I am an avid fan of podcasts and podcasting. I thought I’d post 10 podcasts that I listen to regularly. Depending on the show and my mood I’ve found that these programs teach, entertain, enlighten and aggravate me. Each one gives you a lot to think about and is well worth the listen. So in no particular order, here are 10 podcasts that I listen to as much as I can…
Podcasts on Popular Culture
- This American Life. Yes a bit of a cheat, since it is really a radio program, but the stories are so great (most of the time) that I had to include it.
- The Moth. True stories from real people told in front of a live audience. This is another NPR program, and similar to This American Life in theme but the since the true stories are told by regular people in their own words and lacks the slick editing and music that infects some of TAL shows, it turns out that the Moth’s stories often more poignant.
- The BS Report with Bill Simmons. A sports podcast at first glance, but there is so much more here; pop culture, reality TV, the art of writing and professional wrestling. It’s like an onion, there are many layers and often times it is so funny you’ll cry.
- Skeptoid. Did you know that Bigfoot is BS? That vaccines are safe? Homeopathy is crap? Well you should! Let Brian Dunning be your skeptical guide to the world of popular culture.
Podcasts on History
- The History of Rome Podcast. Mike Duncan does a splended job explaing the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. It is amazingly concise, factual and entertaining all at the same time, and that’s no mean feat!
- Dan Carlin’s Hard Core History. Dan Carlin, like Mike Duncan explains history in a completely engaging way. I really like the philosopical bent that Carlin takes. You will leave any this podcast with a greater understanding of the past. Topics have included slavery, the Roman Republic, the Eastern Front and colonialism.
- Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean. Let Professor Philip Harland be your guide to the first and second centuries of the common era. You’ll learn about the mixing of Pagan, Christian and Jewish peoples during the Pax Romana.
Current Affairs Podcasts
- Planet Money. Yep, another radio show, but in this time of economic turmoil, this podcast is invaluable for navigating the confusing world of finance and money.
- Common Sense With Dan Carlin. Yes this is the same Dan Carlin from Hardcore History and this is his political show. He gives our current political scene a good once over with common sense, wit and a historical knowledge that is lacking from most political programming that you get in the media today. I promise you won’t agree with everything he says but you will get a well thought out viewpoint.
- The Global Public Square with Fareed Zakaria. Really a TV show from CNN, but if you want a true intellectual interviewing news makers and leaders, this is the only news program worth watching.
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