Podcast Smorgasbord 1: This Week in Tech

The thought occurred to me while I was listening to a podcast on my recent overland journey through the heart of Texas, that the shows I listen to can have a profound affect on what I produce for this blog. The ideas, concepts, discussions, news and chatter that I crave in podcasts all carry into my every day life. As such, I'm going to start a run linking to and showcasing the podcasts I enjoy.

To built a framework of understanding for ya'll, here's what podcasts do for me. I listen to about 10-14 hours of podcasts a week, along with 3 to 4 hours a week of whatever audible.com audiobook I'm churning though.

Driving, working out at the gym, mowing the yard, relaxing, playing a video games and cooking are all actions that use my hands, but largely leave my mind open and able to think, and I like to take advantage of that by listening to audio programming. Its both relaxing and stimulating, and largely commercial free, and is a wonderful medium.

I'm starting with TWiT, This Week in Tech. It is the longest running podcast on my computer, and has had staying power over the years. TWiT is a once weekly panel show hosted by Leo Laporte, a computer guy with personality and an unyielding excitement for the next stage in technology. Joining him for about 2 hours to discuss the tech news of the week is a rotating cast of technology journalists, columnists, and technology pioneers.

The show is focused primarily on developments on the Internet, but subjects range far and wide from cars to cell phones, batteries to Jupiter, HD Video to Intel processors. Its an eccentric and entertaining ensemble, and keeps me coming back week after week. I may not listen to every show in a year, but TWiT is the show I eagerly reach for to stay current with the big news in the tech world.

While its political leanings are generally left leaning, it remains remarkably a-poltical, and I recommend it without hesitation.