Since I spend quite a bit of time walking every day, I like to listen to podcasts. I have some old favorites and recently found a few more to try out. Here's what I currently have queued up on my iPod (* = new discoveries).
WNYC's Radiolab
Science. Hosted by Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich
I've been listening to this one for several years. I got my family hooked on it after queueing up a bunch on a recent road trip. They usually roll out an hour long episode once a month and toss in a few shorts in between so it's not a daily listen but when a new hour long show comes out I drop everything else to check it out.
Spilled Milk
Food. Hosted by Molly Wizenberg (Orangette) and Matthew Amster-Burton (Roots and Grubs).
These come out about 3-4 times a month. The episodes are short and sweet and always hilarious. They pick a food item, discuss and (sometimes) cook. Laughter ensues. (And not to be stalkerish or anything but I spot Molly in my neighborhood quite a bit and I always want to yell out to her that I love her. I'm sure she'd love that.)
Jillian Michaels Podcast
Fitness & Lifestyle.
Episodes come out once a week and fit perfectly into my lunchtime walk (about 40 minutes). There are times when I find Jillian a little annoying but when she stays on point I enjoy hearing her take on diet, fitness, and living a happy, healthy life. Her side-kick and producer, Janice, is also a hoot. The call-in portion of the show is my favorite. I always finish up a podcast feeling energized and optimistic. Just get up and move that ass. No excuses allowed!
America's Test Kitchen Radio*
Food. Hosted by Christopher Kimball and Bridget Lancaster.
This one's a recent discovery and I LOVE IT. If you've ever watched the PBS show, you know that Christopher and Bridget are top notch; both are funny, witty, and totally know their way around a kitchen. They take caller's questions, focus on a few cooking tips and have a main theme/story for each show.
NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour
Pop Culture (duh). Hosted by Linda Holmes, Stephen Thompson, Trey Graham, and Glen Weldon.
These folks play really well off each other. They discuss all things pop culture: current tv, movies, music, books, and comic books. They also cover other topics like movie theater etiquette, the best road trip movies, and why they either hate or love Game of Thrones. Each episode ends with a "What's making me happy" section which always gives me something I want to look into further.
NPR's Ask Me Another*
Puzzles, Games, Trivia. Hosted by Ophira Eisenberg (with music by Jonathan Coulton)
Here's another new one for me. I've only checked out one show so far. Loved it! I found myself yelling trivia answers out loud as I walked down the Burke Gilman Trail. I'm THAT crazy lady.
Professor Blastoff*
Science, Philosophy, Engineering. Improv. Hosted by Tig Notaro, Kyle Dunnigan, and David Huntsberger (plus the occasional guest).
I recently listened to Tig Notaro's "I've Got Cancer" stand-up set and have adored her ever since. She and her two comedian buddies discuss a different topic in improv format every episode. They can be very funny at times but they tend to wander around quite a bit and I find myself wishing that it was a shorter show. It feels somewhat like sitting around in someone's basement, drinking a beer, and chatting with a few funny friends. I'm taking a wait-and-see stance with this podcast. I have to admit I oddly like their dorky "Name That Punky" gameshow... (@ 53:37)
Backstory*
History/Current Events. Hosted by Ed Ayers (19th century guy), Peter Onuf (18th century guy), and Brian Balogh (20th century guy)
I've only listened to a few and it's a really well put together show. They bring up a current event (let's say, gun control) and then discuss the history of gun control in our country. Guess what? To the average non-history buff, the facts may surprise you. I really like it! I've been into history a bit lately (I've been having my morning coffee while watching the millions of Ken Burn's documentaries) and these guys make you think. Super cool.
WNYC's Here's The Thing*
Interview. Hosted by Alec Baldwin
Alec interviews various people: celebrities, politicians, authors, etc... The questions are somewhat non-typical and the interviews often take place in interesting locations (for instance, he interviews Michael Douglas in Michael's Manhattan home and his young daughter comes home from school and gets to be part of the interview). I've listened to the first two episodes -- two thumbs up.
So there's my list. Lots of variety. Lots of fun. Sometimes I take a walk JUST SO I CAN LISTEN.
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A note about my listening habits. There are parts of my walk when there's a lot of traffic nearby so I tend to turn up the volume a bit during those sections. I *try* to turn it down again when I'm in a quieter area. I don't want to damage my ear drums. However, Robert has pointed out that lately I've been hard of hearing (he had to repeat it twice). Shut! Up! Just don't.





















