MP3 Killed the Radio Star

I figured you were dying to know which podcasts I referenced in the last blog list so, just for you, another list... with bullets!

• Slate Political Gabfest The hosting trio could not be more liberal (they are socialist, really) but I love to hear what John Dickerson, David Plotz and Emily Bazelon have to say about current political issues. They provide me an educated peek into what the "other side" is thinking and I believe they are truly trying to understand the Republican/Democrat debate. Despite our differing views on government and the players therein, I benefit from their assessments. Besides, their on air banter really makes me laugh.
  

• Intelligence Squared Don't be turned off by its hyper-pretentious name. Intelligence Squared is a series of Oxford-style debates which are consistently witty, provocative and informative. Their stated purpose is to "raise the level of public discourse on our most challenging issues." Each debate features speakers who are irrefutably the most authoritative and informed advocates for both sides of each issue. I learn something new every time and frequently find my opinions challenged, if not changed altogether. This forum gives me the chance to hear arguments from some of the smartest people on the planet.
  

• This American Life The old and ever popular NPR broadcast which provides a glimpse into the everyday life of average Americans. Over time it maintains a relatively good balance between the comedic and the solemn elements of life in the United States. This fall they spent a great deal of airtime trying to explain and demystify the economic crisis for us laypeople. I learned a great deal about Wall Street (which I have promptly forgotten). And I must confess, for more than a few months, I harbored an innocent crush on Ira Glass. He's just so sweet and squeaky, and genuinely shocked and confused by injustice. On air you can hear he wants to be objective, even tough at times, but in the end, his soft melt-away inside gives him away. Sweet Ira.

• Common Sense with Dan Carlin Dan is the perfect follow-up to Ira Glass. He's loud, fast-talking, and brutally funny. He's a pragmatist with a candid speech pattern that is sometimes painful but mostly refreshing. He looks at the events shaping our world through a lens unique to him due to his strong history background. His podcasts are drenched in historical references and by historical, I mean references back to Constantine, Charlemagne, and Alexander the Great. Dan knows his world history and he uses it to critique American politics in a way that I've never considered before. But, perhaps what I appreciate most about Dan is his commitment to providing solutions and not just complaints. So many political pundits critique and whine and gripe but never present a viable solution. Dan comes up with the most brilliant solutions to cure many of our modern ills. Wish he were broadcasting from the White House rather than the airport runway in Oregon.

I also listen to an assortment of scientific podcasts (Science Talk, How Stuff Works, This Week in Science) but only because Keith generously screens them and pulls the ones he knows I will find intriguing. I'm not that interested in astronomical advancements or multivariable calculus but when they start talking about hybrid cars 0r memory-enhancing drugs, I'm all ears.

Okay, now it's time to reciprocate. I have another marathon scheduled for fall 2009 so if you have any podcast suggestions, I'd love a few new running companions.
Cheers!