#4: Challenging Boundaries: How Podcast Culture Empowers Listeners to Redefine Traditional Narratives
The article by Leslie McMurtry, "Transgressing Boundary Rituals on Radio," and adapted by Crisell, refers to "boundary rituals" as those cues or transitions that signal a listener that a certain format, genre, or segment of radio programming is about to commence. Those early rituals standardized content to make it more predictable and listener-friendly. Whether it is television, radio, or social media, there are always characters, voices, or algorithms reproducing traditional values and norms. Using gender as an example, earlier media forms always portray women as stay-at-home moms, responsible for caretaking, cleaning, or cooking, and men as the primary providers and protectors. These roles are still prevalent in media today but they are openly discussed and challenged. This is more specifically evident in podcast culture. Podcasts today are more often than not, unfiltered, unscripted, and authentic to the people involved in the conversation. Jordan B. Peterson, Joe Rogan,
This pushes conversations with the audience, figures such as Jordan B. Peterson and Joe Rogan have foregrounded how podcasts foster dynamic, open conversations that resonate with listeners who feel empowered not only to interact with them but also to shape discourses and, as Bonini suggests, to become part of the co-production of the media experience. This new turn has allowed the finding and contesting of existing narratives within a changing media landscape and creates a connection with listeners.
What podcast do you feel pushes boundary rituals? Do they challenge societal norms?
This post really illustrates the way podcasts break away from traditional "boundary rituals" that McMurtry discusses. Unlike radio, which uses these cues to set expectations, podcasts often blur boundaries, with open-ended and unscripted conversations. Hosts like Joe Rogan and Jordan B. Peterson move freely across topics, making listeners feel more engaged and part of the experience. It’s interesting to think about how this format invites audiences to question established narratives rather than just passively consume content. Podcasts are challenging older media norms by creating spaces for more direct, flexible exchanges with listeners
ReplyDeleteYour post highlights an interesting shift in media from traditional formats to more open, boundary-pushing spaces, especially in podcasting. It’s true that podcasts have given both hosts and listeners a unique freedom to explore ideas without the same rigid roles and “boundary rituals” that we see in older media like radio and TV. This openness has allowed for real, often raw conversations that challenge established norms and give listeners a voice in shaping the content.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I find intriguing is how this shift in podcasts might influence traditional media formats in the future. As podcasts continue to blur boundaries and invite listeners to become part of the conversation, could this style of unscripted, interactive media eventually reshape radio or television? Do you think traditional media will adapt, or will podcasts remain unique in fostering these kinds of discussions?