We’re all about Podcasts here at ITS, so much so that we created our own with Ridiculous Dialogue! There are thousands of podcasts available, covering every topic imaginable and it can be daunting if you’ve never listened to an episode. Today, we’re sharing the favorite podcasts from the ITS Crew and a bit about why they listen to each one.
Bryan Black – Editor-in-Chief
Ridiculous Dialogue
If you haven’t checked out RD yet, you’re missing out. It’s a look at the non-tactical side of everyone at ITS HQ, candid and laughing about everything from movies to childhood experiences. Occasionally we have guests on the show and many tell us it’s like sitting around and listening to a group of good friends shoot the sh*t. Be warned though, it’s not PG-rated.
The Nerdist
I also enjoy the co-hosts, Jonah Ray and Matt Mira, who aren’t on as often as I’d like. Kelly and I had the opportunity to see a live taping of a Nerdist Podcast at Comic-Con a while back and we really loved the dynamic everyone shares in person as well. I’d highly recommend The Nerdist if you’re at all into good humor and laughs.
The Survival Podcast
Before I knew anything about Jack, or had met him and his wife Dorothy, his show was a huge motivator for me to start my own business with ITS. It was about a year after starting ITS in 2009 that I heard him say he lived in Arlington, TX, which was right down the street. We all met up, had a drink and the rest is history.
While the title of Jack’s show is The Survival Podcast and he does talk quite a bit about survival, his practical approach to the topics he discusses is extremely refreshing. That and Jack has a ton of knowledge to impart and does so whether you want it or not, so enjoy the show and tell Jack that Bryan sent you.
Art of Manliness
While I promise the list of Podcasts I listen to isn’t just to plug my appearances, I’m very appreciative to have been asked on the show by Brett awhile back. He’s a very entertaining and thoughtful host that truly makes his guests feel comfortable and relaxed. You won’t regret giving the AoM Podcast a listen.
Kelly Black – Chief Operating Officer
Ted Radio Hour
Topics range from business to personal, from dissecting creativity to the origins of our planet. Each episode is uniquely interesting and I always come away with a broader perspective and having learned something valuable.
Seamwork Radio
Even though I still haven’t taken that leap into stitching up tailored outfits I glean a ton of creative inspiration from Sarai, her blog, books and her pattern releases. Not only are her online resources always professionally produced and awe-inspiring, but her podcast rivals any major production I’ve listened to.
The Moth Podcast
They’re sometimes motivational and sometimes painful to hear, but isn’t that what real life is all about? I’m always intrigued that most of the story tellers who participate are writers, so hearing how they put their experiences together in a measured way that provides a beginning, a middle and an end is almost like listening to mini audio books.
Freakonomics Radio
Humor is almost always included and this show always gets me thinking about whatever the topic is from a different perspective, or at least gets me thinking about something new.
Yarniacs Podcast and 2KnitLitChicks
Both of these podcasts feature new episodes every two weeks and they both have two hosts, so the banter between them is lively, educational and inspiring. It also helps that both shows talk about yarn, tools, tips and tricks to help keep me on my stitchy toes.
Rob Henderson – Community Manager
StartUp
One of the best things about the show is that you as the listener get to see tangible results as the podcast moves forward. Alex attempts to secure funding for the company, while also attempting to come up with a name and solid plan for their growth. It’s a developing podcast that doesn’t seem to have a set direction and that’s what keeps it so interesting.
Their second season focused on another startup company in the world of online dating. While it was definitely interesting, I found myself craving more information about how Gimlet was doing and what was going on at their HQ.
Reply All
I’ve really enjoyed how the show has played with different tones throughout their run, one episode will be cheesy or joking and the next will be a serious think-piece that allows the listener to really relate with the character’s story. This is a podcast that I find myself mashing the refresh button on each week, impatiently waiting for the newest episode to drop.
This American Life
This American Life doesn’t really have a central topic, instead, each episode usually features multiple stories around a central theme, dubbed “Acts.” Sometimes, those stories are huge and dramatic, but occasionally they’ll have lighthearted and even humorous themes.
The host, Ira Glass, has a voice that was destined for the radio and his narration helps glue the different stories together to keep you interested throughout the entire program.
This is Only a Test
Each episode varies from 1.5 – 2.5 hours so this is great show for long drives or longer listening periods. Despite the long run time, I never find myself getting bored or feeling like the show is running too slow. Most episodes feature one or multiple guests and it’s always refreshing to hear new opinions on different technology.
This show has also helped to keep me up to date on things that I normally wouldn’t follow, including Virtual Reality and Quadcopter development. Each time I hear about new technology, I find myself eager to hear what Will and Norm think about it.
Still Untitled: The Adam Savage Project
Each week, Will, Adam and Norm discuss different topics that usually revolve around the processes Adam uses to build and design everything from props to storage items. Adam offers great insight into his processes and one of the things you discover is that someone with a busy schedule like his has a purpose for almost everything he does. It’s always interesting to me to see how other people work and I enjoy hearing different ideas about workshop efficiency and even normal life efficiency.
With Mythbusters announcing their final season, I’m hoping that Adam will have even more time to work with the guys from Tested to create more content. The videos they’ve produced on the site so far have all been wonderful and Still Untitled is a great place to hear more behind the scenes from these videos.
Amanda Millard – Community Support
Stuff you Missed in History Class
Another great episode was The Night Witches. These women were an all-female bombing regiment in the Soviet Air force who dropped 23,000 tons of bombs on the German Forces during World War II. These courageous women went above and beyond to do their part in the war effort. Each episode offers an in-depth look on a different part of history and I’m always learning new things from this show.
Stuff You Should Know
The humor that Josh and Chuck share, along with their willingness to take on tough subjects, always entertains me. Show topics range from gory subjects like death and dying to interesting need-to-know subjects like how passports work.
Serial
Adnan Syed was a regular high school student with normal teenage secrets, crushes, papers and friends, who is convicted for the murder of ex girlfriend Hae Min Lee. The conviction comes down to a few specific details such as Adnan not being able to remember exactly where he was for 20 minutes on an ordinary day six weeks before.
It’s hard enough for me to remember what I did yesterday, much less 6 weeks before and this was before social media, Facebook/Twitter/Instagram updates, texts and smart phones to help. This true story taught me a lot about legal proceedings and how easy it could be to incriminate yourself just by answering seemingly unimportant questions while trying to help. Listen to the first episode and you’ll be hooked and through the whole season in a week.
Stuff Mom Never Told You
The hosts’ antics and jovial perspective make dull and ordinary topics fun and interesting. I’ve found the episodes to be educational, entertaining and very useful for learning about all things women related.
What’s in your headphones? Leave us a comment and let us know your favorite podcasts and other things to listen to.