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[bucknuticus]

Thanks but no thanks earwofl. Ive been listening to CBB since it was still called comedy death ray, ive bought numerous things of merchandise and donated to the show but I dont like this at all. I dont how many people ive told "hey check out CBB and start with the August Lindt or Huell/Ice T/and jesse Ventura ep", now I cant do that. Something just feels wrong about all this, throw another ad at the front of the show I dont care, or give me a better reason to pay $5 like video of the podcasts.

 

[The Kid]

It sucks to lose the archived shows, especially for new listeners to stuff like Hollywood Handbook which is so based on long time inside jokes. For me, I'm more likely to stop listening to old episodes rather than pay $5 for them. I am willing to spend $5 a month on this but it will depend on the exclusives. The announced podcasts are interesting but not enough to push me over the hump. I will drop $5 immediately as soon as they announce a new Hayes and Sean project.

 

[Bread]

I can see all that. Weirdly enough this is all much more convenient for me. I listen to music through my iPod Classic so to listen to casts I had to download through iTunes and check off the thing and if I wanted to listen to old ones I had to check those off and all that. I'm sure there are good podcast apps but I'm flagrantly lazy. Having all the good stuff in one place makes it super easy for me.

I can see that's not for everyone but I think Maron had it right in that Fast Company article. There's a lot of barriers for entry to listen to podcasts and this makes it pretty super easy.

Scott doesn't even know if the podcasts will be downloadable right now, so you might be shit outta luck with that ipod.

 

[Robaperas]

Scott doesn't even know if the podcasts will be downloadable right now, so you might be shit outta luck with that ipod.

Really? Did he said that on the "AMA" at the Earwolf forums?

 

[Bread]

Really? Did he said that on the "AMA" at the Earwolf forums?

there is no option to download the files on the desktop site, and if you download them on your mobile device they must be played using the app.

 

[Goldenroad]

They can't lock Analyze Phish behind the paywall right? I know it's over 6 months, but there are only like 8 episodes and I think...(god damn this sounds entitiled), Harris's fan's should be able to hear those episodes at any time. Having said that, if they make some more episodes and Adam Scott Aukermann go to another concert to do another Analyze Phish, I will gladly subscribe.

 

[Bread]

They can't lock Analyze Phish behind the paywall right? I know it's over 6 months, but there are only like 8 episodes and I think...(god damn this sounds entitiled), Harris's fan's should be able to hear those episodes at any time. Having said that, if they make some more episodes and Adam Scott Aukermann go to another concert to do another Analyze Phish, I will gladly subscribe.

short series podcasts like AP will not be put behind the paywall

 

[neshcom]

Really bummed to hear the archive will be deleted from public access (I'm assuming they mean via RSS). Scott's take on it on CBB is almost insulting. He really made a point to sell it like getting rid of those archives was a good thing for new listeners when it's the opposite and there isn't anything new brought in other than "now you've gotta pay for what was already offered to you." I honestly would have rather it been more honest about--and I'm assuming here--ad sales being too weighted towards certain shows or dwindling. I'd feel proud to support Earwolf with that pitch.

Shit, I was just in what would be the archives the past couple months pre-downloading CBB's for air travel. Now it's stuck behind an app that I don't even know if it compares to the stock Apple podcast app. Their site doesn't talk features at all.

ninja edit: Oh yeah, is UTU2TM going behind the paywall too?

 

[Fantastical]

Yeah Scott's explanation is obviously bullshit which doesn't help this move. There is no reason the archives couldn't be available. They could just make a guide for new listeners.

EDIT: For some positivity, I'm loving the value of Howl. These new premium shows sound great, and I've never listened to WTF so I'm in for a lot of show. I've listened to the Psychic Pshow which was... interesting.

