue to focus on quality and a diversity of styles. If there’s diversity of styles, just about anybody is going to find a craft beer they like, and then they can go from there. Really, the craft beer that we can get here in South Dakota, it’s as good as anywhere – and I’ve had craft beer from all over the country.

STREAM AT BROOKINGSRADIO.COM/CATEGORY/BEER-UNTAPPED.