I've been a podcast enthusiast since I got my massive 40GB iPod with a hard disk drive. Podcasts have been my go-to companion for commuting and jogging outdoors. They've accompanied me on my daily commutes and solo strolls around campus and the mall. However, I don't listen to podcasts (or even music) when I'm with family or friends unless we're watching a concert or a live sports event (basketball and soccer fans are too loud!), which I find rude. My podcast preferences change over time, so here's a short list of my current favorites on my iPhone:
Smashing Security
My favorite cybersecurity podcast, hosted by Graham Cluley and Carole Theriault. These two hilarious duo never fails to entertain me.
The AI Fix
A new podcast about the AI hype, hosted by Mark Stockley and Graham Cluley. With Graham Cluley of Smashing Security as a co-host, it offers the same fun and wacky take on the latest AI news.
Surprisingly, I only have two podcasts that I've subscribed to directly, which means that new episodes are automatically downloaded. The others are listed on my podcatcher, currently Overcast, but they don't automatically download. Some podcast episodes are downloaded whenever I know I'll consume the latest episodes from these two podcasts mentioned above and still want more to listen to.
Mystery AI Hype Theater 3000, hosted by Professor Emily M. Bender and Dr. Alex Hanna, offers a more serious take on the AI hype. They dissect AI news, scientific papers, and product announcements from companies like OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google. If you want to understand whether or not the AI news is legitimate, these two academics are an excellent resource.
MacBreak Weekly, hosted by Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Andy Ihnatko, and Jason Snell, covers everything Apple-related. While the hosts are mostly Apple fans, they provide a fair and balanced coverage of new Apple products.
This Week in Tech, also hosted by Leo Laporte, is a more general tech podcast produced by TWiT.tv. It often features different co-hosts to cover the week's tech news. This podcast is a great way to stay updated on the latest computer-related news.
SmartLess, hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, is a podcast where the hosts talk with different guests. And yes, they're funny as heck! I usually select the episodes that I download, depending on who their guest is. Last April, they featured two former US presidents: Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. Check out the previous episodes and see if your favorite personality is on the list.
Automators, hosted by Rosemary Orchard and David Sparks, covers the world of automating various tasks using smart devices and iPhones. From optimizing iPhone's Action button to maximizing the power of smart home devices, this podcast provides valuable insights, tips, and tricks for tech enthusiasts.
Techdirt, hosted by Michael Masnick, offers a serious take on computer technology news. With deep, insightful analyses and valuable insights, the Techdirt podcast is a go-to resource for those seeking an understanding of technology-related issues.
While these podcasts cover a wide range of topics, I'm currently on the lookout for more comedy podcasts. I'm particularly interested in finding wholesome and enjoyable podcasts that I can blast to my HomePods at home. If you have any recommendations, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can find me on BlueSky.