There are a lot of people blogging about The Earwolf Challenge, and I needn’t join their ranks (they’re all doing a fantastic job). But I’d just like to point out how cool it is, not even as an Earwolf employee or as a podcasting fan, that there is a place online where you can hear Matt Besser, Paul F. Tompkins, and Jesse Thorn work together to critique new media.

Matt Besser effectively changed the world of improv and sketch as part of the Upright Citizens Brigade, creating what is arguably the most respected and successful school of comedy and venue for ambitious, innovative comedic performers.

Paul F. Tompkins is perhaps the most versatile comedian who can not only write, perform, improvise, sing, and monologue, but who produces one of the most successful podcasts and is one of the most sought-after podcast guests.

Jesse Thorn did what every nerd wants to do: Found a thing he enjoyed and kept doing it until you can for a living. He created a public radio show and expanded it into an entire network of incredible content (comedy, interviews, fashion, and more) within a few years.

Whether or not you have a a podcast, you WILL learn something this week on The Challenge. Paul, Jesse, and Matt leave nothing unmentioned (and are, of course, incredibly charming while they do it). While the theme is Concepts & Content, they discuss microphone technique, sketch writing, grammar, and my personal favorite topic, why women are important to podcasting.