But if they ARE being paid, wouldn’t you rather know that as a consumer? The “conversation between friends” thing bothers me when payment is involved.

That makes sense, because it creates a natural separation. But sometimes when the podcaster mentions their favorite product without thought of getting paid it’s much more natural — like conversations between friends. However, I agree that in most cases it’s better to create a barrier between real content and advertising.

Yes, I appreciate that, too. Although I must say I appreciate it more when they use a different voice to promote those products or services!

Thanks so much for your kind words, Vikas!

I enjoy many of the same podcasts you do, Ines. I don’t object to them being funded by advertising. I’d just like the advertising to be handled in a more transparent kind of way. When the podcaster puts on a funny voice, or creates apparent journalism for money (as Adam Grant does) it makes me nervous about trusting what they have to say. And I’m a former journalist, so I”m attuned to these issues. I worry about the people who’ve had no such experience and don’t know they should be a little bit skeptical.

Yes, I would much prefer it if they did it that way. OR, if they hired an actor or voice announcer to read the ad….

Right, you are correct. But I want to listen. I consider myself lucky to get to listen. I respect your opinion. Some people like Malcolm, others don’t. Of course I don’t know if he is lying about drinking only 5 liquids. But he has not given me any reason not to believe him. The advertisement doesn’t bother me, I also like Fiji water (and I was drinking it before I heard him advertise it). I don’t see his advertisement Fiji water as a lie or not. I do agree with you that advertising this way is “funny.” In my mind it is like we have back to the olden days when the host used to advertise (before they were paid advertising actors). The bottom line for me is I really like Malcolm Gladwell and if I had to pay for his podcast I would (just like I contribute for other podcasts as I mentioned before). Now, to tell the truth I find these podcasts, Revisionist History, Radiolab, Death, Sex, and Money, The Wilderness, Stay Tune with Preet extremely valuable. They cover the news, they tell stories, etc. They explain the world to me. Thus, as a discerning adult I don’t mind hearing about products (in our capitalist society is a given), this doesn’t mean I buy those products.

Maybe at some point podcasters will revert to this podcast has been brought to you advert-free by “XYZ corporation”- as they used to on TV…