Recommended Podcasts

As follow-up to yesterday’s post about the added benefits of podcasts, here are the ones I usually listen to in case some tickle your auditory fancy. Favourites asterisked:

1. The Geologic Podcast*: The wonderful rantings and ravings of George Hrab — drummer, songwriter, general musician, skeptic, snark-emitter, sketch-writer, atheist extraordinaire.
2. Declaring Independence Radio*: Ed Brayton’s lovechild: covers American politics especially constitutional and legal issues, civil liberties, religious fundamentalism and general wingnuttery.
3. The Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe*: Very extensive 5 people panel discussion show covering all aspects of skepticism, science, critical thinking — with modes ranging from jokes, banter and quiz questions all the way to the most serious of things. They’ve been doing it for 5 years. Hosted by Steve Novella, Bob Novella, Jay Novella, Rebecca Watson and Evan Bernstein.
4. Reasonable Doubts*: three academics take a critical look at religion from a slightly more philosophical/detailed perspective, but still very conversationally. Their specialties in general psychology and psychology of religion make it particularly unique and interesting. Hosted by Luke Galen, Jeremy Beahan and David Fletcher. Jeremy is also the producer of Declaring Independence Radio.
5. The Amateur Scientist*: News, sketches, parodies and tomfoolery from a very snarky skeptical perspective. Hosted by Brian Thompson.
6. Savage Love*: The podcast version of Dan Savage’s sex and relationships advice column. Also covers some politics where they intersect with sexuality (ie. everywhere!)
7. The Atheist Experience* Austin-based live public TV call-in show. Theists call in to debate or berate, atheists to discuss. They’ve got the record in having done this show for 13 years. The current frontman Matt Dillahunty is a force of nature in deconstructing all types of religious claims/arguments.
8. All In The Mind: Interview-based podcast by the ABC, dealing with psychology, cognitive science etc. Hosted by Natasha Mitchell.
9. Philosopher’s Zone: Interview-based podcast by the ABC, dealing with a new philosopher or philosophical issue every week. Hosted by Alan Saunders.
10. Astronomy Cast: Fraser Cain and Pamela Gay discuss in detail one astronomy topic per show — very lively and easy to follow for us plebs.
11. Blogging Heads: This is Robert Wright’s online TV channel, basically like a more intellectual version of TV talking heads. Shows are 1hr one-on-one conversations and come at a rate of about 1-2 a day, of which at least one a week I find worth downloading. Topics include science, philosophy, religion, news and affairs, politics, media. Very rotating cast of characters, has included some top people in most fields.
12. Conversations From The Pale Blue Dot: Podcast by Luke of Common Sense Atheism. Generally a detailed 1 hr interview with an academic dealing with some fairly involved philosophical/theological topics.
13. Rationally Speaking: Science and critical thinking by Massimo Pigliucci and Julia Galef.
14. Curiosity Aroused: Skepticism from the skepchicks of skepchick.org
15. I Should Be Writing: Mur Lafferty’s podcast for wannabe fiction writers. Interviews, discussions, tips and writer rants.
16. Little Atoms: UK interview-based show promoting the spirit of the enlightenment and the values of the secular progressive left. Have had some very prominent people on over the years.
17. Point of Inquiry: The official podcast of CFI. Also interview-based. Now hosted by a rotating cast of 3: the pottymouthed skeptical linguist Karen Stolznow, the curmugeonly Bible scholar Robert Price and the extremely-controversial-in-the-atheist-and-skeptical-blogosphere Chris Mooney.
18. The Psych Files: One new psychology topic every podcast. Easy for us plebs to follow. Hosted by Michael Britt.
19. Skepticality: One of the first podcasts ever! And one of the best. Interviews a wide variety of people. Hosted by Derek Colanduno and Swoopy (Robyn McCarthy)
20. The Skeptic Zone: Australian-based skeptical podcast with plenty of true-blue larrikinism.
21. Skeptoid: Skeptical show by Brian Dunning, each episode is about 12 minutes and focuses on a single topic in popular myths/frauds.
22. The Straight Dope: 5 minute podcast answering obscure trivia questions posed by viewers. Podcast version of a site by the same name.

Why yes, that is a huge number of things to listen to! I wish I didn’t need luxuries like sleep…