Thought about subscribing to a podcast but didn’t know where to begin with? I am suggesting 5 awesome podcasts for you to follow across different genres that are interesting, entertaining and informative.
The word podcast originates from the merger of the words ‘pod’ (taken from iPod as podcasts are listened to on portable music players) and ‘broadcasting’. Podcasts are an episodic form of digital multimedia which are either an audio or video file. You can either download a whole set or listen to it directly online. Podcasts are mostly created by people who are genuinely interested in a particular topic or subject; the subject matter is very close to their heart or they’re qualified enough to critique it. This level of passion subsequently creeps into their podcasts, making the recordings very educative and engrossing.
Podcasts can be found on many popular topics like music, films, advertising, comic books, etc. Even within these genres, podcasts are present on sub-genres. The great thing about podcasts is that they’re free; anyone can create a podcast on their favourite topic and broadcast it on the web unlike other mediums where one needs permissions.
So, here are my picks for ’5 Awesome Podcasts to Follow’:
99% Invisible
Genre: Design and Architecture
Podcasters: Roman Mars and co.
Website: 99% Invisible
iTunes: 99% Invisible
This is my first pick for my ’5 Awesome Podcasts to Follow’ list. 99% Invisible is a podcast on design and architecture by Roman Mars. Roman Mars appreciates the beauty in the ugliest of architecture and sees the creativity in the most mundane designs. Roman Mars himself isn’t an architect, he holds a degree in plant population genetics, but is capable enough to produce hour long meaningful pieces on interesting architecture and design. 99% Invisible recently became the ‘highest funded journalism project’ on Kickstarter, a mean feat as it’s tough to secure a standing in the internet Colosseum that is Kickstarter.
Sound Opinions
Genre: Music
Podcasters: Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot.
Website: Sound Opinions
It pays when your broadcasters are music writers and renowned critics Jim and Greg; the sheer wealth of information that they get on the table is overwhelming. The two bring in a perspective to music that is based on facts and knowledge of music so the talk doesn’t come across as frivolous and meretricious. They cover a range of music including indie rock, classic rock, hip hop, etc. It’s well worth the listen hence it’s on ‘5 Awesome Podcasts to Follow’!
Lifehacker
Genre: Everything (but I like their podcasts on Technology)
Podcasters: Ensemble
Website: Lifehacker
iTunes: Lifehacker
Lifehacker is an interesting podcast that’ll give you information on a variety of topics. Be it cracking the latest software or making the perfect cup of Joe, Lifehacker has tips for all these tasks. Its podcasts on technology are extremely popular and referred to by many. Lifehacker makes my list of ’5 Awesome Podcasts to follow’ because of the sheer range of topics it presents to the listener.
Filmspotting
Genre: Films
Podcasters: Ensemble
Website: Filmspotting
Filmspotting gives its listeners reviews, ratings and latest news on upcoming movies and currently running ones. It is not very niche in its content and covers mostly blockbuster movies. The presence of the ‘Top lists’ makes the information more accessible. I’ve included it on my list of ’5 Awesome Podcasts to Follow’ based on its capacity to give information on new movie projects.
Word Balloon
Genre: Comic Books
Podcaster: John Suintres
Website: Word Balloon
Word Balloon is an independently produced podcast by John Suintres that deals with, well, comic books. It’s my source of stirring interviews with comic book creators and other people affiliated to the industry. There is a whole section on interviews with Brain Micheal Bendis, the man behind Ultimate Spiderman and other comics. It’s not my only source for comic book related news, but it’s a great podcast to listen to, hence I’ve added it to my list of ’5 Awesome Podcasts to Follow’.
Now you know my favourite podcasts; if you have other ones that you refer to and follow religiously then I’d like to hear from you. Do reply by commenting. Till then, happy listening.
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