Update: I originally titled this post “Amazingly Infuential Podcasts”, which is wrong - but now I’ve changed the title so that it is spelled correctly. Let’s just say that I practice incremental publishing. . . yes, let’s say it together.

There is really great content on podcasts these days - much of which is informational, but there is a lot to be said for production quality as well. Many of the entries on this list are great example of a synthesis between production value and information. Enjoy!

You look Nice Today

This is comedy. It is really funny. If I ever manage to get a podcast together it will show heavy influences from this show.

Alan Watts Podcast

A compilation of talks given by Alan Watts who was a big part of bringing eastern thought to the west while avoiding the cultural and dogmatic trappings of the various thought schools - everything from Zen to Hinduism and how it all relates to the religions of the book.

Radiolab

This is the best offering on radio these days, in my opinion. It explores the ineffability of our lives - how much we don’t know. As well as being an uncommon exploration into the feelings of science, it has by far the best production value of anything on this list/

The Naked Scientists

This show goes through the science highlights of the week, full of interviews and essays. “Kitchen Science” is a fun regular offering. This show is full of Brits and a great way to pick up on that culture - for instance - after a bad joke, say, “baboom”, quietly.

The Rails Envy Podcast

I’m a Ruby on Rails programmer. This show is about Ruby on Rails - a great place to catch up quickly on what is going on in the community

IT Conversations

All manners of interviews and talks given on all manners of technology. This is a great place to kick start dreaming. It’s like the poor man’s Ted Talks.

On the Media

A news show about news shows - this is how I get my news - talk about what the pundits are talking about. Metariffic!

Non Serviam Radio

Put on your tinfoil hat (really, its a requirement for the show). This podcast is done in the style of underground radio - remember “Pump up the Volume” with Christian Slater? Well if you liked that - you’ll love this. Instead of talking about the secrets and lies of high school, this one focuses on the American Government. Try to put down your political opinions with this one. Try.

Tags: Conspiracy, News, Podcast, Programming, Religion, Science, Survivalism, Technology