Podcasts I love: for the nerd, writer and mama within
Sunday, January 23, 2011 at 11:34AM I'm a podcast junky. I listen to them when I wash dishes, while I shower, when I go for long walks, and when I drive somewhere. Mostly they seem to satisfy three sides of me: the nerd, the storyteller, and the mom.
For the uninitiated, a Podcast is simply an audio file that you download from the internet. I download all of mine through iTunes and put them on my iPhone--you can find a ton of podcasts through the iTunes store. But you don't have to have iAnything to listen to podcasts. My Dad used to download them and listen on his $10 MP3 player that he got on Woot!
Here are a few of my favorites (and, I should mention, all of them FREE). Know of any I should check out? Please leave a comment!
- Freakonomics Radio: a biweekly podcast about the "hidden side of economics", by the co-authors of the book Freakonomics. Sound deadly? It's not. It's funny, engaging and fascinating. My favorite episode so far is "Is America's Obesity Epidemic for Real"?
- Manic Mommies: a funny, honest and humble weekly podcast for working mothers. It's like sitting down for a cup of coffee with your other mama friends. They also have an entertaining blog that updates several times a week. I tell every mother who's balancing family and work to Check.This. Out.
- Radiolab: an NPR science show that doesn't take itself too seriously. My all-time favorite episode is Famous Tumors. CONTAGIOUS TUMORS! That particular episode is NOT for the weak of stomach.
- This American Life: another NPR show that tells stories off the offbeat and fascinating. This was my very favorite thing about NPR until I discovered Radiolab (though my passion for host Ira Glass continues unchecked). Check out the recent Petty Tyrant episode--a full hour devoted to the entirely true and entirely unbelievable workplace bullying that happened in an upstate NY school district (very close to where I grew up!).
Next on my iPhone to listen to is The Accidental Creative, which has episodes about "Productivity for Creative Pros". A screenwriter friend tipped me off to the War of Art episode, but I haven't listened to it yet.
Reader Comments (2)
I heart Ira. Two more suggestions: The Moth (storytelling) and Splendid Table. I don't think you have to be a foodie to enjoy Splendid Table - I just love the host's warmth and unchecked passion for all foods.
Thanks Wendy! I've had The Moth sitting on my iPod for months and I haven't tried it. Will check out Splendid Table too!