“Direct from the Broski Nation headquarters in Los Angeles, California. This is The Broski Report with your host, Brittany Broski.”
Technological media developments constantly reshape audiences’ expectations of what media is and should be. As a relatively new form of social engagement, podcasts offer listeners access to a wide variety of commentary on sports, politics, pop culture and more. "The Broski Report” is hosted by pop culture figure Brittany Broski and it offers a public forum like no other. In a particularly challenging period for self-expression and acceptance, Broski offers an online safe space like few other influencers of her time.
According to the Pew Research Center, 67% of adults in the United States aged 18 to 29 have listened to a podcast, with 75% of those listeners tuning in for entertainment. A classic Broski Report episode starts like this: Broski greets her audience with something new. At times, she may burst into song, or offer a question that she’ll answer later. Then, Broski sets an agenda for what she wishes to discuss, ranging from World War II facts to perfume fragrances.
As the episode goes on, Broski manages to seamlessly connect abstract ideas together, stopping occasionally to ask if her viewers “even care.” Of course, Broski always continues because she records the podcast alone in her home. This interaction with her audience only adds to the brilliance of her hour-long entertainment.
Podcasts have the power to create community among people, improving relationships and connections in a new spoken word format. While the platform can be utilized as a tool for learning, podcasts can extend communities beyond classroom environments to increase engagement and knowledge sharing, as reported by Stanford University.
The Broski Report is more than a comedic space for fans of the podcast. It explores Broski’s most pressing curiosities while teaching listeners short facts about many topics. For example, episode 75 of The Broski Report, “George Orwell and Dragons,” demonstrates her affinity for speculative fiction and medieval mythology. This shows readers that people contain multitudes, and it is okay for them to do so. It affirms the need for learning in a period when events such as book bannings and constitutional crises are ever-looming challenges.
The Broski Report offers an entertaining environment guided by its host’s relatable anecdotes and comedic wit. Broski manages to balance immense philosophical questions with her identity as a woman in America, often discussing challenges with both in the same episode. Acast Advertising reports 54% of weekly podcast listeners became more interested in social justice as a result of listening to a podcast.
Broski’s platform is grounded in challenging the norms that govern American society. By practicing self-respect, she shows thousands how they can free themselves from personal and societal constraints.
Brittany Broski’s event, “An Evening of Conversation and Laughter with Brittany Broski,” will be hosted at the Templeton-Blackburn Memorial Auditorium on Thursday at 8 p.m.
Broski’s immense power lies in her ability to connect. It can be challenging to find safe spaces, but Broski’s struggles help audiences realize that they are not alone. For a moment, Athens residents can take part in the Broski Nation on Thursday night, affirming their love for each other, and themselves.
Aiden is a freshman studying journalism. Please note that the views expressed in this column do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Aiden? Reach him on Instagram at @aiden_with_an_i_ or email him at ar260223@ohio.edu.
