In this blog’s short life, I’ve already managed to mention Radiolab twice. It’s a just plain good show. Its subject matter ranges from parasites to laughter, and its audio mixing is wholly unique.
A while back, I had the opportunity (thanks to TMN) to listen to the fourth season premiere in a big, darkened theatre. It was a surreal. Start with: Time.
The easiest way to describe The Best Show is as a call-in show, but there’s much more to it than that. There are guests like Patton Oswalt and Paul F. Thomkins, for one. Just stick with it a bit, and you’re likely to become a member of its cult following. Here are a couple hints to get you started: 1) The show doesn’t really start until 10 or 15 minutes in. Embrace the multiple intros. 2) All of those extra-weird characters with suspiciously similar voices are the hilarious Jon Wurster. Start with: Any of them! But how about December 22, 2009.
Planet Money, NPR
It’s odd that I find myself interested in Planet Money, since I’m so terrible at managing my own. But I guess that’s exactly it. Planet Money is economics for the layman — people like me who can barely grasp the concept of compound interest. It’s not just about the big, overwhelming global stuff, but also stories at the human level. Start with: Friend or Foe?.
I started off disliking YLNT. Understandable, really, since it’s just four semi-internet-famous guys being clever and in-jokey. But when I found out that Merlin Mann is a graduate of my, erm, unique alma mater, it suddenly made sense and became hilarious (though that beer in my hand may have helped, too). I’ve since had the pleasure of meeting another of its members, Adam Lisagor, who is a very nice young man. And maybe that’s what it requires. Liking the dudes first, and liking listening to them talk about incontinence second. So check them out, and then start with: Tux Age.