A solution for your boring commute
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A daily commute can be a drag. It means time away from productivity, relaxation, family and friends. During the trip, you deal with bad weather, bad drivers and most often, boredom.
Even more of a drag is the calculation I made for myself. My commute is 45 minutes one way, which means I spend roughly 16 full days in the car per year (not counting holidays, time off or being in the car for other purposes).
Since moving closer to work isn’t an option for me, I decided I would do something about the time-sink. What if I could be a little smarter by the time I got to my destination?
Most radio wouldn’t do that for me. Nor would playing rousing games of I Spy with myself. I didn’t want to spend money on audiobooks either.
The answer was podcasts.
Here is a list of podcasts I have enjoyed that may help lighten the burden of your commute, too.
Keep in mind that while some of these are popular, others are not so well known, and they also reflect my geeky interests, which probably don’t 100% match yours. I should also note that I avoid news or political podcasts, as I get plenty of that stuff on the job.
Still, I think you’ll find a podcast or two here that might make your drive less boring. And they’re all free.
I have organized them not by category, but by mood.
Learn all the things
StarTalk Radio
Hosted by popular astrophysicist and educator Neil deGrasse Tyson, it “bridges the intersection between pop culture and science with clarity, humor and passion.” Dr. Tyson usually co-hosts with a comedian to guarantee you don’t get bored. Sometimes the pop culture bit gets too strong for my taste, but it is rarely boring. And hey, sometimes Bill Nye the Science Guy makes an appearance!
Stuff You Should Know
This podcast presents on every topic imaginable. Dungeons and Dragons. Plasma waste converters. Donating your body to science. Nazis invading Florida. If it’s interesting, this podcast will eventually or has already covered it! And hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant are incredibly likable. Note: Stuff You Should Know is the tip of the How Stuff Works iceberg. The network brings you a lot of worth-a-listen podcasts that will make your brain explode.
Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History
The episodes are long but full of insight into historical events and people you probably take for granted, like World War I or Genghis Khan. Have you ever sat through a boring history class? This is different. Your outlook on both historical and current events will change.
You Are Not So Smart
We live with a number of biases and self-delusions. With episode titles like “Why you often believe people who see the world differently are wrong” and “Why technology isn’t making us dumb, in fact, it is making us smarter than you think,” this podcast will cause you to see the world – and yourself – differently.
Invisibilia
This NPR podcast focuses on the “invisible forces that control human behavior.” It’s taking a break now, and I’m hoping it will be back. But go to its archives and listen to “How to Become Batman” first. You’ll be amazed. Maybe “the blind leading the blind” does not mean what we think it means.
Burning with ambition
I Will Teach You a Language
Despite its name, this podcast won’t teach you a specific language. Rather, polyglot Olly Richards, gives general tips on how to learn them. How do you assess your progress? Can an app actually help you become fluent? Should you learn more than one language at a time? And these questions and more answered here.
Conlangery Podcast
Maybe learning another language isn’t for you. Ever thought about making your own? Are you a linguist nerd? If you’re serious about creating your own language for fun and unlikely profit or just want to see what the insanity is all about, check this out.
Master of Memory
“The way most people learn is useless,” says host Timothy Moser. “First they might read any number of books on a subject … and promptly forget it all. Afterwards, maybe they’ll decide to try drilling facts into their heads, using rote, brute-force techniques that don’t work. This results in tons of frustration.” Moser shows you a better way. He has another podcast that deals with time management, Ace Productivity.
Programming Throwdown
You want to learn to program, but don’t know where to start. Ruby? Java? Haskell? Have no fear – knowledgable coders Jason and Patrick delve into a different computer language each episode and take a look at its strengths and weaknesses. They also present a hefty amount of general tech news and tips.
Feeling a retro sort of nerdy
Retro Computing Roundtable
These guys love old computers – Ataris, Apple IIs, Amigas, Commodores, early PCs and Macs and much more! A rotating panel of hosts lift this podcast from interesting to fun. They tinker, hoard, embark on crazy projects, and simply make you happy about old metal.
Open Apple
More specialized than the Retro Computing Roundtable, this focuses on the past, present and future of Apple II computers. Lots of interesting interviews here. (Confession: I have an Apple IIc in my closet. Don’t judge me.)
You Don’t Know Flack
This podcast from Rob “Flack” O’Hara “covers retrogaming, retrocomputing, and other technology and gadget-related topics, from a guy who was there, and still is.” The show isn’t just about old tech. It’s about Flack himself, an interesting guy with decades of experience in the tech and geek worlds and the adventures to prove it.
Retronauts
Have you ever wondered what was behind the original “Legend of Zelda”? What was the big deal with “Baldur’s Gate” years back? Everything you want to know about old video games, some of which you may not have heard of (and will want to play).
More retro goodness
There are many more quality retro-themed podcasts than I can list here. Check out The Throwback Network for podcasts to feed your nostalgia, and not just about computers.
Don’t forget that podcasts themselves are a revival of retro form! You may also want to check out old radio dramas through Relic Radio.
Just want entertainment
Imaginary Worlds
This podcast focuses on why we create superheroes, science fiction and fantasy, and why we suspend our disbelief. Right now it’s doing a series on the influence of “Star Wars” on the modern world.
Robot or Not?
Two guys debate what is and is not a robot. Is Pinocchio a robot? Darth Vader? The USS Enterprise? Siri? It’s more silly than scientific.
Roguelike Radio
This deals with roguelikes, which are RPG video games that feature randomly generated worlds and situations, as well as permadeath (not being able to restore a game if your character dies). Lots of fun conversations on games in general.
The Message
A docudrama dealing with a message received from outer space 70 years ago. The main character is a podcaster covering the group of cryptologists trying to make sense of a message that might be lethal to anyone who hears it. Although it has only eight episodes and ends too soon, it’s worth a listen.
The Truth
“Movies for your ears,” it’s radio drama at its best. Bonus: It’s safer than watching an actual movie during your commute.
Scare me
Astonishing Legends
Ranging from fun to mysterious to scary, this podcast takes a look at strange events. Sometimes it tackles the paranormal (though with skepticism) and sometimes the simply creepy. Sort of a real-life “X-Files.” I recommend starting with the Dyatlov Pass and Greyfriars Kirkyard episodes.
Lore
The history behind scary stories: “Sometimes the truth is more frightening than fiction.” Some of these stories are, unfortunately, not simply legends – prepare to be disturbed during “The Castle.”