I named a radio show.

So that happened.

Outriders is one of those terms that I’ve been in love with for years and it would be great to say that when Jamillah approached me for help in coming up with a new name for the BBC’s Pods and Blogs show I immediately fired it at her.

The truth is that we spent time brainstorming some great (and not so great) titles when at some ungodly hour of the night she was the one who  nudged me about outriders. It’s a term I’ve used more than once when describing anyone out on the edge of the mainstream doing interesting work and of course it was a perfect fit.

So to be completely honest it was Jamillah who put the new name in the target, but I’m quite happy to take the blame if anyone out there hates it. So far though the response seems very positive.

I was myself interviewed for Pods and Blogs a year or so ago with @documentally while helping raise awareness for Bletchley Park. My few minutes aside, the show has always championed those of us who are doing something ahead of the pack. So by definition:

A guide; an escort.

One that goes in advance; a forerunner.

It’s a fun place to live and even exploring the occasional dead end and dangerous route is vital to those that follow or simply decide to run in the opposite direction. One way or another most of the people I admire have been outriders and I’m proud as punch to have had a small hand in the evolution of a BBC show that itself lives out on the edge.

Plus Joel McCrea is pretty cool.