Once relegated to a desolate corner of the iTunes eco-system, podcasts are rapidly gaining momentum and Google has finally decided to turn up to the party with its own podcasting app to match Apple's pre-installed stalwart (our pro-tip: use Pocketcasts instead).
Of course you've heard about the rampantly popular Serial and This American Life but what about the other players to kickstart your 2016 in podcasting?
Here's our top 5 picks for the start of the year:
1. StartUp
It might seem dry and outlandish at first but Alex Blumberg (formerly of This American Life) narrating himself and reflecting on creating his own podcast business is both addictive and intriguing.
A insightful look into the reality of many 'startup' businesses in America, StartUp is worth your time and you'll soon be intertwined in the story of Blumberg's fledgling podcast business and the reactions of his wife Nazanin all in a lovely narrative style.
2. Slate Money
At times irreverent, banterful hosts Felix Salmon, Cathy O'Neil and Jordan Weissmann are always interesting and Slate Money is a podcast we look forward to every week.
3. Ctrl-Walt-Delete
There are many technology podcasts out there but few are as delightful to listen to as Ctrl-Walt-Delete. Ever since that fabled Vergecast episode after Vox acquired Re/code and the incredibly insightful discussion between fellow editor in chiefs Nilay Patel and Walt Mossberg, we knew this was a special pairing.
Mossberg brings the insider knowledge and old charm while Patel the laughs and practical wisdom. You shouldn't come here for a refresher on the entire tech news of the week but instead a rewarding and delightful in-depth discussion between two techheads young and old.
4. Stuff You Should Know
The premise is simple but the execution is brilliant. Stuff You Should Know is a well-researched yet easy to understand primer on everything from hacker groups and dementia to passports and wine fraud. At times unexpected but jovial hosts and perennial best mates, Charles (Chuck) Bryant and Josh Clark always dig up something interesting worth discovering.
5. Slate Working
Our final pick will be niche to some but on occasion Slate Working can be an intriguing insight for those curious as to what a Google coder does all day or a UN Official. The interview format can be slightly dry at time but if something catches your eye, it is worth chasing down the rabbit hole.
The Final Word
We'll have more picks for you later on in the year but for now share your top podcasts with us in the comments section below. Happy listening from all of us at Hashtag!
- Saturday, February 06, 2016
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