Podcasts I’m Into

I average about an hour and a half a day on the road, as part of my work commute. To keep me company while I’m on the road, I enjoy listening to podcasts. Whether you want to be entertained or informed, chances are there is a podcast out there for your specific areas of interest. Here are a few of my favorite podcasts that you may enjoy:

99% Invisible: This weekly podcast by Roman Mars focuses on design that many of us have stopped noticing altogether. I always learn something new and unusual listening to this show. Recommended shows to get a taste of what this eclectic show offers are Episode 232 (“McMansion Hell“) and Episode 124 (“Long Box“).

Bruce Lee Podcast: Hosted by Shannon Lee (daughter of Bruce Lee) and culture analyst Sharon Lee – this show focuses on the philosophy of Bruce Lee and how to put it to practice in one’s own life. Bruce was a martial artist, but he was also a prolific writer, poet, artist and thinker. “Be water” and give this podcast a listen if you are looking for positive, uplifting, and inspiring thoughts that you can put into action in your daily life. Favorite episodes: (Episode 30: “Purpose” and Episode 10: “Simplicity, Directness, and Freedom”)

Creative Pep Talk: Artists and illustrators looking to make the leap into the professional world will get plenty of solid advice, tips, personal stories, interviews and thoughtful topics to delve into with Dr. Andy J. Miller’s upbeat podcast. Recommended episodes: “Unlock Your True Potential” and “10 Ways to Kick Self Doubt Right in the BOOTY!”. This show is my personal cure for the creative blues.

Freakonomics Radio: With Stephen Dubner, co-author of the book “Freakonomics”. Learn the hidden side to everything, whether it’s “How to Make a Bad Decision” or “How to Win Games and Beat People”.

Mac OS Ken: Filled with dry wit and a healthy dose of sarcasm, Mac OS Ken delivers daily Mac OS news. You could read 15 different Mac news sites or just listen to Mac OS Ken. Guess what I do?

Mac Power Users: David Sparks and Katie Floyd are attorneys by day and Mac Power Users co-hosts by night. If you’ve ever dreamt in AppleScript or automated actions using Hazel or Keyboard Maestro, you probably already listen to this show. Whether you’re an intermediate Mac user looking to level up or a seasoned pro, there’s plenty of great Mac tips, insights and recomendations to keep you coming back. I’ve learned about so many new macOS and iOS apps and products thanks to the Mac Users Podcast. You don’t have to be a nerd to enjoy this show, but if you are – you just found your Mac Mecca. Recommended episodes: “Optimize Your Mac” and “Workflows that Worked in 2016”.

The Talk Show with John Gruber: John Gruber’s fortnightly podcast focuses on insight and analysis with a focus on Apple and its products. Luminaries from the tech world, including Marco Arment, Merlin Mann, Jason Snell and Craig Hockenberry, have all stopped by to chat with John on a one-on-one basis. Each episode clocks in at about 2 hours, so it’s perfect for that particularly long afternoon commute. I don’t have any favorites here – but “Fresh Out of Prison” with Nilay Patel is a good one to start with.

The Twilight Zone Podcast: Great analysis and trivia behind each episode of the classic TV series, hosted by Tom Elliot. This show doesn’t follow a particular update schedule, but there are plenty of episodes in the archive to dive into while you wait for the latest podcast to show up in your queue. In addition to the trivia and analysis, Elliot also includes long-lost interviews with Rod Serling into the mix. Recommended episodes: “The Rip Van Winkle Caper” and “The TZ Tapes: Rod Serling at UCLA (1966) – Part 1”.

Upgrade: Come for the weekly insight and Apple discussion with co-hosts Myke Hurley and Jason Snell and stay for the occasional “Myke at the Movies” where various popular (and not so popular) 80’s movies are selected and critiqued by the dynamic duo. Favorite episodes: “Get On Down to Dongle Town” and “The 2016 Upgradies”.

How I Built This: One of my latest discoveries and certainly one of my favorites. Host Guy Roz spends 30 minutes interviewing entrepreneurs from all walks, including Gordon Segal (“Crate and Barrel” founder) and Nolan Bushnell (“Atari, “Chuck E. Cheese”). Each show traces the start, struggle, and success that comes from building your own empire.

This is Who I Am: Creative people who talk about their process, inspiration and work – whether its animation or stand-up comedy, is the focus of this newly minted podcast. Six episodes in and host Jamie Gambell delivers the goods. Favorite episodes include: “Javier Hernandez” and “Dave Anthony”.

Those are my favorite podcasts. What are some of yours?

-Krishna

Krishna March 1, 2017 99% invisible, Bruce Lee Podcast, Creative Pep Talk Podcast, Freakonomics Radio, How I Built This, Mac OS Ken, Mac Power Users, podcasts, The Talk Show, The Twilight Zone Podcast, This is Who I Am, upgrade