Little Red Dave does podcasts

Actually, that title is a lie. LRD can’t stand podcasts on account of their lack of beautiful people, wanton violence and sex.

I, however, love podcasts and am constantly looking for good ones on a variety of topics but particularly science, history, books and music. So, here’s my list of my favourite podcasts. I’ve tried to categorise them but they’re not ranked in any way.

Science and Scepticism
Radiolab
Arguably the best podcast in the world today, Radiolab combines science, innovative music and sound, and a delight in the wonder of the world to produce thoughtful and enjoyable radio programmes that are thankfully made available free of charge to those of us who can’t tune in to WNYC. Winner of the Best Produced podcast award in the 2010 PodCast Awards.
Science Weekly
My favourite podcast, this science programme is part of a great suite of podcasts from the Guardian. Alok Jha and the gang make science accessible, interesting and fun. While sceptics can be a little snarky, this podcast is about celebrating the true wonder of the world we live in.
Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe
One of the most popular sceptical podcasts available today, the Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe has been running since 2005. More grounded in science than other sceptical podcasts, it’s also informative, lively and often funny. The sceptics involved can sometimes be a bit supercilious but not enough to detract from the programme overall. Winner of the Best Science podcast award in the 2010 PodCast Awards.


Astronomy
(Why does it have its own heading apart from science? Umm, ‘cause! It’s my blog, babe, I can do what I want)
ABC’s StarStuff
Starstuff is a long running program on the ABC’s NewsRadio presented by Stuart Gary. It is the only regular program on astronomy and space on the ABC. This is a standard radio programme but a very enjoyable one and one of the few podcasts that talks about the night sky I see when I look up.
Astronomy Cast
Two people chatting about physics and cosmology? It’s surprisingly-interesting. Hosted by Fraser Cain (Universe Today) and Dr. Pamela L. Gay (SIUE), this show is notable for its easy-to-grasp explanations of complex topics.


Books
Guardian Books Podcast
Another great podcast from the Guardian, this one is devoted to a love of books. Just don’t have the Book Depository open when you’re listening. You may find yourself with a bedside table so stacked with books you won’t have any time to listen to podcasts.
World Book Club
Great podcast from the BBC World Service where the world’s best and most popular authors front up to a live audience and answer erudite questions in an erudite way.

History
12 Byzantine Rulers: The History of The Byzantine Empire
Lars Brownworth’s first history podcasting series that was later turned into a book. Lars Brownworth is well-informed but also passionate about his subject and he argues his premise very effectively.
A History of the World in 100 Objects
Brilliant podcast, book and website from the British Museum where the history of 100 specially-selected items from the museum’s collection is outlined in a clear and interesting way to help chart human history.
Binge Thinking History
As an amateur historian, Tony Cocks leaves some professional ones for dust with his thoroughness and enthusiasm. Binge Thinking History concentrates mostly on English history but, since Cocks can manage to make the history of the British Navy fascinating, that’s no real deterrence.


Comedy
Thrilling Adventure Hour
I downloaded a few episodes of this based on an internet recommendation (it has Nathan Fillion in it! I had to at least try it) and was almost totally convinced that I would hate it. I do not enjoy listening to comedy and it’s described as ‘A staged production in the style of old-time radio’. Boy, was I wrong. It’s hilarious and gets me through long plane trips.

Music
NPR: All songs considered
According to the website, All Songs Considered is a great place to discover new music that doesn't get a lot of airplay anywhere else. It features roundtable discussions about new music, reviews, live concerts, artist interviews, guest DJ appearances and more. Pretty much sums it up.
PRI’s The World Global Hit
A podcast containing just the global hit aspect of the PRI’s radio programme ‘The World’. Brilliant for those who love global music and like a small slice of life from some of the world’s most interesting and talented people.
Triple J Unearthed
Triple J radio station doesn’t produce podcasts per se so much as make available radio programming through iTunes for download. Triple J Unearthed is by far the best source for new Australia music, particularly as all songs on the programme are able to be downloaded free of charge from the Unearthed website. If you love new Australian music, this is your best source.

Not easily categorised
Geek’s Guide to the Galaxy
Books, games, movies, science and a gloriously-geeky enjoyment of popular culture. I love this podcast. Be warned though: listening to it may result in the zombie apocalypse. Have a shotgun and tinned food to hand.

Being reviewed
This list is of new promising podcasts that I can’t list as a recommendation yet because I haven’t listened to enough posts. Stay tuned.
The History of Rome
Winner of the Best Education podcast award in the 2010 PodCast Awards, this is on my ‘to-do’ list but looks great.
Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean
I’ve only listened to a few episodes but so far this podcast by Phil Harland is brilliant. Phil has a PhD in Religious Studies and the kind of academic rigour required for this is shown here. May make my ‘best’ list soon if the quality continues.