8 Podcasts You Must Listen To

Podcasts have brought a new level of democracy to media production. Anyone with a laptop, microphone and a bit of passion can now broadcast themselves to a global audience.

Podcasting is still very much in its infancy, only really commencing in 2005. Today there are over 240 thousand podcasts in the iTunes store alone. Despite this podcasts are still largely unknown by the general public and remain a niche in the overall media landscape.

That it is why it is incumbent on those of us who have seen the light to spread the word. So here are 8 Podcasts that you should listen to in no particular order of preference.

TWIT This Week in Tech - http://twit.tv/show/this-week-in-tech

If anyone deserves the title of “Podfather” then it’s probably Leo Laporte. A Long time tech journalist, Laporte has created his own podcasting empire through the TWiT network. With over 35 podcasts dedicated to the world of technology produced on a weekly basis, TWiT is always informative and entertaining and probably the most downloaded podcast on the net.

Radiolab - http://www.radiolab.org

Radiolab is personally my favourite podcast. Produced out of New York City by WYNC Radio in association with NPR, Radiolab is self-described as, ‘Radiolab is a show about curiosity. Where sound illuminates ideas, and the boundaries blur between science, philosophy, and human experience.’

That just about sums it up really. Whether it been an exploration of dark matter, swarms of Argentinean ants or what it is that makes humans bad this podcast is beautifully produced and always enlightening.

The Bugle - http://thebuglepodcast.com

Podcasting since 2007, the Bugle, a British podcast originally on behalf of the Times of London and featuring John Oliver (from The Daily Show With Jon Stewart fame) and Andy Zaltzman, the Bugle is an extremely funny and satirical look at the weeks events.

Here’s The Thing - http://www.wnyc.org/shows/heresthething 

Another WYNC production and hosted by Alec Baldwin, this podcast gives you unprecedented access to artists, writers, filmmakers and some of entertainment’s biggest names. Baldwin has a knack from obtaining candid responses from obviously relaxed guests.

With interviews with the likes of David Letterman, Chris Rock and David Brooks, Here’s the Thing never fails to be revealing and entertaining.

Smart Passive Income Podcast - http://www.smartpassiveincome.com

Anyone interested in taking advantage of the new media and online revolution to create a career or earn a little pocket money then this podcast is for you. Hosted by Pat Flynn an American entrepreneur, Smart Passive Income provides real insight and strategies on how to achieve your online goals.

Weekly interviews with successful business people and writers are always informative and motivational. 

Great Lives - http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/greatlives

Of course the BBC was always going to have a significant presence in the world of podcasting and this is a very British podcast indeed. Host Matthew Parris interviews an eminent guest and an expert to reveal the truth behind their history heroes.

So if you’re a history buff and like an in depth analysis of what made some of histories tick then this podcast is for you.

Decode DC - http://www.decodedc.com

Hosted by Andrea Seabrook, Decode DC provides a unique an apolitical insight into the machinations of the issues confronting legislators in the US Capital.

Exploring the motivations behind decisions and how people from all walks of life can effect those decisions this relative new podcast has a bright future built on a  solid recent past.

This American Life - http://www.thisamericanlife.org

Produced by Chicago Public Media and syndicated on radio across the US to 1.8 million listeners weekly.  The thematic based podcasts explores the every day lives of ordinary Americans and in turn asks the listener to think more broadly about the issues and how they may systemic of society as a whole.

It makes for a riveting weekly podcast.