 

[neshcom]

Marc Maron gave this quote to Fast Company:

You still get people that just aren't in the habit of listening to podcasts, for whatever reason. It's amazing how many people I hear from who are like, 'I just started, man.' They always say, 'I'm late to the party.' I think it's really important to know that, in the age we live in, there is no late to the party. You can enter the party at any time, and it's always going full tilt. So, I think access is a big thing, and it's really one of the few mediums where there's a huge possibility for growth.

If you read that too fast, you'd think he were boasting how much more access Howl brings listeners--not how lucrative monetizing that access is.

I guess I shouldn't feel threatened by another company trying to out-iTunes iTunes, but as a podcast provider, it's bitter-sweet that they want to be the place for all people to go get podcasts while also being a gatekeeper. For better or worse, iTunes only cares that your feeds work. It doesn't lend much credence to its ability to recommend, but it makes an open discovery tool for everyone. But if 50% of the top comedy programming starts to lock down content? Maybe it's not the worst thing, but it's kind of bum as a listener and someone who can't see a way in.

 

[Fantastical]

Why am I hearing ads on the latest CBB using Howl?

 

[Salsa]

ninja edit: Oh yeah, is UTU2TM going behind the paywall too?

no



i'll reiterate that assumoing anything business wise from this is odd and early. Ads were great yeah but we have no idea what the shape of Earwolf was or how it was doing business-wise. Assuming they're doing this cause "fuck it we want more money" rather than them just having to seems as misguided as any other guess

the archive pulling is shitty. that's what we can all agree on

 

[BertramCooper]

Marc Maron gave this quote to Fast Company:


If you read that too fast, you'd think he were boasting how much more access Howl brings listeners--not how lucrative monetizing that access is.

I guess I shouldn't feel threatened by another company trying to out-iTunes iTunes, but as a podcast provider, it's bitter-sweet that they want to be the place for all people to go get podcasts while also being a gatekeeper. For better or worse, iTunes only cares that your feeds work. It doesn't lend much credence to its ability to recommend, but it makes an open discovery tool for everyone. But if 50% of the top comedy programming starts to lock down content? Maybe it's not the worst thing, but it's kind of bum as a listener and someone who can't see a way in.

Perhaps Earwolf/Midroll is done trying to expand their audience, and is switching their focus to maximizing revenue from their current audience. Maybe their research has determined that they've hit their saturation point.

If that's the case, well, I at least understand the strategy, even if I'm not crazy about it.

i'll reiterate that assumoing anything business wise from this is odd and early. Ads were great yeah but we have no idea what the shape of Earwolf was or how it was doing business-wise. Assuming they're doing this cause "fuck it we want more money" rather than them just having to seems as misguided as any other guess

I can't imagine their business wasn't solid, considering the rate at which Earwolf has expanded over the last year or two.

But it was inevitable that at some point they'd get bought out by a media conglomerate, and the focus would have to switch from "make a profit" to "maximize profit." That's not me passing judgment on them or anything, just to be clear. It just seems logical that Howl was conceived with all of that in mind.

 

[BenjaminBirdie]

Scott doesn't even know if the podcasts will be downloadable right now, so you might be shit outta luck with that ipod.

It's fine now. Like I said, I prefer using Howl over that.

 

[Salsa]

But it was inevitable that at some point they'd get bought out by a media conglomerate, and the focus would have to switch from "make a profit" to "maximize profit." That's not me passing judgment on them or anything, just to be clear. It just seems logical that Howl was conceived with all of that in mind.

well, I dont know. maybe someday we'll get more information on how it went down

 

[BenjaminBirdie]

I do disagree that this is a hard fuck you to expanding their audience. It's honestly not impossible to introduce new listeners with the most recent episodes.

I'm wondering how much ownership podcast makers have of their material. If they don't like this move can they leave earwolf?

 

[Robaperas]

I do disagree that this is a hard fuck you to expanding their audience. It's honestly not impossible to introduce new listeners with the most recent episodes.

Nerd Poker is one, I listen to it since the beginning and they had to start a new campaign mid 2014 because schedule issues, jobs, newborn babies, etc. Without shelling out the 5 bucks, you just can't listen to the new story arc, you'll miss Blaine's hilarious ads, amazing botches, Stargoyle and so on.

