Podcast roundup
In case you’re looking for some podcast action, here’s the Pie Palace endorsed list:
Highly recommended:
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Planet Money (by NPR) – I can’t recommend this podcast enough. It’s a lay-person’s economics show, covering current issues relating to the US economy. The hosts are to economics what ninjas are to kicking ass. And they do it without being boring.
The Age of Persuasion (by CBC and Pirate Radio) – An insider’s view of advertising. Given that it’s produced by an advertising writer, it’s not surprisingly that it’s really, really fun to listen to. A little short on content, but the production value makes up for that.
Recommended:
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Search Engine (by TVO) – A current affairs show dealing specifically with internet-related issues. It’s pretty geeky, which is probably why CBC dropped it, but the host is knowledgeable and (kind of) funny.
This American Life (by NPR) – A general interest show. Each podcast features four or five stories relating to a theme. It’s kind of humorous, but occasionally dips into serious topics. About half the episodes are too saccharine for my taste.
White Coat, Black Art (by CBC) – A current affairs program about health related issues. The host, an ER doctor, interviews doctors and other health professionals for their perspective on various issues. The show is interesting, but rarely looks at the public policy side of medicine (such as lowering cost, improving quality of service). Worth listening to, nonetheless.
Recommended with reservations:
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Shot of Jaq – A show about open source from a couple of Ubuntu employees. Each show covers a specific topic, and is intended to get listeners talking on the show’s website. The shows are quick (which is probably the best thing about them) but tend to ramble. The hosts rarely offer much insight into the issue they’re talking about.
The Current (by CBC) – A middling current affairs program. Each podcast is about 20 minutes long, in which the host tries to conduct at least two sets of interviews. The interviews usually sound rushed, and the guests are of variable quality. At the end of each program, I feel like I’ve been given a quick overview of the given topic, but without any real depth. I’m not sure why I keep listening to this.
Quirks and Quarks (by CBC) – I really, really want to like this show. It’s CBC’s sole science show. It features interviews with various boffins about their latest discoveries. But it’s really, really dry. As much as I try to listen to it, I find myself tuning it out. Which is too bad, since the quality of reporting is top notch, and the host does a great job at making complex information accessible.
Terrible:
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The Moth – Imagine the worst whackjobery of CBC’s Ideas, mixed with the bland self-adulation of CBC’s Tapestry. Each relatively quick episode is supposedly a true story from some
Hey – this is great! I totally agree with you on This American Life, Quirks and Quarks, and the Current. This American Life is great but can be hit and miss. I too have tried again and again to listen to Quirks and Quarks, but get easily distracted and bored – and oh! How many times have I wished the Current was just a little more in-depth!
To the list of decent CBC podcasts I would have to add “Q” – I am never listening to the radio when this show is broadcast, but I always keep up with the podcast. Say what you will about Jian Gomeshi, but he is one of the greatest interviewers I’ve ever heard. I notice a huge difference in the show when he’s not there. They choose interesting topics and you get a good cross section of culture, media analysis and current events. They clearly do their homework for that show, which means it has a great staff of researchers, and this pays off in the quality of the content.
Question: do you listen to any podcasts relating to authors/books? I have tried a few but haven’t found any that I’ve liked, but I would be interested if there was a good one out there.