Listening to podcasts is a great way for staying informed with current news, interests and trends. I have found that listening to podcasts has made otherwise mundane tasks such as long commutes, yard-work and exercise, bearable and sometimes even enjoyable. There are several podcasts that I listen to on a weekly basis, and others that I watch from the comfort of my couch (thanks to Tivo).
The easiest way to discover interesting podcasts is to use iTunes and search the iTunes Podcast Directory. iTunes provides categories of podcasts, with charts showing you the most popular podcast in each category. This is the easiest way to determine what other people are listening to and enjoying. (More information is available on Apple’s site.)
There are also several networks that have been created for the sole purpose of distributing interesting podcasts. These networks are working hard to create programming around-the-clock. The original offerings were mostly technology focused, but as each of these networks develop new shows, they are adding more diverse programming. The goal of many of these distributers is to eventually compete with mainstream broadcast television for viewers.
Most popular podcasting networks:
- Mevio – Network created by former MTV VJ Adam Curry. Show directory currently has 2,430 listings. Largest and most diverse of all podcasting networks.
- CNet – Mostly technology focused. Owned by CBS Interactive. Programming includes many of the biggest names in technology.
- Revision3 – Not nearly as large as Mevio, but almost as diverse. All content is available as video.
- Twit.tv – Network created by Leo Laporte (one of the original podcasters). Provides around-the-clock programming on live channel, but also includes many weekly shows with diverse hosts and topics.
My Favorite Podcasts
Although the podcasting networks are great, there are way too many programs available to watch or listen to all of them. Below I have provided information about the podcasts that I enjoy the most. Although I have separated the list by audio and video, it is important to note that several of the video podcasts also have audio versions, and vice-versa. I have categorized based on the ways that I have found easiest to enjoy each podcast.
Video Podcasts that I watch:
- Tekzilla – Hosted by Patrick Norton and Veronica Belmont, features reviews of gadgets and tips and tricks for making your tech life easier. A weekly show is produced that includes reviews and discussions of hardware/software, and a daily show is produced with a short tip.
- Cranky Geeks – Hosted by John Dvorak, features roundtable of technology professionals discussing current technology news and trends. New episodes produced weekly. (Open in iTunes)
- Loaded – Hosted by Natali Del Conte, features daily technology news. New episodes Monday – Thursday. Normally about 3-5 minutes per day.
- Apple Byte – Hosted by Brian Tong, covers all Apple news. New episodes once per week.
- MediaBytes – Hosted by Shelly Palmer, features daily technology and entertainment news. New Episodes Monday – Friday. Normally about 2-3 minutes per day.
- HD Nation – Hosted by Patrick Norton and Robert Heron, features all things HD. Includes discussion of video, sound, and equipment. New episodes once per week.
- Diggnation – Hosted by Alex Albrecht and Kevin Rose, features discussion of top digg.com stories. New episodes weekly.
- GreekBrief.tv – Hosted by Cali Lewis, features news, interviews, and product reviews. New episodes multiple times per week.
- AppJudgment – Hosted by Revision3 personalities, features reviews of Apps for all popular SmartPhone platforms. New episodes two times per week.
Can’t Miss Audio Podcasts:
- This Week in Tech – Hosted by Leo Laporte, features a roundtable of technology experts discussing technology news. New episodes weekly.
- Buzz Out Loud – Hosted by Tom Merritt, Molly Wood and Jason Howell, features discussion of the day’s news. New episodes daily.
- Windows Weekly – Hosted by Leo Laporte and Paul Thurrott, features all news related to Microsoft. New episodes weekly.
- MacBreek Weekly – Hosted by Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Merlin Mann and Andy Ihnatko, features all news related to Apple. New episodes weekly.
- The Lost Podcast with Jay and Jack – Hosted by Jay and Jack, features discussion of the television show Lost. New episodes two times per week.
Honorable Mention Audio Podcasts (I enjoy, but don’t get to listen to every episode):
- AppSlappy – Hosted by Scott Johnson and Eric Van Skyhawk, features reviews of iPhone applications. New episodes weekly.
- Engadget Podcast – Hosted by Joshua Topolsky, Nilay Patel, and Paul Miller, features discussion of current technology news. New episodes weekly.
- gdgt Podcast – Hosted by Ryan Block and Peter Rojas, features discussion of current technology news. New episodes weekly.
- Married with Tech – Hosted by Doug Shill, Shawn Roberts, Jordan Patterson and Donny Benfield, features discussion of technology news from the perspective of married geeks/parents. New episodes weekly.
- iPhone Live Podcast – Hosted by Rene Ritchie, Chad Garrett and Mickey Papillon, features discussion of all things iPhone. New episodes weekly.
- Kennedy-Mighell Report – Hosted by Dennis Kennedy and Tom Mighell, features discussion of how technology impacts practicing attorneys. New episodes every 2 weeks.
Please feel free to suggest any additional interesting podcasts that you listen to or watch in the comments. As consumer electronics continue to become more connected, I expect that this form of entertainment will continue to grow and flourish.
