ESL etc.

Here are some of the podcasts I listen to on a regular basis. I’ve linked to their websites, but you can also just search for them in iTunes.

Radio Lab – Each episode addresses a big idea (time, morality, etc.) using a combination of interviews, sound effects, music and discussion. Absolutely wonderful, and every show is available for download at their website.

Le Show – Harry Shearer’s weekly satirical radio show. With skits, editorials and music, Shearer looks at news, politics and environmental issues. Smart and funny, with a very extensive archive.

This American Life – Each hour-long show deals loosely with a theme, with several personal narratives, usually told by the people who experienced them. One of my favorite things about this show is the rich range of emotions that the stories cover. There website offers the most recent week’s show as an MP3, with 10 years of shows available to stream.

Digital Flotsam – The first non-radio podcast on my list, a wonderfully eclectic blend of talk and music. Host P. W. Fenton is a fantastic storyteller, with a keen eye for podsafe music.

21st Century Buddhism – Ethan Nichtern is a teacher of Buddhism who posts podcasts of his lectures and discussions. The production values aren’t great, but the content more than makes up for it. He has a very modern take on Buddhism, and how to live ethically in the world.

The Sound of Young America – A great interview show, hosted by Jesse Thorn, America’s Radio Sweetheart. Thorn interviews comedians, rappers and authors with intelligence and humor. I also really enjoy Jordan, Jesse GO!, an informal and highly amusing podcast that he does with Jordan Morris.

Intelligence Squared – “Oxford style” debates (meaning two teams of three) on issues of the day. Debaters sometimes resort to ad hominem attacks and straw man arguments, but the discourse is usually pretty well-informed. “Global warming is not a crisis” and “America is too damn religious” were two recent debates.

Never Not Funny – Comedian Jimmy Pardo and producer Matt Belknap sit down with another comedian and talk for an hour or so. Simple, but hilarious. Pardo is a very funny man, and the guests are great, too.

Wait, Wait… Don’t Tell Me – I enjoy this show, but I almost didn’t include it on the list. It’s a comedy news quiz, and it’s funny at times, but nowhere near as funny as BBC products like Just a Minute and I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue. But, unfortunately, neither of those are available as podcasts.

* I’ll continue to add podcasts to this post as I find them. If you have one that you recommend, post it in the comments or email it to me.