# Podcasts: Recommendations? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [January 10, 2012, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/podcasts-recommendations/609005 "2012-01-10T02:24:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2012, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/podcasts-recommendations/609005/21 "2012-01-10T15:56:26Z")
> [@MsWhatsit](#): > > Seconded, including the bit about fast-forwarding through the opening 15 minutes of Maron just rambling. (Sometimes that stuff can be interesting but more often I just skip to the interview, which is usually great.) Although in the interests of making searching easier, I’ll point out that it’s actually “Marc”. 🙂 :smack: I blame it on my extra effort put into making sure I spelled “Pollak” properly. ---
**Author:** ![Intergalactic\_Gladiator](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/intergalactic_gladiator/32/112_2.png) [@Intergalactic\_Gladiator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Intergalactic_Gladiator)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2012, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/podcasts-recommendations/609005/22 "2012-01-10T17:08:54Z")
WTF with Marc Maron and Savage Love are the two that I listen to most frequently. I also listen to Way With Words. Kevin Smith has a bunch of podcasts on his site, there were a couple with Jon Lovitz that I found very entertaining. ---
**Author:** ![scr4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2012, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/podcasts-recommendations/609005/23 "2012-01-10T17:41:16Z")
The entire Rachel Maddow Show (MSNBC) is available as a podcast. There’s an audio-only version as well as a video version. Diane Rehm Show (WAMU/NPR) is good, especially the News Roundup on Friday - it’s a very balanced coverage of the news. On The Media (WNYC/NPR). I also listen to The Stephanie Miller Show, but that requires a paid subscription. ---
**Author:** ![Archergal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c89c15/32.png) [@Archergal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Archergal)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2012, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/podcasts-recommendations/609005/24 "2012-01-23T03:46:38Z")
If you like science fiction/fantasy/gaming/comics/Dr. Who, I heartily recommend [The Incomparable](http://5by5.tv/incomparable) podcast. Interesting, geeky talk about all the subjects above from time to time. They have episodes where they talk about books and hash things out in detail. They have impromptu podcasts after new Dr. Who episodes air. They talk about movies. I skim through the comic and gaming stuff because they’re not my subjects of interest. And occasionally they go crazy, like when they had their [TV fantasy draft](http://5by5.tv/incomparable/58) episode. I was listening to this episode while I was working in my sister’s yard. I laughed so much she thought I was crazy. It’s my favorite geek podcast. I also listen to and enjoy This American Life, Radiolab, Fresh Air, The Moth, and [NPR’s Snap Judgement](http://snapjudgment.org/podcast), which I don’t think has been mentioned so far. I also like story podcasts, like the ones from Escape Pod (sf), Podcastle (fantasy), Clarkesworld, and Lightspeed Magazine. ---
**Author:** ![Simplicio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c37758/32.png) [@Simplicio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simplicio)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2012, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/podcasts-recommendations/609005/25 "2012-01-23T03:57:41Z")
I’ve been listening to history podcasts lately. The best I’ve found so far are **A History of Rome** and **Twelve Byzantine Emperors** ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2012, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/podcasts-recommendations/609005/26 "2012-01-23T04:05:26Z")
My current favourites not already mentioned are [PopMyCulture](http://www.popmyculturepodcast.com/), which is funny interviews with various entertainment-oriented folk, mostly centering on their opinions on current pop cultural events; and the [Nerdist](http://www.nerdist.com/podcast/nerdist/), which is sometimes very Stand-Up Comedy heavy, but is generally fun and fascinating. ---
**Author:** ![Estilicon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/848f3c/32.png) [@Estilicon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Estilicon)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2012, 12:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/podcasts-recommendations/609005/27 "2012-01-23T12:03:54Z")
I’ll mention a couple that haven’t been mentioned so far: 1. [The History of Rome](http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-history-of-rome/id261654474) by Mike Duncan: This is a great podcast currently in its 166 episode. Each episode is short, accurate and its author has a real sense both of history and humour. You’ll learn a lot. 1. [12 Byzantine Rulers](http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/12-byzantine-rulers-the-history/id73802687): You know that you’ve made your name in the podcast business when you are featured in [a New York Times article](http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/31/education/31education.html?pagewanted=all). 1. [Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History](http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dan-carlins-hardcore-history/id173001861): The latest episode is 4 hour longs. I don’t know if it still qualifies as a podcast I also recommend This American Life, Radiolab and, specially, Planet Money. ---
