Between TV, computers, smartphones and tablets, recent estimates suggest that Americans spend 7.4 hours looking at screens every day. You have to wonder if even 50% of that activity is productivity-related, and what role this addiction may have in obesity and mental illness epidemics. Though we’re all seeking ways to become smarter and more connected, we have to question whether or not this kind of behavior is sustainable in a world that still benefits from human connection, physical activity and community service. Further to this, and as someone who grew up with the internet, I was personally disillusioned with the notion that I’m to pay $100 a month for a prescribed set of channels by a soulless corporation with nearly 1/3 of their airtime supported by noisy, expensive commercials that increase the prices of the other products I buy. Television, I’m breaking up with you.
Is closing our eyes and opening our ears the answer? From where you might least expect, a new golden age of audio journalism and entertainment may be upon us. Imagine having access to immensely larger selection, more artistry, and far less advertising while not being enslaved to a screen. While big players like Apple and Spotify try to get a cut of the action, you don’t have to wait to participate on their terms. A number of free mobile applications such as Pocket Casts allow an intuitive browser, automatic syncing over wi-fi, and uninterrupted listening between the car, gym, and home. After a few years of regular consumption of podcasts, here are the ones that have proven their production value to the curious mind and become my mainstays:
99% Invisible – Did NYC really have tunnels dedicated to cow transportation? From airport carpet to state flags, join Roman Mars during these short stories to find out who got things right and who got things wrong in the surprisingly wide world of design.
This American Life – How did plagiarism help a poor Bosnian immigrant become an award-winning economist? Led by the incomparable non-fiction storyteller Ira Glass, TAL is a loosely themed exploration into various parts of society, and as far as podcasts go, is considered by many as the granddaddy of them all.
Radiolab – How did Oregon become a target for explosive balloons during WWII? Investigate the history and future of science and technology with thoughtfully edited interviews, audio effects and music.
TED Radio Hour – Why is more than 85% of Wikipedia authored by men? Many of us have had our world perspectives altered by an online-hosted TED talk, and fortunately, we have an equally curious host in Guy Ross to navigate the immense TED archive and meet the people behind them.
Freakonomics Radio – What would happen if the US merged with Mexico? Few people have been able to propose such absurd questions to such esteemed minds in economics, policy and academia quite like Stephen Dubner.
Marketplace – Grexits, fiscal cliffs, irrational exuberance, housing crises – what exactly is happening in the financial world? The smooth talking former fighter pilot Kai Rysdall focuses in on the human element of financial journalism in this timely, well-rounded daily news program.
The Moth – One of the victims lost in the noise of sensational mainstream media is the humor and drama of everyday people living everyday lives as parents, children, cancer survivors, or dreamers. Told intimately and live in the presence of real audiences, meet people you’ve never heard of telling exceptional stories from their lives.
Stuff You Should Know – There are so many obvious things you’ve encountered in the world, but may know next to nothing about. The impossible-not-to-like hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant dive into pyramids, mummies, quicksand, and other arbitrary topics to explore their history, key people, and role in shaping society.
Serial – What role did Adnan Syed have in the 1999 death of Hae Min Lee? Host Sarah Koening investigates the mysterious and hasty murder trial of a Baltimore teen who continues to plead his innocence today in this 12-episode docudrama
Fresh Air – For more than 40 years, Terry Gross has been interviewing leading minds in entertainment, politics, and business, and has solidified her reputation as one of the best. If you ever wanted to see what truly makes someone tick, let Terry talk to them during these blissfully unstructured conversations .
Is closing our eyes and opening our ears the answer? From where you might least expect, a new golden age of audio journalism and entertainment may be upon us. Imagine having access to immensely larger selection, more artistry, and far less advertising while not being enslaved to a screen. While big players like Apple and Spotify try to get a cut of the action, you don’t have to wait to participate on their terms. A number of free mobile applications such as Pocket Casts allow an intuitive browser, automatic syncing over wi-fi, and uninterrupted listening between the car, gym, and home. After a few years of regular consumption of podcasts, here are the ones that have proven their production value to the curious mind and become my mainstays:
99% Invisible – Did NYC really have tunnels dedicated to cow transportation? From airport carpet to state flags, join Roman Mars during these short stories to find out who got things right and who got things wrong in the surprisingly wide world of design.
This American Life – How did plagiarism help a poor Bosnian immigrant become an award-winning economist? Led by the incomparable non-fiction storyteller Ira Glass, TAL is a loosely themed exploration into various parts of society, and as far as podcasts go, is considered by many as the granddaddy of them all.
Radiolab – How did Oregon become a target for explosive balloons during WWII? Investigate the history and future of science and technology with thoughtfully edited interviews, audio effects and music.
TED Radio Hour – Why is more than 85% of Wikipedia authored by men? Many of us have had our world perspectives altered by an online-hosted TED talk, and fortunately, we have an equally curious host in Guy Ross to navigate the immense TED archive and meet the people behind them.
Freakonomics Radio – What would happen if the US merged with Mexico? Few people have been able to propose such absurd questions to such esteemed minds in economics, policy and academia quite like Stephen Dubner.
Marketplace – Grexits, fiscal cliffs, irrational exuberance, housing crises – what exactly is happening in the financial world? The smooth talking former fighter pilot Kai Rysdall focuses in on the human element of financial journalism in this timely, well-rounded daily news program.
The Moth – One of the victims lost in the noise of sensational mainstream media is the humor and drama of everyday people living everyday lives as parents, children, cancer survivors, or dreamers. Told intimately and live in the presence of real audiences, meet people you’ve never heard of telling exceptional stories from their lives.
Stuff You Should Know – There are so many obvious things you’ve encountered in the world, but may know next to nothing about. The impossible-not-to-like hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant dive into pyramids, mummies, quicksand, and other arbitrary topics to explore their history, key people, and role in shaping society.
Serial – What role did Adnan Syed have in the 1999 death of Hae Min Lee? Host Sarah Koening investigates the mysterious and hasty murder trial of a Baltimore teen who continues to plead his innocence today in this 12-episode docudrama
Fresh Air – For more than 40 years, Terry Gross has been interviewing leading minds in entertainment, politics, and business, and has solidified her reputation as one of the best. If you ever wanted to see what truly makes someone tick, let Terry talk to them during these blissfully unstructured conversations .