 

[Suite Pee]

Fuck if I want to use multiple apps for podcasts, among other things that piss me off about this.

I wonder if this is why Horatio left.

 

[Fantastical]

Fuck if I want to use multiple apps for podcasts, among other things that piss me off about this.

I wonder if this is why Horatio left.

Maybe... Who knows though...

 

[way more]

Earwolf has launched a new premium subscription service

http://howl.fm

With new shows from Wild Horses, Superego or Lauren Lapkus, all CBB live eps (including a sclusie) and several comedy albums. Plus, the WTF back catalog

(Including a sneak peek of that Jermaine Clement show)

Huh. The free route sounded just fine to me till I heard that. I pretty much just listen as the come out and ads never bothered me.

On the other hand this is against my principals and I'll never support them again.

I've got a lot to think about over the weekend.

Edit: Crap, it's Monday

 

[StopMakingSense]

Huh. The free route sounded just fine to me till I heard that. I pretty much just listen as the come out and ads never bothered me.

The WTF catalog has always been behind a paywall. (Albeit cheaper)

 

[way more]

The WTF catalog has always been behind a paywall. (Albeit cheaper)

Yeah, that's why I will probably get this.

 

[CzarTim]

Sorry if this has been asked but does howl save your position in each podcast and sync between pc / mobile? I use Downcast currently, and I'd rather not switch, but if Howl works just as well I might sign up just to support them.

 

[BenjaminBirdie]

Phew! New casts are up on Howl. I thought they pulled a real choke job when I saw the new HH on iTunes but not Howl.

Only a few minutes in but no mention of the new setup yet. Pro Version perks TK?????

Yeah, that's why I will probably get this.

If you're a WTF subscriber you already do. Maron posted the link to connect accounts on Twitter.

 

[BertramCooper]

The one premium podcast that is really tempting is the Superego one. I LOVE Superego and the concept for this new podcast sounds amazing.

The Lapkus and Wild Horses ones are also intriguing, but because WSGLL ended up being kind of mediocre, I'll wait for impressions on those two.

 

[BenjaminBirdie]

The one premium podcast that is really tempting is the Superego one. I LOVE Superego and the concept for this new podcast sounds amazing.

The Lapkus and Wild Horses ones are also intriguing, but because WSGLL ended up being kind of mediocre, I'll wait for impressions on those two.

Yeah Superego was the draw above all for me, especially since it includes behind the bonus.

By the WAY? HH is the best thing of all time.

 

[BenjaminBirdie]

Combing through the Scott Answers about Howl, looks like all the Best Of CBB episodes will remain free forever.

So that's a pretty simple and great way to introduce people to the show, plus it always includes the episode number it comes from IIRC.

So the Poehler Rap will be forever free.

 

[Wrestlemania]

Combing through the Scott Answers about Howl, looks like all the Best Of CBB episodes will remain free forever.

So that's a pretty simple and great way to introduce people to the show, plus it always includes the episode number it comes from IIRC.

So the Poehler Rap will be forever free.

The entire archive will always be free, it's just that you need to use the Howl app to get them.

 

[xrayregime]

I'll be subscribing to Howl once the Android app goes live, but Scott's explanation of grabbing new listeners is disingenuous at best. Also it was literally laughable, considering PF Tompkins guffawed at the thought of people not understanding how to start listening to something.

Like he could have at least just laid it all out that having a subscription service for Earwolf will finally allow him to afford those fuckin' t-shirts, man!

 

[BenjaminBirdie]

The entire archive will always be free, it's just that you need to use the Howl app to get them.

No it won't. Everything older than six months is behind the paywall.

Man, I used to really dislike Hot Saucerman, thought he was just a dude who stepped on great bits, but reading through his valiant answers in that thread on Earwolf makes me respect him so much.

