My Favourite Podcasts
Technology, opinions, productivity, entertainment, and more
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| Photo created by the author. |
I listen to a lot of podcasts these days. It all started about six or seven years ago, when I searched for one about iOS development, and got hooked on More than Just Code.
Although some of them are no longer active, I’ve still listed them, because the past episodes are still available. In some cases, such as Hypercritical, I went back and listened to the entire run of the show.
Topics include:
- Apple, technology, and programming
- Opinions, and personal stories
- Lifestyle, productivity, and getting organised
- Entertainment, TV, and movies
Contents
- Accidental Tech Podcast
- Upgrade
- The Talk Show With John Gruber
- Robot or Not?
- Reconcilable Differences
- Back to Work
- Roderick on the Line
- Under the Radar
- Analog(ue)
- Thoughts on Functional Programming
- More than Just Code
- The Minimalists
- Hypercritical
- 20 Macs for 2020
- The Run Loop
- Download
- Neutral
Details
The list of subjects is my attempt to give an overview of the main topics.
Episode lengths are only approximate, because they often vary quite a lot.
1. Accidental Tech Podcast
Subjects: Apple, Gadgets, Programming, Tech News, Opinions
Hosts: Marco Arment, Casey Liss, and John Siracusa.
Length: 1:45–3:00. Typically around 2 hours
Dates active: 2013–Present
Frequency: Weekly
Link: atp.fm
Description (from their website):
Three nerds discussing tech, Apple, programming, and loosely related matters.
My Opinion
I’ve been listening to this show for about 6 years. The thing that got me hooked, was the way in which one or more of the hosts will often discuss topics in great depth, from every angle, until every nuance is covered.
That sort of intelligent, in-depth coverage, makes for a refreshing change.
The personalities of the hosts fit together well, and there are invariably some amusing moments in every episode — especially when they disagree.
I feel like I have different things in common with each of the hosts. (That feeling ends when they talk about spending thousands on the latest devices though…)
This is my favourite podcast.
2. Upgrade
Subjects: Apple, Gadgets, Streaming, Entertainment, Tech News
Hosts: Jason Snell and Myke Hurley
Length: 1:00–2:00
Dates active: 2014–Present
Frequency: Weekly
Link: relay.fm/upgrade
Description (from their website):
Upgrade looks at how technology shapes our lives, from the devices in our hands and pockets to the streaming services that keep us entertained.
My Opinion
The two hosts work well together, and spend a lot of time discussing various Apple product releases. Before Apple events, they do a special ‘draft’ episode, where they compete to predict exactly what will be announced.
In the Upstream section, they discuss the various streaming services, as well as what shows are being released. Sometimes I don’t pay close attention to Upstream. But I’m glad it’s there, because that’s how I discovered Ted Lasso.
3. The Talk Show With John Gruber
Subjects: Apple, Gadgets, Tech News, Movies, Sports
Hosts: John Gruber + guest
Length: 1:00–3:00
Dates active: 2014–Present
Frequency: Typically 2–4 episodes per month
Link: daringfireball.net/thetalkshow
Description (from their website):
The director’s commentary track for Daring Fireball. Long digressions on Apple, technology, design, movies, and more.
My Opinion
John is joined by a different guest every week, which results in an interesting range of opinions. The most common subject is Apple-related news.
The discussions can go on a bit too long sometimes, and there are times when John interrupts his guests to make sure he gets his own point across.
In the past, he used to swear quite often, which was not ideal when listening without headphones, and didn’t really add anything useful to the show.
John also used to seem a bit reluctant to be critical of Apple, but both this, and the swearing, have become less of a problem over the years.
4. Robot or Not?
Subjects: Opinions, Fun
Hosts: Jason Snell and John Siracusa
Length: 0:02–0:15
Dates active: 2015–Present
Frequency: Fortnightly (initially weekly)
Link: theincomparable.com/robot
Description (from their website):
Jason Snell asks John Siracusa to rule on the meaning of various words and concepts. It’s not just about robots anymore.
My Opinion
I like this show because it’s fairly light-hearted, and I find it entertaining to hear John Siracusa in a different context.
Early episodes were, as you might imagine, about the definition of a robot. In later shows, they started to talk about other subjects, e.g. the definition of words, such as art, and smoothie.
