Podcast Recommendations

If you read my blog during the summer, you know I walked.  I walked a lot.  I walked 530 miles during the summer.  I knew I would get bored with music playlists in that time, so I listened to podcasts instead.  I thought I'd use this week's posts to make some recommendations.

Stuff You Should Know - Did you ever wonder how Twinkies are made or why you can't see the seam on a Muppet?  Do you ever think about why we have headstones or how earwax gets out of your ear?  If you like to learn about anything and everything, this is the podcast for you.  Two guys who are employed by http://www.howstuffworks.com compile available research on a given topic and spend 30 to 40 minutes telling you about it.  They are pretty even handed on controversial issues, doing their best to present both sides even though they usually will tell you their personal opinions.  If you just like learning, this is an enjoyable way to spend an hour.

TED Radio Hour - This is an NPR show, and it took me a while to get on board with it.  I used to think that I could just listen to TED Talks without needing NPR to put them together for me.  I am now, however, fully on board.  Guy Raz hosts an hour on a certain topic and interviews the TED speaker, so you get a much fuller picture.  If you have ever had a question you wished you could ask a TED speaker after listening to their talk, Guy asks those questions.  This has actually become one of my favorites.

StoryCorps - This is also an NPR show. According to their website, "StoryCorps’ mission is to provide people of all backgrounds and beliefs with the opportunity to record, share and preserve the stories of our lives. We do this to remind one another of our shared humanity, to strengthen and build the connections between people, to teach the value of listening, and to weave into the fabric of our culture the understanding that everyone’s story matters. At the same time, we are creating an invaluable archive for future generations."  As a teacher, I would like to make an assignment in my classroom using the Story Corp format.  This would be a fabulous project for all you history teachers out there (or English teachers).


Renewing Your Mind - RC Sproul gives the deepest presentation of theology I've ever heard.  He's a gifted teacher, who explains deep issues in an accessible way.  

Let My People Think - Ravi Zacharias is an evangelist, apologist, and teacher.  He wants to help thinking people believe and believing people think.  He is a living testimony that it doesn't have to be one or the other.  He is enjoyable to listen to, and this podcast is only 15 minutes long (for all of you ADD listeners).

Truth For Life - Alistair Begg may be my favorite person to listen to.  His Scottish accent makes you feel smarter just listening to it.  His delightful charm makes you forget you are getting deep insight from the Bible.  

The Village Church - Matt Chandler clearly grew up in church.  He references songs you will only remember if you went to Sunday School as a child.  He speaks difficult truth in a gracious way, and he isn't afraid to tell you about his own difficulties.

Ask Me Another - This is a quiz show from NPR.  I have found myself laughing out loud while walking down the street.  People in their cars probably wonder what the crazy lady is laughing at.  It's hard to explain; you will just have to listen to find out.

This American Life - Story telling is a rapidly diminishing art in the modern western world.  Ira Glass still has it.  He can make you stay in your car for 15 minutes after you pulled into the drive way at home because you want to know how the story will end.  Having the podcast eliminates this problem.  I have loved this show for years.