Why does Sioux Falls have so many podcasts? Here's what's behind the trend

Why does Sioux Falls have so many podcasts?

Podcasts have risen to mainstream popularity within the last decade, and the low barrier to enter the podcasting world — just a microphone, some headphones and maybe a SoundCloud account — means almost anyone can start a podcast to get their word out on any given topic.

Some local podcasts are hyper-local, meaning they focus on the history of the area or are more niche to Sioux Falls locals. Others are locally-produced by local residents and vary in topic from monster stories voiced by local actors in “Fear Falls Radio Theatre,” to financial topics on “Common Cents on the Prairie” by First National Bank.

Multiple churches also host podcasts, including Emmaus Road Church, New Life Church, the Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls, First Lutheran Church, Empower Church, Central Church, Peace Lutheran Church, First United Methodist Church and more.

Some of the churches use podcasts to post audio of sermons, while others hold discussions on a variety of topics like marriage and mental health.

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Local news sources and media personalities also utilize podcast apps to get messages out across multiple platforms. 605 Magazine hosts the 605 Show; former Argus Leader editor Patrick Lalley hosts his self-titled show; KELO-FM posts episodes under “KELOCAST” on Spotify.

There are even sports podcasts, like "Nobody's Listening Anyway" by Argus Leader sports reporter Matt Zimmer and local media personality John Gaskins; “Inside the Birdcage” by the Sioux Falls Canaries, “The Fish Tank” by the Sioux Falls Sunfish and Overtime on ESPN Sioux Falls.

What’s the appeal of a podcast?

To “Fat Dude Digs Flicks” host Andy Heller, podcasts appeal to people because it’s an easy way to express one’s voice. Heller’s show is centered around movie reviews and all things cinema. He chats with guests about their life, and a movie that has had a major impact on it.

“(Podcasts) are difficult to do well, but easy to do, period,” Heller said. “You can do so much over the computer now, like Zoom or other podcasting apps or video conferencing where you can record.”

And, Heller estimates podcasts have become so popular within the last few years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic really stopped people creatively being able to express themselves, especially in the theater community for a while,” Heller said. “It prevented people (from) doing what they love. Podcasts give you an opportunity to do so.”

That was certainly the case for the DTSF Connection hosted by Downtown Sioux Falls starting in March 2020, a month that will live in infamy as the time COVID-19 hit South Dakota.

Another local podcast, “Growing Places” by Sioux Metro Growth Alliance, seeks to tell stories of the cities and towns in the Sioux Falls area and the large topic of growth in the southeastern part of the state.

Heller, 41, loves getting his guests to open up about their favorite movies. His podcast isn’t his full-time job — he’s a case manager — rather, he treats it as a hobby. He records at home on Zoom on Sundays or Mondays, cleans up the audio and then uploads episodes on streaming platforms on Tuesdays at noon.

“People can let their guard down and we just talk like people,” he said of the podcast. “That’s what makes the episodes memorable.”

Besides Heller, many Sioux Falls residents have found their passion for podcasting in the Queen City.

The Midtown Coffee Radio Hour podcast features local musicians, actors, comedians and entertainers and is led by Nick Jackson and Dave Holly. The podcast’s most recent episodes were recorded live at Augustana University in the back alley.

Local Lou Podcast explains the history of Sioux Falls and the surrounding area with the help of historical markers Lori Kent sees. Kent will read the signs, research the historical events and present them to her audience with a personal story.

Write Now with Sarah Werner is locally-produced and helps aspiring writers to find a healthy work, life and writing balance.

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Education podcasts

The Sioux Falls School District has multiple podcasts, the largest being Spotlight: Conversations from the Sioux Falls School District with Dr. Jane Stavem, and others like Cav Chats, Washington High School Freshman Academy and Warrior Way, and a new Joe Foss podcast.

Spotlight’s first episode came out in January 2021. Since then, the district has posted 16 episodes covering everything from COVID-19, mental health, mentorships, opening the newest schools and special education.

Superintendent Jane Stavem hosts each episode and explains in the pilot episode that the podcast is meant to give an audible look into the district and spotlights people, places and practices.

“A podcast is a great way to offer an in-depth look at what people do,” Stavem explains in the podcast’s first episode.

Jefferson High School principal Dan Conrad and athletic director Chad Stadem released the first episode of “Cav Chats” in October 2020 in anticipation of the city’s newest high school opening up in August 2021.

The Freshman Academy podcast at WHS helps incoming students integrate into the school culture and discusses different news, announcements and celebrations of the school that students should know about.

And, the Warrior Way podcast hosted by Jeff Tobin, teacher and coach at WHS, features in-depth conversations with current Warriors, alumni and long-time fans.

Interest in podcasting amongst educators is evident recently, too, as Joe Foss teachers Dawn Marie Johnson, Brent Thurlow and Connor Bergh received $1,030 for their grant “Fortitude Foss: JoeCast,” to purchase podcasting equipment for students at Joe Foss.

Starting a podcast with students at Joe Foss Alternative, which is an alternative approach for high school students to earn their diploma in a hybrid model of in-class instruction and online learning, will provide a “hands-on experience for students by creating partner and group projects that will challenge and inspire them to learn and grow,” educators said in their grant application.

“Students will have an opportunity to effectively communicate and learn how to disagree with viewpoints respectfully,” they added.

WHS teacher Lara Hanson also received a grant a few years ago from the Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation to purchase podcasting equipment to use with her English Learner students, making podcasting part of the curriculum, district media specialist Carly Uthe said.

The University of Sioux Falls’ Entrepreneurial Studies students host the podcast “From the Ground Up” together to educate entrepreneurs on starting a business.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Podcasts rise in popularity in Sioux Falls and nationwide. Here's why.