Inhaled: Because wildfires aren't going away any time soon

The Premise (from Apple Podcasts):

Inhaled: a podcast by Chico Enterprise-Record reporter Robin Epley. Each episode in this five-part mini series digs into the health problems in the aftermath of California's major wildfires. Some effects we understand, but many still remain unknown as toxic smoke plagues residents. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Series or standalone:

Series

Begin listening to:

Episode 1: "A tragedy waiting to happen"

Format:

Investigative reporting

Host(s):

Chico Enterprise-Record reporter Robin Epley

Sound/production quality:

Good

Rating/age suitability:

Fine for everyone but would appeal more to adults

Approximate length of episodes:

15 minutes (super short!)

Curricular ties:

As mentioned in my review, this is pretty straight-forward reporting, so it may not be a top choice for curricular use, but it could work for high school or college students.

Similar recommended pods:

None that I know of at this time.

Podcast Librarian’s Review:

As an east coast resident, I don’t think much about wildfires unless they’re in the news. I was intrigued by the topic of Inhaled; so often, we hear about natural disasters on the news but tend to instantly forget, whereas the people affected have to deal with the aftermath for months or years. This podcast is pretty bare bones as far as production goes, but the topic is interesting and seems well-researched. It feels more like a report you would hear on NPR than a narrative podcast, so it may not be easy for everyone to get into. It was only in the final episode that I got more connected with the story when the reporter/host Robin revealed her own personal connection with the lasting effects of wildfires. I think it would have been interesting to learn that (or at least tease it) in the first episode, which may have aided in creating a narrative. Overall, though, with episodes that are only about 15 minutes each, this short series is worth a listen for anyone who is interested in public health or human interest stories. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