 

[BenjaminBirdie]

I'll be subscribing to Howl once the Android app goes live, but Scott's explanation of grabbing new listeners is disingenuous at best. Also it was literally laughable, considering PF Tompkins guffawed at the thought of people not understanding how to start listening to something.

Like he could have at least just laid it all out that having a subscription service for Earwolf will finally allow him to afford those fuckin' t-shirts, man!

The new listeners stuff might be faulty logic, but he is stridently defending creators' rights to compensation in that Earwolf thread. He's a fucking hero if you ask me.

He also talks explicitly about how little (or zero) smaller podcasts make and how Howl was specifically designed to help shows like our beloved Hollywood Handbook generate regular income since they specifically had episodes that would dip under the listener volume requirements of the advertisers. (Which was stunning to me, and highlighted even more the need for a subscription service like this.)

It's a Sisyphean task to wind back the clock and try and monetize what was once free but it's something that has to start somehow or people will just stop making beautiful things and day jobs will become simply "jobs" and no one will laugh again.

Also, as far growing audiences, he rightfully cited WTF as adopting this exact model and only growing in popularity.

 

[xrayregime]

Scotty's heroic forum posting

Yeah, I'm reading through that thread now as well, but he should have made those three points on the episode - as well as WTF's rise in popularity - which probably has more listeners than the forum has readers.

I am a fan, so it's not a big deal. I noticed he wasn't sure/someone corrected him/etc. on whether or not you can download the podcasts on the howl app. It would suck to have to stream all the time when I'm out of the house. So is it possible to download the eps to the app? Sorry if this was addressed in this thread already as well.

 

[BenjaminBirdie]

Yeah, I'm reading through that thread now as well, but he should have made those three points on the episode - as well as WTF's rise in popularity - which probably has more listeners than the forum has readers.

I am a fan, so it's not a big deal. I noticed he wasn't sure/someone corrected him/etc. on whether or not you can download the podcasts on the howl app. It would suck to have to stream all the time when I'm out of the house. So is it possible to download the eps to the app? Sorry if this was addressed in this thread already as well.

Yes, I've been doing it since yesterday, but it does seem like there's a cap. I DL'd an assortment to sample the wares and it looks like it pushes the oldest downloads off.

I'm fine with that, though. Right now I have 9 DL'd. I can't imagine I'd go longer than 9+ hours without a phone signal.

EDIT: Make sure you turn on Cellular Downloads in the Settings, though. Default it's turned off.

I just can't get enough of HH!!!

 

[xrayregime]

Yes, I've been doing it since yesterday, but it does seem like there's a cap. I DL'd an assortment to sample the wares and it looks like it pushes the oldest downloads off.

I'm fine with that, though. Right now I have 9 DL'd. I can't imagine I'd go longer than 9+ hours without a phone signal.

I just can't get enough of HH!!!

Ah great! Yeah, I've been jumping into early HH a little bit at a time after their CBB appearance.

There are days when I'm away from my computer at work (but still able to listen to my ipod/phone) for nearly 9 hours though, so I'll just have to remember to download episodes I might want to listen to.

 

[Fantastical]

WTF != CBB or HH. WTF is way easier to get in to.

 

[BertramCooper]

The most important thing for all of this to work, in my opinion, is that the episode players in the Howl apps need to be spectacular. They need to stand up to every other podcast player available on Android and iOS.

I'm just skeptical that Earwolf/Midroll will ever be able to keep up with apps like Pocket Casts, unless they were able to actually acquire a developer like Shifty Jelly or something.

 

[Fantastical]

The most important thing for all of this to work, in my opinion, is that the episode players in the Howl apps need to be spectacular. They need to stand up to every other podcast player available on Android and iOS.

I'm just skeptical that Earwolf/Midroll will ever be able to keep up with apps like Pocket Casts, unless they were able to actually acquire a developer like Shifty Jelly or something.

They need to offer premium RSS feeds (which I don't think it will since they are preaching the NETFLIX FOR PODCASTS stuff).

