Archers Podcasts: why so many now?

[IsabelGowdie]

Hello there - bit of a random question.

I have been a listener to DumTeeDum for a couple of years and was quite sad when Lucy left, but it all seemed very amicable. But now there seems to be another podcast launched by folk who used to be on DTD. Was there some big bust up?

I love Ambridge on the Couch, and am about to give up on DTD

Oh - thank goodness; was afraid you meant BBC Archers' podcasts. (I'm always afraid they'll hive off the actual broadcasts for nefarious reasons.)

I don't have the patience for podcasts but I'll stay for any Archers-related gossip ...

Only just seen this.

Yes, I feel the same way as you! I've no idea what's gone on. I think Ambridge on the Couch is just brilliant. It's funny, doesn't take itself seriously and is a joy to listen to. I'm not so sure about The Cider Shed but I'm still listening to it at the moment.

I've stopped listening to DTD the last few weeks. I just haven't been enjoying it any more.

They made reference to this in a recent edition of The Cider Shed. I can’t remember exactly what they said or the precise wording, but the hosts referenced being taken advantage of/exploited and being together on their new podcast as feeling like an ex DTD survivors support group. Roifield did come across as having quite a big ego on DTD when I used to listen to it. I also got sick of hearing him promote his other podcast all the time (not least because it sounded rubbish!). Given that Lucy Freeman left and then set up another podcast about the Archers would indicate a fall out to me because clearly she remains interested in talking about it but seemingly just not with him!

Also: graduatefog.co.uk/2011/1649/roifield-brown-myvillage-internship/

My guess is that we will never really find out what happened behind the scenes at DTD though.

That's an interesting article. Yes, I'd heard the comments on the latest episode of The Cider Shed.

I was also irritated by the plugs for his other, awful sounding podcasts. There were also a few times when he made some really questionable, sexist comments to Lucy. She did a good job of smoothing things over when he was becoming too serious.

He does have a problem letting other people speak and I didn't like how he was dismissive of other hosts music choices etc. I'm remembering why I stopped listening now!

I believe Lucy has been subtlety clear about there being a "bust up" when she left DTD. I think she was fed up of providing "support" for Roifield.

The Cider Shed crew mainly were suddenly sacked having been coerced into it in the first place. They only set up their own podcast because people asked them to and were keen. Roifield had seemed jealous of Keri and Pete's friendship and WhatsApp conversations outside the podcast.

And as someone from a poorer background I'd have had to work in a shop rather than take an unpaid internship. The ones paying minimum wages are still exploitative - using up interns while they are cheap. Back in my day at least Sotheby's etc were honest that unpaid internships attracted the "right kind" of people (posh).

I wondered what had happened to Keri and Peter. The Cider Shed had passed me by.

Roifield has moved on from Dum Tee Dum, which is now run by Quentin Rayner and Philippa Hall.

These podcasts kept me going through lockdown, but I'd rather download a talking book to get me around the shops and household chores TBH.

I've often wondered how podcasters make their money - presumably most don't.

Some make enough time provide an additional income stream. For others it provides a showcase for their talents, but most are part of another big business.
I like Ambridge on the Couch, The Cider Shed is good for short trips as is the archers itself. For long ones it's often classics especially hard to read ones (dickens) or the Great Lectures series (a bargain at one Audible credit each).