2
AUG. 10�17, 2022
THE OPENING ACT
RAISING THE CURTAIN
ON THIS WEEK’S ISSUE
What We’re Into ‘Off the Beat’ podcast
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I have mentioned in this space before
that I am a listener of podcasts. My trips
back and forth between Pendleton and
La Grande aff ord plenty of time to indulge
in them. So I subscribe to a wide variety
though the Stitcher app on my phone, from
wrestling nostalgia (“Something to Wrestle”
with Bruce Prichard) to show rewatches
(“Offi ce Ladies”). It’s a hodgepodge of
podcasts to be sure.
But a recent one I have become hooked
on is “Off the Beat” with Brian Baumgartner,
or Kevin Malone for connoisseurs of the
American version of “The Offi ce.”
This is Baumgartner’s latest podcast
(he also hosted “The Offi ce Deep Dive”
podcast). He interviews his co-stars on
“The Offi ce,” along with other TV personal-
ities, athletes and more for what the show’s
description calls a look at “the inner work-
ings of the television industry, their favorite
moments on set, never-before-told stories
and secrets and moving on from their most
iconic roles.”
Brian’s interview style, in my opinion,
can best be described as laid back. He
brings a calm, soothing voice to the pod
and through that more conversational
style, he brings out the best in his guests
(see his interview with Adam Conover of
“Adam Ruins Everything”), but his style
probably isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. I’ve
seen some reviews of the podcast who
complain it has just become another in a
“long line of interview podcasts” or that
some of his guests (Eric Dickerson and Joe
Buck) don’t really fi t the theme of the show.
I believe they make up exactly what the
show is about — a sharing of experiences
and of what makes his guests successful in
their chosen fi eld.
— Andrew Cutler, EO Media Group
eastside regional editorial director
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Lisa Britton
Go! Editor
editor@goeasternoregon.com
541-406-5274
Sarah Smith
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New releases Lizzo, ‘Special’
Singer and rapper Lizzo wasn’t kidding
when she came out with the title for her
latest album — it truly is a journey to get
to your most “Special” self.
This album is an ode to body positivity
that doesn’t shy away
from how hard it can
be to get there and the
dark times we endure to
feel love-worthy.
“Special” features
the funky single “About
Damn Time,” already a TikTok sensation
(“In a minute, I’ma need a sentimental/
Man or woman to pump me up/Feelin’
fussy, walkin’ in my Balenci-ussies”) and
“Grrrls” — modifi ed after its release due
to backlash over the use of a derogatory
term towards some people with disabili-
ties.
While the album sticks to Lizzo’s proud
and loud style towards body acceptance,
the slow ballad, “If You Love Me,” explores
the doubts and uncertainties we encoun-
ter on the way and is sure to bring a tear
down your cheek — or a waterfall (“When
the world can’t love me to my face/When
the mirror lies and starts to break/Hold
me close, don’t let me run away/Don’t be
afraid”).
The album feels closer and more per-
sonal from her previous work, unlocking
a more vulnerable side of the extrovert
artist.
However, this is Lizzo we are talking
about, therefore “Special” has to be a
celebration as well. Pop song “The Sign”
is sure to be this year’s summer anthem
during brunches and nights out. “Special”
is about friendships, heartbreaks, self-
doubts, empowerment and, most impor-
tantly, love: Love for the people in our life
and for ourselves and who we are.
— The Associated Press