 

[BenjaminBirdie]

WTF != CBB or HH. WTF is way easier to get in to.

HH is I guess more at risk than CBB since there's no Best Of, but if I was to recommend it to someone, even after just hearing four episodes, I would put it on the level of something like Deadwood or Morrison's New X-Men, and no one should rightfully expect that for free anyway. I'd say "drop the five bucks, it's worth it, trust me," and because I am infallible and love only great things, my friends would say "okay, I trust you."

Oh, wait, there's a free trial, so you don't even need the five bucks.

Here's how it would work I guess.

I'd say, "Bro, check out HH. It's literally the Deadwood of podcasts. It's perfect."
They'd go, "Eh, I dunno,"
I'd go, "Here's a link to the feed, check out the latest episode, see if it's for you."

58 minutes later

"I listened to one episode. Are these guys serious? They sound like a bunch of assholes."
"Listen to one more."

72 minutes later

"Holy shit, dude, you were right."
"RIGHT??"
"Okay, how do I get more?"
"Download Howl, you get a week free. I'd start from the beginning if I were you, but even that's a little confusing because in Episode 1 they act like their segments are long time regular things. I started with the first Scharpling one, personally."

And what they do next is up to them.

It's a few more steps, I guess, but it's not impossible, nor does it cost money.

The most important thing for all of this to work, in my opinion, is that the episode players in the Howl apps need to be spectacular. They need to stand up to every other podcast player available on Android and iOS.

I'm just skeptical that Earwolf/Midroll will ever be able to keep up with apps like Pocket Casts, unless they were able to actually acquire a developer like Shifty Jelly or something.

I've never used podcast apps before (I was a Dapper iPod man), so I can't compare, but they have built in pictures and notes and host Twitter feeds so I feel like it's pretty swanky, personally.

 

[BertramCooper]

If the Howl app ends up being spectacularly good AND could somehow serve as a standard podcast manager for non-Earwolf/Midroll podcasts, that would be pretty cool.

But I don't see that happening.

 

[BenjaminBirdie]

If the Howl app ends up being spectacularly good AND could somehow serve as a standard podcast manager for non-Earwolf/Midroll podcasts, that would be pretty cool.

But I don't see that happening.

Yeah, I don't think that will ever happen either.

I like Howl as a catalog of comedy stuff enough that I don't mind just using it as a portal for that content. It's a lot like how I wish every record label I love had a Drip (especially Numero Group, yeesh), but it will never happen. So I'll be stuck with less than ideal solutions for some of the stuff that I like. Same with Dark Horse and CMX. Things get a little better here and there (DH has put their trades on CMX but not their singles), but mostly I've had to just live life on life's terms, really.

 

[Wrestlemania]

No it won't. Everything older than six months is behind the paywall.

Oh, that's a shame.

 

[big ander]

I don't do a ton of going back and listening to old episodes of stuff, but I do sometimes. kinda a bummer that'll be behind a paywall now, but oh well

I think getting people into say, CBB will still be possible as long as 1) the best ofs stay free 2) they don't start policing the clips on youtube. That second part is important, anyone who needs convincing to listen to this stuff might not start with a full 100 minute episode anyway. long as there are 10-15 minute clips of specific comedians/segments on youtube, there will be paths into the show. HH is a much bigger problem, listening from the beginning is a huge help getting into it...but I do think people can get into it from later episodes. I listened to the second Scharpling ep with my brother who'd never heard the show before and by a half-hour in he'd begun to get it.

I dunno. this doesn't effect me personally enough for me to have any firm opinion on it. I'm still probably gonna keep everything in the (admittedly janky) default podcast app. Just download new episodes of both Earwolf and non-Earwolf shows as they come out. as I've always done

 

[helloresolven]

well no shit, that's because they are forced to do that now. i'm not sure why anyone would support this change. if you wanted to support your favorite podcasters, donate. if you wanted to listen to the ads because you know they pay the bills, you could do that.

