Maybe you endure a hellish daily commute, enjoy distracting
yourself at the gym, or just need to zone out while cooking dinner. Whichever scenario sounds most familiar, my forthcoming
list of go-to podcasts offers no shortage of intellectual stimulation and shameless
diversion. For enjoying these and other fine
audio programs, I highly recommend an app called Stitcher, available
for free on your smartphone and desktop web browser, which allows you
to organize your favorite podcasts into playlists (e.g., business,
politics and pleasure – guilty or otherwise).
Business Podcasts:
Despite being a longtime listener of NPR, it took me a
while to give Marketplace a chance. It probably had something to do with the fact
that the voice of its host and senior editor Kai Ryssdal sounded overly slick and narcissistic -- I visualized the progeny of a used car salesman and a game show host in
front of a microphone. Little did I know
that Ryssdal is bright and well-intentioned, and his show is almost unquestionably
the finest all-around business and economics podcast currently gracing the airwaves. With an unexpectedly sociological perspective
on finance, Marketplace makes the world
of mainstream business accessible and engaging for experts and laypeople
alike.
If my grandfather knew what a podcast was, he would never forgive me for neglecting to include Mr. Zakaria on my list of favorites. Despite the title, this is not a show about
geolocation gadgets. CNN's GPS – an annoying, head-scratch inducing acronym for Global Public Square – features consistently thoughtful and
articulate editorials by its host (past troubles with plagiarism notwithstanding). With uncharacteristic intellect and worldliness, FZ proves week after week that he remains one of
the few worthwhile commentators in the increasingly odious cable news landscape.
An offshoot of the aforementioned Marketplace, the Morning
Report offers insightful business stories in succinct, seven-minute segments. When you just want a taste of the day’s headlines
without too much of a time commitment, this show is a great option.
Join good-natured, low-key host Michael Krasny, Ph.D. as he explores political, economic and cultural topics, including those that affect the Bay Area in particular. Ever since 1993 Krasny has been interviewing intellectuals, authors and other newsmakers with his genial, easy-going style. Forum has a slightly more local Nor Cal focus than some other shows on this list, and includes a mixed bag of call-ins from listeners, but it deals with broad themes and issues that should prove relevant to a wide audience.
TWiST is a weekly podcast series hosted by tech entrepreneur
Jason Calacanis who discusses the latest developments in the world of Silicon
Valley tech startups and interviews founders of emergent internet companies. This one is new to my lineup, but offers
casual yet revealing chats with a roster of interesting guests for those
interested in technology, venture finance, crowdfunding and related topics.
Entertainment Podcasts:
Is there anyone left out there who isn’t hooked on TAL? Every week Ira Glass and company deliver engrossing,
humorous and often poignant stories that blur the lines between journalism and
radio drama. Last year they were forced
into an unprecedented apologia after finding themselves in hot water for airing a
story called "Mr. Daisy and the Apple Factory," which turned about to be almost entirely fabricated. But in true TAL fashion, even their retraction proved captivating and unforgettable. If you
want a shining example of TAL’s brilliance, check out this installment entitled "The Incredible Case of the P.I. Moms," a seemingly straightforward story that quickly devolves into an outrageous, mind-bending tale of criminal
conspiracy, corruption and intrigue that is not to be believed.
I have a serious soft spot for Terry Gross, the venerable
host of NPR’s long-running Fresh Air interview show. Pretty sure I'm not the only one. Among the most classic interviews I’ve ever
come across was Terry’s testy encounter with KISS frontman (and unhinged megalomaniac) Gene Simmons back in 2002. Several times a
week, Terry and her inner circle of contributors interview prominent
actors, filmmakers, musicians and other newsmakers, blending unassuming politeness with probing
interrogation.
Erudite, dreadlocked film critic Elvis Mitchell interviews Hollywood insiders on his weekly
public radio show. Mitchell often surprises
his guests with the depth of his research and the scholarly – bordering occasionally on pretentious – questions that he brings to each conversation. For any fan of motion pictures, this one is a
no brainer.
I first became aware of Aisha Tyler as the voice of perpetually exasperated secret agent Lana Kane on FX’s hilariously off-the-wall
animated series Archer. Turns out this
foul-mouthed female comic is a Bay Area native who loves science fiction, video
games and fine whiskeys...be still my heart. Her suggestively titled podcast series features
surprisingly in-depth, down-to-earth chats with fellow comedians and other
entertainers she admires. A great
example of the show is her fascinating convo with legendary chef, food writer
and irrepressibly hedonistic TV personality Anthony Bourdain.
You don’t have to be a comic book geek to enjoy
former filmmaker turned podcast pioneer Kevin Smith’s weekly interview show
devoted to his love for the Caped Crusader…but it helps. This series
is an unabashed guilty pleasure for anyone who adores all things related to Batman
and Gotham City as much as I do. Despite
Smith’s indulgent, meandering introductions and ganja-fueled asides, the show
features fascinating interviews with many of the key artists involved in
Bat-media, from the current New 52 comics to the beloved Animated Series, the Chris
Nolan trilogy and beyond.