**Author:** ![MsRobyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/90ced4/32.png) [@MsRobyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsRobyn)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2012, 12:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/podcasts-recommendations/609005/28 "2012-01-23T12:11:56Z")
All of my favorites have been mentioned here, but I’d like to add that you can find a fair selection of old time radio shows. I recommend the “Dragnet” podcast hosted by Adam Graham if you’re into that sort of thing. There are others for other old detective shows, Superman, and westerns. ---
**Author:** ![GEEPERS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c89c15/32.png) [@GEEPERS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GEEPERS)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2012, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/podcasts-recommendations/609005/29 "2012-01-23T17:58:48Z")
The podcasts I listen to regularly are: Leo Leporte The Tech guy - great podcast for both geeks and people who are not tech savvy. 60 minutes - entire audio version of the tv show. Cagcast - hilariously and brutually honest podcast about video games Yea It’s that Bad - these guys are kinda annoying, but it’s fun to hear their thoughts why certain movies rate so bad on Rotten Tomatoes ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2012, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/podcasts-recommendations/609005/30 "2012-01-23T19:17:36Z")
I listen to a lot of podcasts. These most often — - WTF with Marc Maron - WNYC’s Radiolab - This American Life - Stuff You Should Know - Studio 360 from PRI and WNYC - Real Time with Bill Maher (it’s the audio from the HBO TV show) - NPR: Planet Money Podcast - NPR: Car Talk Podcast - NPR Programs: Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me! Podcast - NPR Programs: Fresh Air Podcast - The Latest Episodes from On the Media - KCRW’s The Business - BBC Business Daily - The Bugle - The ABC’s of SNL (really a 4 or 5 episode offshoot of Kevin Smith’s Smodcast which features Jon Lovitz) ---
**Author:** ![Roadfood](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9fc348/32.png) [@Roadfood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roadfood)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2012, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/podcasts-recommendations/609005/31 "2012-01-23T19:23:01Z")
Another recommendation for The Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe ([http://www.theskepticsguide.org](http://www.theskepticsguide.org)). Also, surprised that it hasn’t been mentioned yet: Skeptoid ([http://skeptoid.com](http://skeptoid.com)). These are a lot shorter than Skeptic’s Guide episodes, typically around fifteen minutes. But they’re packed full of facts and are always good examples of critical thinking. I think anyone who reads The Straight Dope, and has the means to listen to podcasts, owes it to themselves to at least check out those two. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2012, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/podcasts-recommendations/609005/32 "2012-01-23T19:51:55Z")
APM Marketplace Tech Report (formerly Future Tense) ---
**Author:** ![SmithCommaJohn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecd19e/32.png) [@SmithCommaJohn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmithCommaJohn)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2012, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/podcasts-recommendations/609005/33 "2012-01-23T20:10:49Z")
Here are the podcasts that I listen to regularly. I have a boring job that allows me to listen to my iPod all day, so I assume I have more time than most people to listen to podcasts. Anyway Science/Technology Astronomy Cast Big Picture Science This Week in Tech This is Only a Test Giant Bombcast (It’s about video games - the only such podcast I listen to. The hosts have a great rapport, and are usually really funny) Movies Filmspotting How Did This Get Made? Behind the Screened Door Comedy Walking The Room (this one is definitely not for everyone. If you consider yourself a decent human being, and would like to continue being able to look at yourself in the mirror every morning, it’s probably best to avoid this one) TOFOP (Basically Walking The Room but in Australia. It’s considerably tamer.) WTF With Marc Maron (really funny and in-depth interviews with comedians, actors, and others) How Was Your Week with Julie Klausner News Fresh Air Talk of The Nation Misc. The Straight Dope Radiolab (probably my favorite podcast of any kind right now) Stuff You Should Know Stuff You Missed in History Class Freakonomics ---