I have a hard time believing that casual podcast listeners start with the very first one of podcasts that come out weekly with weekly guests. While you certainly do miss some inside jokes, HH isn't SO MAGNIFICENTLY SPECIAL that you cannot listen to one of the latest episodes to see if it is for you.

 

[BenjaminBirdie]

I have a hard time believing that casual podcast listeners start with the very first one of podcasts that come out weekly with weekly guests. While you certainly do miss some inside jokes, HH isn't SO MAGNIFICENTLY SPECIAL that you cannot listen to one of the latest episodes to see if it is for you.

I got into it starting with the first Scharpling episode, personally.

 

[KarmaCow]

I have a hard time believing that casual podcast listeners start with the very first one of podcasts that come out weekly with weekly guests. While you certainly do miss some inside jokes, HH isn't SO MAGNIFICENTLY SPECIAL that you cannot listen to one of the latest episodes to see if it is for you.

Well maybe not the first but the big reason I even started listening to Who Charted was because I was curious about Jason Mantzoukas appearing on a coupler older episodes. After that I just went through older episodes from comedians I liked and fell in love with Howard falling over his stream of consciousness comments and Kulap losing it every time. It was fun to isten to one of the first episodes with Casey Wilson where Howard blurts out that getting roofied and raped isn't so bad or finding the genesis of Howard's solution to The Clench™ where he starts beating himself with metal bars or his epiphany about how the guy who fucked a stuffed pony in Walmart has it all figured out.

edit: Though considering I'm too lazy to actually find links to those episodes since it's so daunting kinda undermines my point.

 

[Dan]

Can you download from the website?

 

[BenjaminBirdie]

"It's not the position of this podcast to judge how other people live, but if you're using shit, and that's the only way you know how to prank, then that's not funny to me."

#HOLLYWOODHANDBOOKFOREVER

 

[Maklershed]

Listening to the Patrick Walsh episode. I'm dying at this poppers and Patrick and Sean as boyfriends talk.

 

[BenjaminBirdie]

Listening to the Patrick Walsh episode. I'm dying at this poppers and Patrick and Sean as boyfriends talk.

Today's Teaser Freezer is astonishing.

EDIT: SO much love.

 

[helloresolven]

Well maybe not the first but the big reason I even started listening to Who Charted was because I was curious about Jason Mantzoukas appearing on a coupler older episodes. After that I just went through older episodes from comedians I liked and fell in love with Howard falling over his stream of consciousness comments and Kulap losing it every time. It was fun to isten to one of the first episodes with Casey Wilson where Howard blurts out that getting roofied and raped isn't so bad or finding the genesis of Howard's solution to The Clench™ where he starts beating himself with metal bars or his epiphany about how the guy who fucked a stuffed pony in Walmart has it all figured out.

edit: Though considering I'm too lazy to actually find links to those episodes since it's so daunting kinda undermines my point.

Here's the last six months of Who Charted?

Ep #245 - Bush-Shaped Bush (Nick Thorburn, Armen Weitzman)
Ep #244 - Meryl's New Moves (Echo Kellum)
Ep #243 - An Inconvenient Convenient Store (Natasha Leggero)
Ep #242 - Grinding In The Friend Zone (Jonah Ray, Armen Weitzman)
Ep #241 - Appropriate Funeral Music (Daniel Van Kirk)
Ep #240 - Dippin Cakes (Andy Daly)
Ep #239 - Summah Waves Of Feminism (James Adomian, Emily V. Gordon)
Ep #238 - Jurassic Sherbet (Drew Droege)
Ep #237 - The Trans-Millennial (Brooks Wheelan)
Ep #236 - Disrupted Harmonies (Brett Morris)
Ep #235 - Vision Impaired, Still Prepared (Jamie Lee)
Ep #234 - Weedies (Erin Gibson, Bryan Safi)
Ep #233 - Dry Docked Nugget (Rich Sommer)
Ep #232 - The Birthday Show! (Nate Craig)
Ep #231 - Slow Dance Party (June Diane Raphael, Armen Weitzman)
Ep #230 - 29 Forever? (Zach Sherwin)
Ep #229 - Leading Love Man (Ken Marino)
Ep #228 - Riff Raff The Rapping Dog (Eugene Cordero)
Ep #227 - Movie Theater Plug Life (Kitty)
Ep #226 - RuPaul F. Tompkins (Paul F. Tompkins)
Ep #225 - Sex Causes Pregnancy (Casey Wilson)
Ep #224 - Tardy To The Party (Jason Mantzoukas)
Ep #223 - Chappie: The Oliver Twist Story (Kate Berlant)
Ep #222 - Suit City (John Gemberling)
Ep #221 - A Tribute To Harris Wittels (Harris Wittels)
Ep #219 - Live From Cobb's Comedy Club (Jason Ritter, Brett Morris)

