We live in a world where just about anything you could want is at your fingertips. All the information one could ever ask for is simply a google search away. Well with iTunes 5 came the popularity of an already largely underground concept called podcasting. Named so because items were downloaded onto one’s iPod for leisurly listening but now they can be downloaded, streamed, and played on a large number of devices. Imagine talk radio but on a wider variety of topics as well as the ability to listen to them on your schedule. I’ve tried Podcasting off and on for the past couple of years and it was not until recently I discovered a few good podcasts that I feel others should be hearing. It took me a while to find content I enjoyed and looked forward to on weekly basis. There are a ton of podcasts out on the internet, all of mine can be found in the iTunes Store’s Podcast Directory where even more can be foud. But many more can be found across the internet in unknown regions.

• 5) First on the list is Ask a Ninja. This video podcast is a simple premise. People email questions to the Ask a Ninja website and the Ninja answers them. Now you are probably thinking to yourself, “A ninja answers questions, you can’t be serious” but fortunately for your funny bone, I couldn’t be more serious. The reason this podcast is such a gem is that it is almost guaranteed to make you laugh. Best moment I would say is episode 17 “How Many Questions Can the Ninja Answer in One Podcast”. And by the way, “I’m a ninja.”

• 4) Next we come to The Drop. This is a music podcast where they discuss everything from music to websites. They usually interview at least one artist and then play a song or two by them during the process. A great source if you’re looking to hear some new music.

• 3) Diggnation comes next. If you are a fan of the social news web site Digg.com, then Diggnation is a great podcast to have along.

• 2) If you live in Los Angeles, then you already know about KCRW. If you follow popular independent music, you already know about KCRW. What you might not know, is that KCRW is big on podcasting. Just about every show of their original programming lineup is available as a podcast. My personal favorite is Left, Right, and Center. This show talks about politics but it takes all of the main view points and everyone actually discusses the topics. No screaming here. It’s interesting, thought provoking, and educational. What more could you ask for?

• 1) Last but not least, my favorite podcast, This Week in Tech (or TWiT as it’s called). This podcast is usually released on Sunday evening and covers the big tech news from the previous week. If you don’t get a chance to read Digg, Slashdot, Fark, Cnet, or any of the other zillion tech websites on the net then, this podcast is the one for you. This one will keep you updated on the latest most important tech happenings while giving round table insight from the TWiT crew.

While there are several thousands more podcasts floating around on the internet (and in iTunes’ Podcast Directory), these just happen to be some of the ones that I make sure to hear on a weekly basis. This is talk radio, my way. If nothing on my list peeks your interest, I highly recommend downloading iTunes and going to the Podcast Directory. There is such a range of topics discussed on the various podcasts that you are almost certain to find something that interests you.

Until next time…

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