5. Reconcilable Differences
Subjects: Personal Stories, Opinions, Entertainment, Lifestyle
Hosts: John Siracusa and Merlin Mann
Length: 1:00–2:00
Dates active: 2015–Present
Frequency: Fortnightly
Link: www.relay.fm/rd
Description (from their website):
John Siracusa and Merlin Mann try to figure out exactly how they got this way.
My Opinion
The episodes vary quite a lot, but I like hearing John’s thoughts and opinions on less technical subjects, such as his personal life, and problems with his house. At times, this show can feel like the spiritual successor to the Hypercritical podcast.
6. Back to Work
Subjects: Productivity, Opinions, Personal Stories, Entertainment
Hosts: Merlin Mann and Dan Benjamin
Length: 1:00–2:00
Dates active: 2011–Present
Frequency: Weekly
Link: 5by5.tv/b2w
Description (based on their website):
Discussing productivity, communication, work, barriers, constraints, tools, and more.
My Opinion
This show varies a lot, and is hard to describe. I like both the hosts, no matter what they’re talking about. Examples of subjects are: practical and organisational tips; using calendars and reminders; ADHD and executive function; Alexa and Siri; Apple products.
7. Roderick on the Line
Subjects: Personal Stories, Opinion, Music, Entertainment, Lifestyle
Hosts: John Roderick and Merlin Mann
Length: 1:00–1:30
Dates active: 2011–Present
Frequency: Weekly
Link: merlinmann.com/roderick
Description (from their website):
Merlin Mann’s frank and candid weekly call with John Roderick of the Long Winters.
My Opinion
This show is hard to describe, because the topics vary so much from week to week. Some random examples include: Families, relationships, problems with neighbours, and ADHD. In a way, it makes the listener feel like they’re eavesdropping on friends, who are talking about their past, present and future lives.
8. Under the Radar
Subjects: Apple, Programming, Development, Business
Hosts: Marco Arment and David Smith
Length: 0:30
Dates active: 2015–Present
Frequency: Fortnightly (used to be weekly)
Link: relay.fm/radar
Description (from their website):
From development and design to marketing and support, Under the Radar is all about independent app development.
My Opinion
The hosts of this show talk very openly about many of the issues faced by independent developers today, such as staying motivated when working largely on your own, and finding the best ways to make money from your apps.
Hearing the problems and opinions of two successful app developers helps a lot, especially when you’re working alone, and have nobody to ask.
It’s been a very useful and relevant podcast. And with each episode being only 30 minutes long, it’s easy to find the time to listen.
9. Analog(ue)
Subjects: Personal Stories, Opinions, Lifestyle, Entertainment
Hosts: Casey Liss and Myke Hurley
Length: 1:00–2:00
Dates active: 2014–Present
Frequency: Every fortnight (initially weekly)
Link: relay.fm/analogue
Description (from their website):
So many podcasts are about our digital devices. Analog(ue) is a show about how these devices make us feel and how they change our lives for the better, but also for the worse.
My Opinion
On other podcasts, the two hosts normally talk about technology. But this one gives the listener a chance to get to know a different side of them. They tend to talk about a wider range of subjects, and touch on their personal lives.
10. Thoughts on Functional Programming
Subjects: Programming, Software Development
Hosts: Eric Normand
Length: 0:15–2:00+
Dates active: 2018–Present
Frequency: Varies
Link: lispcast.com/category/podcast
Description (from their website):
An off-the-cuff stream of Functional Programming ideas, skills, patterns, and news from Functional Programming expert Eric Normand.
My Opinion
I became interested in broadening my programming knowledge, and came across this podcast about functional programming.
In the early episodes, it sounded like Eric was outside or walking. But that didn’t put me off, because I like his easy-going style.
In the later episodes, he often discusses programming articles that are decades old, which I find fascinating.
11. More than Just Code
Subjects: Apple, Programming, Development, Tech News, Tips
Hosts: Tim Mitra, Mark Rubin and Jaime Lopez
Length: Typically 1:00–2:00
Dates active: 2014–Present. (Possibly ended?)
Frequency: Used to be weekly (several long gaps)
Link: mtjc.fireside.fm
Description (based their website):
Discusses iOS and Mac development: current issues, what developers are talking about, what their apps are about, what they are using to create their apps and what advice they have for other developers. Also: news, notes and tech tips.
