The variety and amount of podcasts available to all of us with an internet connection and a computer can be daunting. Not everyone has the time to search the world wide web for content that speaks specifically to them. And looking beyond the staff picks of the individual country sites can take time, as described in a recent article on Podcasts: Free For All The Article also explains where and how to find relevant podcasts.
This most ardent podcast fan has compiled six podcasts that are listened to religiously and hopes the reader might enjoy them as well.
Six Podcasts about History, Politics, Culture and Films
Dan Carlin's Hardcore History Podcast
Dan Carlin describes himself as an amateur historian, martian and outside-the-box thinker. He does it with so much gusto and exuberance, covering eras from the Punic Wars to the Fall of the Roman Empire, individual battles of WWII and loads more. New "Hardcore History" podcasts appear about every four weeks.
Dan Carlin's Common Sense Podcast
Dan Carlin also does politics and current events. He is not affiliated with any broadcast company. He describes his political association as "independent" i. e. no ties to the Republican Party nor the Democratic Party. New "Common Sense" podcasts on a two-to-three week cycle.
Slate Culture Gabfest Podcast
This is a weekly podcast. New podcasts are downloadable on Tuesday nights, PST. It's a round table discussion between Slate Magazine contributors Stephen Metcalf, Dana Stevens and Julia Turner (the regulars) and occasional guests. The podcast runs for about 45 minutes and covers three to four topics: movies, books, academia news and relevant pop cultural news. The entertainment value of their discussions is huge. All the contributors are super smart, insightful and extremely articulate ( in plain talk: all the words you have to look up - these guys use them in full sentences without sounding pompous or stuck up).
Keith Olbermann's Countdown Audio Podcast
Keith Olbermann's show "Countdown" runs weeknights at 5PM, EST on cable. The video and audio podcast of the show, without commercial interruption, is available for download approximately 3 hours after the show airs live. US and International politics and other oddities provide the substance. One regular feature is the "Worse, Worser, Worst Person in the World". His "special comments" insightful and passionate.
Rachel Maddow Show Audio Podcast
If some of the daily politics are difficult to understand, Rachel is the go-to girl for breaking it down and explaining it in a clear, concise way. The Rachel Maddow show is also a weekday daily cable news show. The 45-minute show is downloadable around 8PM EST.
Mark Kermode's Film Review BBC5
This very eclectic film review radio show is every Friday, 3PM GMT. You can also listen live via the web and tweet comments during the live broadcast. The podcast is available a few hours later.
The film reviews are based on the release schedules for the UK. Blockbusters usually have a world wide release therefore coincide with the US release dates. Smaller films, indie films often appear in the UK sooner, giving any film fan the edge and knowledge what to look out for.
Mark Kermode's style reminds me of Keith Olbermann i.e. The Good Doctor, as he is affectionately known as, is extremely passionate about his profession, plus he has the Brit bonus: natural comedic talent. The repartee with co-host Simon Mayo makes this an extremely entertaining podcast.
The Search is On
There are many more out there, just as fun, entertaining and informative. If anyone out there has one to share, this fan would be most appreciative.
Veronika Kaufmann - Her book, titled "pretty different: you don't need all that money to look that good honey" will be published in January 2012.
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