2010 in Review: Podcasts

This is just one post in my wrap up of the year 2010. If you would like to read the rest, click here to the main post.

I got into podcasting this year, more than usual. Since I don't have TV or a car to listen to the radio, I use podcasts to stay in tuned with the common people in the outside world. ;)

Instead of listing all the podcasts I listen to, I'll just give you the four highlights:

The Moth Podcast
The Moth features various people in all different professions. These people share entertaining stories about some crazy situations they've gotten involved in.

The first one I ever listened to featured Steven Burns and the crazy date he had with a "fan" of the show he hosted, Blue's Clues. It was hilarious. I was listening to the episode on the bus on the way to class and drew some unwanted attention on myself because I couldn't keep my amusement to myself. I've been hooked every since.

Nerdist
I grew up to Chris Hardwick when he hosted that MTV's '90s dating show "Singled Out," but I was especially excited when I realized that he's still around amusing the world with his crazy sense of humor. Only now, he's covering the geek world of gadgets and this podcast, Nerdist.

Each episode is ridiculously long but it's well worth it. Most of the guests are nerds in their own way. Past guests have included Rainn Wilson, Matt Smith and Bill Maher. Even though the podcasts are usually an hour long, the conversations are so casual and personal that I can't help but feel like I'm sitting in whatever room they're in as they chat away.

Backline Show
I've heard a lot of music podcasts and it's shocking that most of them aren't very good. It should be easy, right? Or so it seems. But I either don't like the music they feature or there's too much personal banter I could give two shits about for me to enjoy them and I usually lose interest.

That didn't happen with The Backline Show. The host Josh Shepherd stays on track only talking about the bands or talking to the bands about their band. Our music tastes are pretty common and the interviews are insightful. I highly recommend this podcast if you're into music.

KUT Morning Newspod
Again, since I don't have TV, I use this podcast to get my daily news. I love that I can get the Cliff Notes version. It isn't just a rehash of what they feature later or the day before and they get straight to the point which is important when I don't have much time.