REI Podcasts Turning into Pitchfests

[Daren H.]

I have a long commute to work so I listen to a lot of different REI Podcasts. I realize the people doing the Podcasts do so at a cost (time and money) and for that I feel like it is fair they be allowed to pitch some of their product to me. Over a year ago I noticed there were hardly any commercials during most of the REI Podcast episodes. Lately I have noticed a tremendous increase in the amount of pitching/commercials. There some REI Podcasts episodes that are 15 - 20 minutes in length but have a commercial every 4-5 minutes. There are some that have 3 minute commercials several times in a 30 minute show. I quit listening to my music on my local radio stations because I hated hearing 2 songs and 4 commercials, lol.

I welcome some amount of product pitching but I hope REI Podcasts don't turn into "Pitchfests". Anyone else notice the increase of pitching/commercials in REI Podcasts over the past year? What are your thoughts on it?