Regarding Bob's pregnant pause when announcing the editor of the program, here is the answer:

http://www.onthemedia.org/2008/aug/29/otm-beshirted/transcript/

I'm delighted that Bob and Brooke say what's on their minds rather than subjecting everything to a focus group first so they know what they're supposed to be saying. Or bind themselves with some false dichotomy like "we present both sides" as if there were ever just two sides to any issue. I don't always agree with what they say, but I'm always challenged and informed.

There are people who listen to this show not because they want to be challenged and informed, but because in their World View public broadcasting is the Tool of the Liberal Media (read "Communists" back in the old days) so they breathlessly await any nugget which confirms that World View, at which point they pounce and dismiss us all as vegan Prius drivers. The term for such people is "troll."

I presumed Bob's little dance on the troll's head was satire. Well done sir.

I just wish Bob would explain why the pregnant pause when announcing the editor of the program (usually, Brooke). I used to ask all the time, but that big meany-beany, Bob, would never answer. Is it a secret code? Are you sending messages to the Communists (the REAL Communists...both of them)?

I thought Bob's response was great. He was basically expanding on what he had posted in the comment section for said story two weeks ago.

Was he being a bit harsh? Yes. But I also find it very liberating to know that Bob and Brooke feel secure enough in their editorial freedom to do exactly that sometimes. For me, OTM offers a unique blend of critical, unbiased meta-reporting infused with the true personalities of its co-hosts, which includes at times sarcastic humor and a true display of emotions. And I do understand Bob's furor at the notion that OTM, of all shows, is in some corporation's pocket and being corrupted by it. On a podcast that Bob co-hosts, he would probably feel free to use the word "bullsh*t" in response to this :)

Essentially, one of the things I *really* appreciate about this show is that I know that whatever Bob and Brooke say is genuine; they speak their mind; their own view on things usually shine through a bit. Are Bob and Brooke sometimes biased? I believe so, but they make no secret of this; they believe in full disclosure. And they are always quick to correct mistakes or misrepresentations.

Bob Garfield's response to one of the messages was unnecessarily harsh. He should have responded to the person with a private message rather than a public response that may have cost him and the program many listeners.