**Author:** ![SmithCommaJohn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecd19e/32.png) [@SmithCommaJohn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmithCommaJohn)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2012, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/podcasts-recommendations/609005/34 "2012-01-23T20:11:52Z")
Edit: Double post. Mods, please delete. ---
**Author:** ![Tangent](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tangent/32/3098_2.png) [@Tangent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tangent)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2012, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/podcasts-recommendations/609005/35 "2012-01-23T20:37:49Z")
If there are any tv shows that you are really into, there’s a good chance that someone is doing a podcast about it. For example: The _Breaking Bad Insider Podcast_ is hosted by someone who works on the show and she usually has Vince Gilligan or one of the other writers or directors giving specific insights about each episode after it airs. Pretty cool if you’re a fan of the show. _The Talking Dead_ is a podcast by a couple of guys who are fans of _The Walking Dead_ show and comics. They are not “official” or affiliated with the show in any way other than being fans. (And they are not affiliated with the identically-named “The Talking Dead” tv show that airs on AMC after each Walking Dead episode.) ---
**Author:** ![WolfpackJeep](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpackjeep/32/2921_2.png) [@WolfpackJeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WolfpackJeep)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2012, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/podcasts-recommendations/609005/36 "2012-01-25T01:03:23Z")
> [@MsRobyn](#): > > All of my favorites have been mentioned here, but I’d like to add that you can find a fair selection of old time radio shows. I recommend the “Dragnet” podcast hosted by Adam Graham if you’re into that sort of thing. There are others for other old detective shows, Superman, and westerns. Botar’s Old Time Radio has a nice selection of old shows (comedy, drama, serials, etc.). How about music? I like the Renaissance Festival Podcast and the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast (though the host can get a little wordy sometimes, and is quick to feature his own music). Pod is my Copilot is my favorite comedy podcast, with SModcast as a close second. Jay and Silent Bob is funny too, with large chunks of “this is why drug abuse sucks” thrown in (the initial focus of the show was giving Jason Mewes something to focus on; if I recall correctly, he had just come out of a relapse when it started). The SubGenius Hour of Slack and Bob’s Slacktime Funhouse are good, but may be a bit too counterculture for some people. The same can be said for Puzzling Evidence and National Cynical Network. ---
**Author:** ![guizot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guizot/32/3636_2.png) [@guizot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/guizot)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2012, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/podcasts-recommendations/609005/37 "2012-01-25T01:41:26Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > What’s on NPR or other newsworthy channels that I can listen to? If you listen to daily news, I’d suggest a broadcast that’s generally _ **better** _ (though shorter) than NPR’s Morning Edition: **Here and Now** (APM), and if they don’t broadcast it in your area, you can get it by podcast. It’s better because they go into more depth than NPR on the top issues of the day–NPR seems to have a boilerplate time limit and format. ---
**Author:** ![Icerigger](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/icerigger/32/432_2.png) [@Icerigger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Icerigger)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2012, 11:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/podcasts-recommendations/609005/38 "2012-01-25T11:06:01Z")
[QUOTE=Estilicon] I’ll mention a couple that haven’t been mentioned so far: 1. [Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History](http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dan-carlins-hardcore-history/id173001861): The latest episode is 4 hour longs. I don’t know if it still qualifies as a podcast [/QUOTE] I think his show on The Eastern Front was about the best podcast I ever listened to! ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2012, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/podcasts-recommendations/609005/39 "2012-01-25T13:15:34Z")
If you like video games: - General topic: Final Score (Frogpants Studio network), Ladies of Leet, [1Up.com](http://1Up.com) - Games, Dammit! - Specific games: The Instance (WoW), The Instance: The Old Republic (SWtOR), Skyrim Off the Record, Star Wars Off the Record ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2012, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/podcasts-recommendations/609005/40 "2012-01-25T14:31:59Z")
I have bookmarked this thread for reference. I just started listening to the Skeptic’s Guide podcast, and it’s really good, so thanks for that, **Qadgop** and everyone who subsequently mentioned it. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/podcasts-recommendations/609005.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/podcasts-recommendations/609005.md?page=3)