Lend Your Ear…to These Awesome Podcasts

OK, so podcasts may have been around for nearly a decade now, but only recently have I decided to jump on the podcast train. And let’s just say, I am loving the treasure trove of information, entertainment, and insight it has brought me. Plus, listening (or even half-listening) to podcasts at work seems to keep me focused (always a super bonus). I just go to my iPad, plug in my headphones and start working while listening to whatever strikes my interest at that given moment.

If you haven’t given webcasts a chance yet, I highly suggest you do. There are SO MANY to podcasts to choose from for every interest and personality type. From politics to celebrity gossip to tech reviews to history lessons and everything in between, there is something for everyone.

So, if you’re ready to check out a podcast…or two..or three, it always helps to have a little direction. Lucky for you, I’m here to help!

First, if you have a smartphone or tablet, I highly suggest  you download a podcasting app. I first used Apple’s Podcast app (it isn’t their best app, in my humble opinion), until I came across Stitcher. It’s a great app and it’s free – download it now. If you don’t want to download the app, you can always listen over your computer or through your iTunes.

Now that you have downloaded Stitcher (which I’m assuming you have, as you heeded my helpful suggestion above), a few podcast recommendations are necessary. That being said, the list below includes a few of my favorites as of today (my opinion and interest level varies from day to day, but these are definitely my “go to” podcasts on a regular basis).

Kate’s Top Seven Podcasts (Yes, seven. Ten are too many, five are too few.)

The Nerdist – I have loved Chris Hardwick‘s witty and hilarious commentary for many years…going back to his days hosting Singled Out on MTV (Don’t lie, if you’re under 40, you watched it too at some point…more likely to see Jenny McCarthy, but it still counts.) and more recently on G4’s Web Soup. He’s my kind of guy…smart, funny, cute, and completely unscripted. Great interviews, awesome co-hosts (Matt Mira and Jonah Ray), and completely no shame packed into each episode. If I had to pick just one podcast to listen to from this moment on, it would undoubtedly be The Nerdist. Give it a chance for sure!

TEDTalks – Looking for something that makes you really think and gain a new perspective? You need to check out TEDTalks. You can hear great minds talk about time travel or art or the human connection and so much more. There is a plethora of  “talks” to really make you think and to think bigger. Provoking and honest.

Popstuff – I love my pop culture. It’s as simple as that. I can’t get enough of it and for some absurd and completely useless reason, I can retain a ridiculous amount of pop culture trivia in my head…for an unbelievably LONG time! This is just a fun podcast that discusses a crazy amount of topics from “Star Wars Food” to “Bugs vs. Mickey.” Great stuff!

Freakonomics – If you’ve read any of the Freakonomics books or watched the movie, you already have an idea of what to expect here. But, if not, let me sum this one up quickly for ya. Freakonomics podcast covers the weird and wacky side of economics that you will not discover in school books, yet is rooted in real research and studies.  Another bonus about this podcast? It’s great to listen to if you only have 20 minutes or so, being as these webcasts are relatively short (most podcasts last between 45-60 minutes).

Tech News Today – Of course this list wouldn’t be complete without a tech-focused podcast. Great source for all things techie and cutting edge. Also, great reviews on all new tech gadgets, which I love learning more about before deciding if the next iPad is REALLY worth buying.

The Moth – If you enjoy hearing other people’s inspiring, always true, sometimes funny, and frequently eye-opening stories, you have hit the jackpot with this series. The webcast features storytellers who share tales from their lives without any notes and in front of a live audience…or as The Moth says, “true stories told live.” Be inspired, intrigued, and enlightened every time you listen to this podcast.

Babble-On – Ok, this one doesn’t need much explanation. Just know this, if you like Kevin Smith (yes, THE Kevin Smith of Clerks and Jay and Silent Bob), you will appreciate and love this podcast! Always great for a laugh. Always.

Do you have a favorite podcast? Share your favorites with me.

Until next time…

Cheers!
Kate