Folio’s Podcast Picks

Words by Su Ertekin-Taner

These days everybody has a podcast, so we did some deep diving into the local podcast scene and found these two pearls.

1. Schmooze with Suze

The podcast audio wakes up, quietly at first, and then, “Hi, I’m Suze. Here with your weekly dose of culture, values and identity, and where we tackle those topics others may consider off limits,” begins Jacksonville podcaster and self-proclaimed “Gen X mom” Suzie Becker. Becker later continues, “I’m no expert so I’m going to schmooze the experts and get their thoughts. Why? So when we engage with our kids, colleagues or the countless committees we interact with, we can do it with competence, kindness, confidence and maybe a bit of humor.”

Certainly, when Becker speaks with Jacksonville-centric guests like WJCT host turned mayoral staff member Melissa Ross, Flagler College President John Delaney, St. Johns Riverkeeper Lisa Rinaman and other community leaders, she readily employs competence, kindness, confidence and humor. In her podcast, aptly named “Schmooze with Suze,” Becker leads with her thoughtful, authentic conversation, one heavily equipped with strong verbal skills, a robust researching capacity and fervent curiosity.

Becker’s modern-day Socratic dialogue, whether applied in guest or solo conversation, perfectly addresses whatever’s got the Jacksonville community tossing and turning, questioning and questing for. Topics like protecting the St. Johns River, promoting everyday positivity, Becker’s Jewish background and new interfaith discoveries, parenting and volunteering appear in the New York native’s now-weekly episodes. Although episodes are a short half-hour, every minute is sweet and the conversations reach profound points quickly.

“Folio” has officially been schmoozed by Suzie Becker. Becker’s New York/Jersey accent that irregularly enters the conversation, her self-proclaimed “superpower of communication,” deliberate followup questions, not always glamorous vulnerability, and innate desire to learn and share have spoken to us. 

Listen to “Schmooze with Suze,” currently in its second season, to get a pulse for the Jacksonville community and hear your local “well-informed smartass” speak up and out about important community issues. “Schmooze with Suze” is available on Apple Podcasts, Buzzsprout, YouTube, Deezer and other streaming services.

1. Nexxt Spin

Andante (walking pace): that’s how we start, with an andante soft hip-hop beat that frames Jacksonville-based podcast, Nexxt Spin. We continue at an andante pace as podcast connoisseur Badr Milligan welcomes Spinheads (Nexxt Spin’s followers) to a new episode: “Spinheads, welcome back for another spin.” The andante melodies then bleed into an allegro (fast, upbeat) conversation between Badr Milligan (who also leads discussion on The Shortbox Podcast), Yanira Cardona or Yaya Love, Freddie Douglas and Toni Smailagic. 

And the five vinyl-loving millennials’ conversation never falls flat, accelerando (accelerating) with every themed discussion question and fueled by a passion for music. The atmosphere of the podcast, which perfectly balances organization and organic spontaneity, makes listeners feel as if they’re eavesdropping on friends — well-coordinated and witty friends, that is. Consequently, the hour-long episodes breeze by at a seemingly allegrissimo (very fast) pace.

In fact, whether the discussion centers on nostalgic mood music, lighthearted disagreement on Grammy snubs or an interview with a DJ, record dealer, music journalist or musician, the podcast is brimming with banter, music from across cultures and insightful analysis of vinyl format. To put it simply, Nexxt Spin’s monthly episodes are pitch perfect for two reasons: the Nexxt Spin crew is not only well-versed in music, the industry and music fan opinions but also conducts conversation in a digestible, well-tabulated way.

Proper introductions of controversies in the music industry, sound engineering techniques, and lesser-known songs, for example, enlighten the novice listener. Even the predictable format of 1) introduction of theme, 2) light conversation around theme, 3) introduction and exhibition of records based on theme, 4) conclusion with allusion to the next month’s theme, and  5) prompt for Spinheads to respond to gives satisfaction. 

As self-proclaimed Spinheads, we’re reeling at how entertaining Nexxt Spin is. As a matter of fact, “Folio” is practically begging for an encore every month, so as Badr says, “We’ll catch you next month for the next spin.” 

Learn more about Nexxt Spin on Instagram @nexxtspin and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher Buzzsprout, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, TuneIn and Resso and other streaming services.