Episode Overview

Podcast: The CGD Podcast – “Wonkcast Music Poll”
Host: Lawrence MacDonald, Center for Global Development
Date: May 6, 2014

In this unusually brief episode, host Lawrence MacDonald steps away from the usual discussion of international development policies to engage listeners in a special Wonkcast Music Poll. Responding to feedback, especially critiques of the Wonkcast’s original music, MacDonald introduces three new tracks and encourages audience participation in choosing the podcast’s new theme music.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Listener Feedback & Purpose of the Episode

• Lawrence MacDonald acknowledges receiving feedback on the podcast’s musical theme—while not many write in, those who do often comment specifically on the music, some saying they "love the Wonkast but they hate the music" [00:14].
• The main aim of the episode is to involve listeners directly in shaping the podcast’s sound through a simple online poll.

Quote:
“I don't get a lot of feedback on the Wonk Cast. Occasionally I run into a happy listener, but I have had a number of people write and say they love the Wonkast but they hate the music.”
— Lawrence MacDonald [00:12]

2. Music Selection Process

• MacDonald and Aaron King, a colleague, have curated three possible theme tracks, all sourced from bands generously offering their music for free.
• Emphasis on gratitude toward these musicians:
  “Before I play the tracks, I want to thank all of the bands and many other bands that have made their music available for free and hope this little promotion will be in some way recompense for letting us use your music.” [00:42]

3. The Three Music Tracks

a. Bonifreit – "Siu eto"

• Origin: Brazil
• Title meaning: “Sky and ground” (Portuguese)
• Chosen for its positive vibe.
• Clip played for listeners to sample.

Quote:
“The first track is by a band out of Brazil called Bonifreit and I'm now going to butcher the name of the song. I understand from a colleague who speaks some Portuguese. That is Siu eto, which translates as sky and ground. We like it a lot and hope you will too.”
— Lawrence MacDonald [00:47]

b. Exp W Y – “Hold Me Back and Make It Monstrous”

• Origin: Canada
• Playful note on pronunciation: “We don't know if that's pronounced expressway or xpwy. I suppose the band wanted us to puzzle about it.”
• Chosen for its intriguing title and sound.
• Clip played.

Quote:
“Our second track has got a terrific name. It's by a Canadian band called Exp W Y and we don't know if that's pronounced expressway or xpwy. I suppose the band wanted us to puzzle about it.”
— Lawrence MacDonald [01:11]

c. Noise Problems – “Cha Kare Kenyembe”

• Origin: Unclear, possibly Nigeria (based on the suggestion it might be an Igbo phrase).
• Uncertainty around the band and title pronunciation, encouraging listeners to check the website.
• Features notable brass elements.
• Clip played.

Quote:
“And for our final track, we can't figure out where this band is from. Most of the bands on the free music site where we got these tunes linked information about them. This one did not... It's got some nice sounding brass in it. And the title of the track is called Cha Kare Kenyembe by Noise Problems. Have a list.”
— Lawrence MacDonald [01:36]

4. How to Vote and Incentives

• Listeners are encouraged to vote for their favorite track by searching “Wonk Cast Music poll” or visiting the CGD website and Wonkcast blog.
• Voting is quick and user-friendly.
• Incentives: Voters who provide their email could win a CGD coffee mug and T-shirt in a random drawing.
• The poll is open for about two weeks, until mid-May.

Quote:
“That's it. No policy content this time. Just make your pick and go to Wonkast Music Poll or come to cgdev.org and click on the wonkcasts and give us your vote. Vote early vote often you have a chance to win a free CGD coffee mug and a shirt if you vote and give us your email and your name is chosen at random from among those who've replied.”
— Lawrence MacDonald [02:06]

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Listener Engagement:
  “I don't get a lot of feedback on the Wonk Cast... but I have had a number of people write and say they love the Wonkast but they hate the music.” [00:12]
• On Bands’ Generosity:
  “Thank all of the bands and many other bands that have made their music available for free and hope this little promotion will be in some way recompense...” [00:42]
• On the Episode's Unusual Nature:
  “That's it. No policy content this time. Just make your pick...” [02:07]

Important Timestamps

• 00:00 – 00:12: Lawrence MacDonald introduces the episode and explains the unusual lack of policy content.
• 00:13 – 00:42: Feedback background and transition to the poll.
• 00:43 – 01:11: Introduction and sample of Track 1, Bonifreit – "Siu eto."
• 01:12 – 01:35: Introduction and sample of Track 2, Exp W Y – “Hold Me Back and Make It Monstrous.”
• 01:36 – 02:06: Introduction and sample of Track 3, Noise Problems – “Cha Kare Kenyembe.”
• 02:07 – 02:43: Explanation of the voting process and contest details; closing remarks.

Summary

This light-hearted, listener-focused episode stands apart from the usual policy-heavy Wonkcasts. By inviting listener input on theme music, CGD fosters community engagement and gives back to musicians offering free content. No policy analysis this time—just a fun, participatory music poll with potential perks for those who vote. As Lawrence MacDonald says, “Vote early, vote often!” and help shape the sound of future episodes.