Here's the last six months of HH:

Ep #97 - Julie Klausner, Our Close Friend (Julie Klausner)
Ep #96 - Tom Scharpling Again, Our Close Friend (Tom Scharpling)
Ep #95 - Mike Still, Our Close Friend (Mike Still)
Ep #94 - Hayley Huntley, Hayes' Daughter (Hayley Huntley)
Ep #93 - Patrick Walsh, Our Close Friend (Patrick Walsh)
Ep #92 - Fans, Our Close Fans (Valerie Bryant, Anastasia Vigo, Tim Treese & Adam Rost)
Ep #91 - Tom Scharpling, Our Close Friend (Tom Scharpling)
Ep #90 - Brian Huskey, Our Live Friend (Brian Huskey, Brett Morris)
Ep #89 - Erin Whitehead, Our Close Friend (Erin Whitehead)
Ep #88 - Neil Campbell, Our Close Employee (Neil Campbell)
Ep #87 - Whitmer Thomas and Clay Tatum, Our Close Friends (Whitmer Thomas, Clay Tatum)
Ep #86 - Ross Mathews, Our Close Friend (Ross Mathews, Andy Kneis)
Ep #85 - David Letterman, Our Close Friend (Will Hines)
Ep #84 - Moments of Greatness, Our Constant Companions (Rashid Ramkissoon)
Ep #83 - Nick Kroll, Our Close Friend (Nick Kroll)
Ep #82 - Neil Casey, Our Close Friend (Neil Casey)
Ep #81 - Alex Anfanger and Jon Bass, Our Close Friends (Alex Anfanger, Jon Bass)
Ep #80 - Jon Gabrus Again, Our Close Friend (Jon Gabrus)
Ep #79 - Mary Holland, Our Close Friend (Mary Holland)
Ep #78 - Listeners Again, Our Close Friends
Ep #77 - The ScuzzMan, Dom's Close Friend (Dominic Dierkes, Joe Spellman)
Ep #76 - Hal Rudnick, Our Close Friend (Hal Rudnick)
Ep #75 - Shelby Fero Again, Our Close Friend (Shelby Fero)
Ep #74 - Kumail Nanjiani, Our Close Friend (Kumail Nanjiani)
Ep #73 - The Gilmore Guys, Our Close Friends (Kevin Porter, Demi Adejuyigbe)

I guess I'm just having a hard time believing this change is significant for people wanting to find new podcasts to listen to, especially casual ones. That's still a lot of content for new people to decide if they want to invest the time and money into hearing the entire back catalog.

I think this change hurts current earwolf listeners and fans more than the new people. However, from Earwolf's perspective, us current listeners are already the ones most likely to spend money on this.

I wish they had stuck with all their current content being available forever and premium just being re-mastered ad-free versions. It also seems to me that the "Howl Miniseries" should be the main selling point of the service. Whether those miniseries be new mini-podcasts from earwolf/wolfpop hosts/guests/favorites or special / bonus podcasts of their current lineup. Or bring back VPN behind a premium paywall.