I discovered Astronomy Cast near the end of December 2007. I had missed a lot of work in the prior month because of family illnesses and was feeling pressure from management to get my work done as we neared the end of a project. I had a ton of work to do and opted to work through the holidays despite the fact I still had a week of vacation due. I worked from the time I woke up to the time I went to bed for about a week.

Astronomy Cast helped keep me sane. I listened to all the shows that week, some more than once, and the diversion helped keep me from focusing on how miserable I could have been.

I was continually fascinated by the quality of the show. I've been a fan of radio in all it's forms since I was a child (thanks for the crystal radio kit Dad) and as a result I have listened to a large number of radio shows. While I'm no communications expert I feel that Astronomy Cast is a top-notch production. I have heard few shows that provide the depth of interesting information in such a seemingly casual way. I realize the show is probably scripted to a certain degree but one just doesn't get that feeling while listening.

Frazer and Pamela are "naturals" when it comes to hosting an audio show. Their personalities seem to come right through as they discuss Astronomy and their enthusiasm for the topic is infectious.

On top of it all, Astronomy Cast was my first real dive into listening to podcasts. I wanted something to listen to while I was working and recalled another astronomy-related show I'd listened to a few times (downloaded directly from the group's website), so when I fired up my empty copy of iTunes I searched for astronomy and found Astronomy Cast. Now I'm hooked on podcasts and sick as it may sound I really enjoy listening to university lectures on various topics but I have also found numerous podcasts on computer science related topics such as AI and Robotics (my first love, just barely crossing the finish line before astronomy).

So my gratitude toward Fraser and Pamela extends beyond their wonderful show, they have introduced me to a new world of learning I may not have explored if their show was not as profoundly interesting as it is.