Welcome to this week’s Geek of the Week, where we highlight the fun and creative people of our city. This week, we talk to both sides of the power-couple behind the
Talkadelphia podcast. For their work, Kishwer and Gino were winners in our first-ever
Philadelphia Geek Awards for
Best New Podcast last year.
It’s been over 50 episodes/a year and a half now. How did this all begin, why did you want to start a local podcast?
Kishwer: I was listening to an acquaintance, the talented jazz composer and pianist, Vijay Iyer, talk to Terry Gross over on NPR’s podcast, Fresh Air and it struck me that writing really sucks. At the time, I was doing a number of Q&As for MTV Desi and I found it especially challenging to encapsulate people’s words in neat, 500-word blog posts. I wanted people to be able to tell their stories in their own words and using their own voices. Words can sometimes strip people of their personalities.
Plus, I missed the connection I felt to Philadelphia when I used to blog regularly from my own site. So on October 14, 2010, I tweeted: “I want to do a podcast. How do I do this and who wants to be interviewed.” And 10 seconds later, Gino, my then-boyfriend, called me. He was on board with the idea from day one. He really made it all happen.
Gino: It was all her idea. I just do what I’m told.
Listeners of the podcast will know that you guys are law school students. What else would you like to say about yourselves?
Kishwer: I have an unnatural affection for bacon.
Gino: I’m a comic book geek, a sports nerd and a movie nut. If they made a movie where the Avengers played football, I would self-combust.
Who’s been the most interest, favorite or notable guest you’ve had on thus far?
Kishwer: I really enjoyed talking to author Lorene Cary. She was someone I’d read since I was in high school and it was such a treat to find out she was as animated in person as she is on paper. And of course, it was a thrill to interview Philadelphia Inquirer food critic Craig LaBan. And let’s not forget Mayor Nutter. He has quite a sense of humor.
Gino: Obviously, no one can top our second ever guest, noted novelist Eric Smith. What’s that you say? He has something to do with this outfit? I had no idea!
What future plans do you have for the podcast?
Kishwer: As long as people still engage in our content, we know they’re listening and want to hear from us. As for future plans, well, we’ve recently become members of PhillyCAM and I think it may be neat to someday include a few video clips of our interviews.
Gino: What we try to do every night, Pinky. Try to take over the world!
Who are some people you’d like to interview in the future?
Kishwer: Bill Cosby. Nothing more Philly than Bill Cosby. I actually did interview him for my high school paper when he came to visit. But he just dodged all my “serious” questions with jokes. Somebody hook us up!
Gino: I’ve always said my dream interview would be Will Smith. I would make him sing the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme song on the podcast with me. I might settle for Tina Fey, though.
Have any upcoming events that we should be keeping an eye for?
Kishwer: On Thursday, April 26, we’ll be at PhillyCAM from 1PM-2PM for Philly Tech Week, taping a live, streaming episode of Talkadelphia called “The Future of iOS Games,” featuring Yis Goodwin and Jeff Hsu of the iOS game Catball Eats It All and William Stallwood and Andrei Marks of Cipher Prime, a Philadelphia-based game studio as they talk about the next phase in iOS gaming. Come join us!
Gino: What she said.
—For folks reading this, you must check out their podcast immediately. Visit TalkadelphiaRadio.com or look for them on iTunes.
