October 13, 2008

Podcasting

I am not an early adopter. I don't have the disposable income to lead the way. Even if I had the money, I would hesitate to pay the price for the latest thing. But I am also behind on lots of new free stuff. Podcasting has been out for quite a while, but I had no easy way to make use of them. iTunes makes everything so simple, but I did not own an iPod. I ended up getting an iPod Shuffle for free a few months ago, so now I had my entrance ticket.

I finally jumped on iTunes and set up a few subscriptions last week. With my headphones on, I listened to several episodes while working in the yard on Saturday and on my run on Sunday. It was great.

As I have been listening to NPR quite a lot lately (election year/economy collapsing) I subscribed to a few of their programs that I don't catch on the radio. My brother had recommended "Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me" a long time ago, but I never got around to finding it on the radio. I have only listened to one episode, but I think it will be a keeper. Funny and topical. I am also taking "This American Life" and "Planet Money" for a test spin, as well as catching up on "The News From Lake Wobegon".

On the running side, I have subscribed to "Phedippidations". It is a weekly podcast by "SteveRunner" from Massachusetts, and the podcasts subtitle is "thoughts, opinions, observations and rambling diatribes composed during distance long runs." His weekly show covers a wide range of running and non-running topics, and his narration is split between the studio and while he is running. I have listened to three episodes so far, and have found them a good companion while I am out running.

I have also subscribed to "The Competitor Radio Show" which is a show with interviews athletes from various sports. I will be listening to their interviews of the eventual winners of the Ironman this past weekend, as well as Dean Karnazes, Johan Bruyneel and David Sylvester of Tour de Dog.

Pass along any suggestions you have. Training is ramping up again, and there is plenty on the home to-do list to keep me busy. Lots of headphone time.

7 comments:

matt said...

"Wait Wait" is a great one - I would also suggest "Car Talk"!

matt said...

"Wait Wait" is a great one - I would also suggest "Car Talk"!

matt said...

"Wait Wait" is a great one - I would also suggest "Car Talk"!

SeanH said...

"Wait Wait" is a great one - I would also suggest "Car Talk"!

(I second that opinion.)

Holly said...

Holy Wow! What happened here? It's like a nervous tick. Then again , he did have a bit too much coffee this morning... I would quintuple those recommendations, and support your interest in The Prairie Home Companion. We've enjoyed those shows for years!

Anonymous said...

Other podcast suggestions ...

Audio:
* The Sunday shows (Meet the Press, Face the Nation, This Week.) Works well as just audio, and largely skip the commercials.

* le Show - Harry Shearer's KCRW radio show. Progressive mix of commentary and comedy.

* Left, Right & Center - KCRW weekly political/topical program.

* The Bugle - "Audio Newspaper for a Visual World." John Oliver (Daily Show) and fellow Brit Andy Saltzman.

* It's All Politics - Podcast only (not on air) NPR show.

The Diane Rehm Show: Friday News Roundup - Another round table type show from WAMU. Hour 1 is on domestic issues, hour 2 is international issues. This like Left, Right & Center are my type (the non-yelling type) of current events shows that lend themselves well to radio/podcast.

Video:
Obviously can't play on Shuffle, but even better on your PC.

* Strong Bad Email - Homestar's nemesis.

* Tiki Bar TV - "Forbidden cocktails in a swank pad"

* Barely Political - "Funny Political Videos."

* Brigitte Dale - Guilty pleasure web crush.

Anonymous said...

Car Talk ... really?

They give good car advice, but their execution is like bad morning radio. Non-stop inane laughter.