Podcasts

Today I would like to say a few words about podcasts.  Because they're awesome.

Now that I'm busier, I have less time to read books that I want to read.  I've read several non-fiction books in the last year, nearly all sign language related, and I don't regret that, but it does mean that I don't have a lot of time or energy to devote to other non-fiction books.  Which is a shame, because I love non-fiction.

I mean, good fiction is good.  But non-fiction is nearly ALWAYS good.  I learn stuff.

Back in January I was missing that part of my life.  At the same time I realized that most of my "down time" is spent driving or folding laundry or doing dishes.  And I could totally be listening to a podcast during those moments.

The love affair began.

I've listened to: 
98 episodes of The Dave Ramsey Show
97 episodes of Radiolab
80 episodes of Freakonomics
25 episodes of Wait Wait Don't Tell Me
57 episodes of 99% Invisible
15 episodes of Great Speeches in History
and various others that I have since moved on from or which I don't count in this retelling for whatever reason.

According to my iTunes, that's almost 8 days of podcast listening in the last 7 months.

Here's what I have to say about podcasts:
- They have filled my non-fiction need nicely.  If you are feeling a similar gap, I highly suggest it.
- Freakonomics has been my favorite, but they don't have an extensive list of podcasts like Radiolab does.  Plus, Radiolab has grown on me more and more.  Also, my kids can sit through a Radiolab car ride much easier than they can a Freakonomics one.
- Great Speeches in History has been AMAZING.  I could write a whole post on just this show.  You should definitely, definitely, definitely check out this podcast.  If you like history, you'll love it.  If you don't like history, you should listen anyway.  (There are only 15 total episodes, varying in length.  All of them are worth your time.)

Short Love Letters to My Podcast Show Hosts:
- Levitt and Dubner, your voices are dreamy.  Honestly, I could listen to you two tell me a story every single day of my life.
- Robert Krulwich, you are sensitive and soft, but also deeply curious and smart.  Please keep doing radio for forever.
- Peter Sagal, you are HILARIOUS.  When other people host your show, it's almost not worth listening to.  How in the heck did you get to be so funny and quick-witted?  It's not fair to the rest of us (and I'm totally jealous).
- Dave Ramsey, I listened to every single episode you put out for 6 months.  I have to take a break for a while.  Your words were circling through my head.  Love your advice and I always will.
- Roman Mars, you are probably the coolest radio show host on the planet.  Love your stories, and love your sign-offs even more.  Please teach other radio hosts how to be so awesome.