Editor’s Pick: Best Podcasts
WNYC’s RadioLab
This podcasts is for the curious. Each episode, hosts Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich take an ordinary part of the human experience and explode the philosophical and scientific questions which surround it. You might hear about neuroscience, poetry, and ringtones—all in the same episode! No other program, podcast or otherwise, covers as much ground or presents its material so inventively. Radiolab is a must-listen for anyone interested in examining our world and the struggles of human existence.
American Public Media’s Marketplace
You don’t have to be a business major to understand the intricacies of the United States’ economy. Learn about things like money, housing, big business, consumers, the market, and their implications on American society. After a few times of hearing Kai Ryssdal “do the numbers” over a cheerful “We’re in the Money” instrumental, maybe you’ll be motivated to find out what the DOW JONES, S&P 500, and NASDAQ numbers really mean. This podcast helps simplify the nation’s most important financial topics and delivers them in a focused and entertaining 30 minute segment.
Savage Love Podcast
The Advice Column/Call-In Show is a tired trope by any standard, especially today’s innovation- and novelty-focused media world. But Dan Savage’s humor, intelligence, sharp wit, and brutal honesty make this podcast a unique and illuminating experience that leaves you wanting more. Savage, a sex-positive gay author, discusses sexual experimentation and focuses on legal, safe ways to explore and embrace your sexuality and sexual desires.
WFSU’s Capital Report
This is a local one from our friends over at WFSU. During the legislative session this becomes a daily podcast. Tallahassee’s local reporters cover the most pressing topics in Florida politics. Each episode of Capital Report discusses happenings at the capital and is a great resource for anyone who wants to keep track of legislation during session. During the off-season, you still get weekly updates on issues that are affecting our state’s economy, environment, and citizens. Go to wfsu.org to subscribe to this podcast.
American Public Media’s The Dinner Party Download
This is a good podcast to listen to before going to your next, well, dinner party. In just twenty minutes, you’ll be pumped full of obscure trivia and current events that will make you everyone’s favorite dinner guest. The format of this podcast preps you for any soiree. It opens with a joke (the icebreaker), moves along with some small talk, introduces a guest of honor, loads you with some history (plus booze), and ends with an impressive drink recipe. Be sure to take note of the music selection in each podcast. After all, where would a social climber be without a comprehensive knowledge of hip new music?
Chicago Public Radio’s This American Life
What type of “Best Podcasts” list would this be if it didn’t feature This American Life? This is a great introduction to the world of podcasts. If you think you don’t have the attention span to sit through an entire radio show, this is the one to prove you wrong. Each week, public radio voice-heartthrob Ira Glass brings you interesting and heartwarming stories deftly exploring the deep questions of human existence. There’s a reason why this is the number one subscribed to podcast.
