Relay FM is a podcast network covering a diverse range of subjects including consumer technology, productivity, entrepreneurship, creativity, and art. It was founded in 2014 by Myke Hurley and Stephen Hackett.[2] Starting in 2019, the network has raised money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital each year during the month of September.
History
The network launched on August 18, 2014[3] with five podcasts: Analog(ue), Connected, Inquisitive, The Pen Addict, and Virtual.[2] Eventually the company expanded to 31 active podcasts on the network (including the extra B-Sides podcast consisting of before and after podcast snippets and Departures, an audio feed of live events), nine paid members only podcasts, and 17 inactive podcasts.[2][4]
In October 2015, Relay FM launched its mobile application on iOS,[5][6] allowing users to discover new podcasts, listen to the latest podcasts, and be notified when a podcast is broadcasting live. Users of the app can also subscribe to a podcast in their app of choice from the Relay FM app.
In September 2019, Relay FM became the first St. Jude Children's Research Hospital podcast partner.[7] On the 20th, Hurley and Hackett hosted a 6 hour "podcastathon" to help raise money for the hospital. By the end of the month, the network had raised over $300,000.[8] In September 2020 the network again held a fundraiser for St. Jude, bringing in $456,000.[9]
A technology discussion show. Each episode is thirty minutes with four hosts each bringing their own topic to the table. Originally launched 7 June 2013 on IDG.
Discussion of strange and humorous Wikipedia articles. Originally on the 70 Decibels network; moved to the 5by5 network and was cancelled; has returned. On hiatus as of December 12th 2024[11]
Discussion of how to be more focused and productive. Formerly called Free Agents.
Originality
Aleen Simms
K Tempest Bradford
15 May 2017
Discussion of creativity. Hosts interview guests.
Roboism
Alex Cox
Kathy Campbell
formerly hosted by
Savannah Million
15 May 2017
Discussion of robots, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
Automators
David Sparks
Rosemary Orchard
2 July 2018
Discussion of automation topics.
Parallel
Shelly Brisbin
3 August 2018
Discussion of technology with a focus on accessibility. Each episode features two guests – one from the technology world and one from the accessibility world.
Make Do
Julia Skott
Tiffany Arment
17 October 2018
Hosts discuss art and creative work.
Departures
Relay FM Hosts
23 August 2019
Feed containing the audio of live events.
Conduit
Kathy Campbell
Jay Miller
9 July 2021
Hosts discuss the connection between what they (and others) hope to get done and what actually happens.
In addition to the below "members only" podcasts, each podcast produces an annual special for members, eleven[a] have paid versions that are ad-free and contain bonus content, and occasionally members will receive trial episodes for possible new podcasts.[12]
Podcast
Hosts
Launch date
Description
Fusion
Stephen Hackett
3 November 2016
Co-founder Stephen Hackett interviews hosts from other shows about current tech news.
A technology podcast turned comedy. Episodes 1-50 are unavailable, as "There was no point in preserving the earlier ones. Yikes."[13] Migrated from the 5by5 network; the precursor to Bonanza.
95 originally, 45 available
8 July 2014
Less Than or Equal
Aleen Simms
16 June 2014
Celebration of accomplishments of people from oppressed groups.
Jason Snell and others count down Jason's list of the 20 most notable Macs of all time.
27
26 March 2021
Notes
^Automators, Clockwise, Conduit, Connected, Cortex, Downstream, Focused, Material, Mac Power Users, Reconcilable Differences, and Upgrade each have paid versions.