My Opinion
This was the first podcast I ever listened to, so I had to include it.
Sadly, it seems to have tailed off in recent years, and I’m not even sure if it has finally come to an end. In recent years, a number of episodes were repeats, which was annoying.
Many of the latest episodes had a different format, where the main host interviews someone, and the other hosts are not present at all.
In the early days, there used to be another host, Aaron Vegh, but unfortunately he left in December 2016. Aaron seemed to have a way of saying exactly what I was thinking. I still miss hearing his opinions, and the energy he brought to the show.
From time to time, they used to have guest hosts, including Tammy Coron and Greg Heo. They added some variety, and provided different perspectives.
The original style of episode tended to be useful for drawing attention to current topics, and providing a range of picks, such as recommended articles to read, and apps to try. Quite a few of those were genuinely useful to me.
12. The Minimalists
Subjects: Decluttering, Lifestyle, Personal Stories
Hosts: Joshua Fields and Ryan Nicodemus
Length: 0:30–0:50 (Weekly); 0:03–0:15 (In-between)
Dates active: 2015–Present
Frequency: Weekly, plus additional short episodes.
Link: theminimalists.com/podcast
Description (based on their website):
Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus discuss living a meaningful life with less.
My Opinion
I came across this podcast when looking for tips, for letting go of sentimental clutter. Some of the episodes are very thought-provoking, and helped me to make progress with my decluttering.
(Not Currently Active)
13. Hypercritical
Subjects: Opinions, Personal Stories, Technology, Programming, Gaming
Hosts: John Siracusa and Dan Benjamin
Length: 0:45–2:15
Dates active: 2011–2012
Frequency: Weekly
Link: 5by5.tv/hypercritical
Description (from their website):
A weekly talk show ruminating on exactly what is wrong in the world of Apple and related technologies and businesses. Nothing is so perfect that it can’t be complained about.
My Opinion
After hearing John Siracusa in the Accidental Tech Podcast (ATP), I found out about this one— his first podcast series.
I like John, so I just had to go back and listen to every episode of Hypercritical, to hear his opinions on a wide range of subjects.
14. 20 Macs for 2020
Subjects: Apple, Mac, Tech History, Opinions, Personal Stories
Hosts: Jason Snell + guests
Length: 0:15–0:25 (Final episodes 1:00+)
Dates active: August 2020–March 2021
Frequency: Weekly
Link: relay.fm/20macs
Description (from their website):
Jason Snell and a collection of long-time Mac watchers count down Jason’s list of the 20 most notable Macs of all time, one per week.
My Opinion
I used some of the very early Macs in the 1980s, so I loved listening to this podcast, and hearing people reminiscing.
15. The Run Loop
Subjects: Apple, Programming, Development, Business
Hosts: Collin Donnell + guest
Length: 1:00
Dates active: 2017; Brief return in early 2021
Frequency: Weekly
Link: therunloop.fireside.fm
Description (from their website):
Discussions about designing and developing iOS and Mac apps.
My Opinion
The host interviewed a different guest each week, so there was a good variety of subjects and opinions related to development.
It looked like this was making a comeback in 2021, but things still seem a bit uncertain. However, it’s still worth checking out the existing episodes, especially if you like the guests.
16. Download
Subjects: Technology, Business, Tech News
Hosts: Jason Snell and Stephen Hackett
Length: 1:00
Dates active: 2017–2019
Frequency: Weekly
Link: relay.fm/download
Description (from their website):
What are the most important technology stories right now? From products and companies to services and trends, Download’s weekly panel of experts analyzes the biggest topics in tech … and a few you may have missed.
My Opinion
This was a more general show, not just covering Apple. I found some of the episodes to be a lot more interesting than others. It’s probably not the sort of show that dates well, consisting mostly of news.
17. Neutral
Subjects: Cars, Personal Stories, Opinions
Hosts: Marco Arment, Casey Liss, and John Siracusa
Length: 0:45–2:00
Dates active: 2013
Frequency: Weekly (+ special)
Link: neutral.fm
Description (from their website):
A casual car show from people who should know better than to do a car show.
My Opinion
This show is where the Accidental Tech Podcast began. So if you like that show, you really should listen to this one.
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A few of the podcast descriptions were adapted from material on the author’s old blog, which was deleted a few years ago.
The author first published this article on Medium. It was added here on 3 January 2022.
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