Tea in the Sahara
Kev: Critic & Podcaster
Sex sells… Got your attention, didn’t I? This week’s podcast review takes a nocturnal turn as we step away from the mainstream and dive into the unfiltered thriller world of “Dr Goodvibes”.
Shout out to Richard Doyle for bringing this show to my attention, cheers fella!
Totalling twelve episodes, backed by an all-Aussie cast “Dr Goodvibes” features Dr. Harold (Hal) Kitchener, a late-night podcast therapist dispensing advice on sex and relationships in a talk show format where no subject, or kink is considered taboo. To counter Dr Hal’s, baritone cool-as-cucumber persona we have producer Nurse Katie keeping Hal in check. Katie is possibly my favourite character in the series being empathetic, yet showcasing a zero pity-for-fools policy.
All that sounds marvellous Kev, but what does that all mean in 2024, you might ask? Well get ready for gender binary queries and pronoun bonanzas, all served with an occasional slice of S&M. Again, got your attention right! This audio drama adhered to my three-episode rule, as the captivating storyline quickly drew me into an obscure call-show world. The podcast features a threaded “caller” narrative that adds intrigue and depth to the enigmatic Hal. And let’s be clear about this mature themed storyline arc, it’s not an audio drama version of “Finding Nemo”.
Could “Dr Goodvibes” be too risqué for most listeners, potentially causing FOMO among those who choose to avoid it?
Followers of “Tea in the Sahara” will know I like dark & edgy podcasts, quite a bit actually. So I was more than pleased when “Dr Goodvibes” slid across my reviewing desk.
Hearing Hal becoming unhinged, losing his cool, calm, and collected air as his past confronts him reveals his humanity – scenes literally crammed with mike-drop moments. While Hal freely dispenses advice, he is much more reluctant to talk about his own life. We all know someone like this, right? And in turn, it’s this listener linkage makes this podcast awesome. We are all fallible, each with baggage, armed with questions—just some more naughtier and complex than others.
If you’re still hesitant about smashing that download button, just take the plunge — 1, 2, 3, swallow the key, and let the universe take the wheel. For seasoned fiction listeners, “Dr Goodvibes” is like an equalised blend of “Welcome to Night Vale” with a hint of “Dirty Diana”.
Before scores quirky closing statement time: With such talented Aussie actors on display, why set the show in the US? Aiming for wider appeal, maybe. This juxtaposition didn’t quite click for my niche overthinking brain. But maybe that’s just me. Let me know how you got on with this FIRE podcast in the comments!
“Dr Goodvibes” scores 7/10
Podcast submissions and press packs – tinthesahara@gmail.com
Cheers, Kev.
Previous reviews
- Review: “Bunker 8” The Midnight Mystery
- Review: “The Lucan Obsession” BBC SOUNDS
- Review: “Elon’s Spies” Tortoise Media
- Review: “Dirt an Audio Drama” season 4
- Review: “Curious Matter – The Exile”
Credits
Written, produced, and directed by Richard P. Doyle
Co-produced, sound design, editing by Ramon Sampson
Actors:
Richard P. Doyle
Rachel Slee
Dash Kruck
Jonah Maranan
Kate Ingram
Emily Teede
Alex Gonzales
Gavin Davis
Erin Landy
Nat Jensen
Bec Moret
Louis Vahl
Lily Doyle
Stephanie Begg
Geoff Cordner
Tom Whalley
Jasper Garner Gore
Maddie Whalley
and Liz Bolster
Tea in the sahara 