The Very Best of the Podcasts - Stuck in Traffic Timebusters

I think I am now officially addicted to podcasting. It was bad enough when I first got my Zune and realized I could listen to ALL my music on one device. Can you tell, up until recently, I was an mp3 virgin? If that wasn't bad enough, then I discovered podcasting! I am a big fan of talk radio and also a few TV shows. My kids love blooper videos and generally funny stuff and quickly realized they could watch this stuff on their Zune. Imagine my surprise once I figured out the Zune could download the daily and weekly podcasts I subscribed to. Instead of being bored out of my gourd shopping for groceries, waiting at the doctor's office or in the school car line, I could keep my mind and my sense of humor occupied...two of my favorite past times. If you plan to listen in your car, please don't use headphones....too dangerous. If your car doesn't have an mp3 jack (most don't), just spend a few dollars on a personal mp3 speaker or mini mp3 speaker...google it or check eBay. I even found some little ones at Bed, Bath and Beyond. Here is my top of the list of the very best of the podcasts.

You can listen to podcasts on ANY mp3 player. You can listen to podcasts on your computer with any audio or video player you have installed. To actually subscribe to a podcast and automatically download new episodes without having to save individual shows, you have to have a podcast reader. Some mp3 players have this already installed, such as the Zune and the iPod to name a few. Others, such as the Sandisk Sansa, you would have to copy each podcast onto the device to listen to it or watch it. You can also download a podcast reader to your computer. There are many free programs out there. They will then automatically keep track of your subscribed podcasts and download new content into the reader, when it is available. There is no need to manually keep track of this. Many of these podcasts can also be found in the iTunes or Zune podcast directories.

My favorites in no particular order:

Fun & Entertainment

Access Hollywood (video) - Because I do like to see and hear some of the latest Hollywood gossip..not bad enough to purchase the rags at the checkout, but just enough to be curious and to download this podcast.

People Magazine (audio) - I do read this magazine at my local library and have found some interesting fare on their podcast.

Ask a Ninja (video) - This guy has a huge following. They're short and funny. This middle-aged overweight ninja pontificates on a few different subjects each podcast, all the while, doing a few ninja hand and eye movements...funny.

Best of YouTube (video) - My kids love the funny stuff on YouTube. This podcast picks out the best video of the week, and they are usually right on...funny or thought provoking...they've even had some artsy ones lately, not just some jacka** stunts.

Comedy Central Stand Up (video) - I like stand-up comedy. You get a quick few minutes of a comic you probably haven't heard of yet. Many are very good, plus I get a good laugh when I need one.

Onion News Network (video) - A satirical news network released by the Onion newspaper. This news is faster, harder, scarier and all-knowing according to them and geared for those over 18 years old they say. Yes, you'll get the news with the extra bite and smell of an onion.

The Soup Video Podcast (video) - Just like on TV...dumb, dumb, but again, when you need a laugh, tune in. Short excerpts from Soup Video "newscast" and Joel McHale's take on celebrity news, pop culture and wacky TV moments. Only about 1 minute long.

VH1 Best Week Ever (video) - Very small snippets of the shows on TV tonight with commentary and sometimes quick interviews...all in 3 minutes.

News

60 Minutes (audio) - I have always been a big fan of the show, but in the last few years, I just haven't had a chance to sit down and watch it. I've come to realize the audio version is just as good as the TV version.

The CNN Daily News (video) - Good basic news broadcast to find out what's going on today.

CNN=Politics Daily (video) - I watch this right before and right after state primaries and about once a week to see what the candidates are up to. Wolf Blitzer's show, just like on TV.

NY Time Frontpage (audio) - Quick rundown of the headlines of the day. I listen to this first before choosing any of the other news show because it wraps everything up so nicely and so quick.

MSNBC Hardball with Chris Matthews (audio) - Just like the show on TV.

NBC Nightly News (video) - Another good basic news broadcast. Interesting to see sometimes how different it can be from CNN.

Financial

Marketplace Money Marketclip (video) - Basic video on a variety of topics to make you smart. Recent subjects were retirement planning, college 529 plans and how much house can you afford.
This podcast comes out about once a month.

Business Week (audio) - I used to think Business Week magazine was boring. I still don't read it, but lately, I've been looking forward to their podcast. They always interview someone from the magazine on this week's top story for their magazine. Of course, it has to do with finance, business and markets, but I've actually found the interviews interesting and informative and not as stuffy as their magazine.

Rob Black and Your Money (audio) - This guy is my absolute favorite for giving the run-down on what is going on in the financial markets for the day. He does it in a conversational tone and uses easy to understand words and concepts. He must be clairvoyant too, because I'll catch him talking about some of our investments, products we use and businesses we frequent. Not only good stuff to listen to, investment-wise, but important info on the things that affect your daily life too...good music too. It runs anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes typically.

Money Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips (audio) - Just like she says, quick and dirty. She picks a new topic every week and explains it so anyone can understand it...just enough to make you smart on the subject.

The Dave Ramsey Show (audio) - Dave is the guru who helps people get out of debt. He has written a slew of self-help books (they really work), as well as a program online and through seminars to get people on the road to being debt-free. Many of his callers call in to say how they got out of debt, ala "beans and rice" and being disciplined and many call with some of the saddest stories you'll ever hear of people in debt peppered with general questions on real estate and financial how-to. The first hour of his show is free, and if you want to listen to the second hour, you can pay for that. I listen to just the first hour just about every day..this is a daily weekday show and can honestly say, I've learned so much.

The Ric Edelman Show (audio) - Another financial guru from a different perspective. This guy owns his own financial management company where you can hire him and his staff to manage your money, but he also wrote a few bestseller financial books and has this national show. This is the guy who says take all the equity out of your house and invest it instead of just having it sit there. He does have some radical and more gutsy ideas and has actually ruffled some feathers of the bigwigs on Wall Street with his rantings...but I've found he gives good advice with a different spin than Dave Ramsey and if you can get through his sound effects and his talking about his two new puppies, it's worth a listen.

Money Markets and More - (audio) - Basic overview of what is going on in the market today. Just listened to them talking about Starbucks and the free cups of coffee being given away. Find out what the companies you love (and don't) are up to. Short enough to keep you informed without boring you.

Smart Money with Gil Kuta (audio) - Gil has his own financial management company too, and he's been doing this radio show for many years. Maybe that is why it is so boring to me, but then again, I've listened to it a few times, because he does go into depth what is going on in the stock market. People call in and ask about companies and their investments, and every time, he knows exactly what they are asking about...he must have the memory of an elephant! Anyway, if you follow stocks, listen to this guy.

Kids

Cartoon Network (video) - My kids love the network, so I let them watch this too. You'll find small excerpts of their favorite shows as well as interviews and other short snippets.

Disney Channel Shorty McShort (video) - A shuffle of shows...actually shorts...from Cartoon Network as my son just told me.

Kid's Corner Podcast (audio) -This follows the Kid's Corner popular radio show. Kids call in on a variety of topics. This is a cute podcast for 7-12 year olds and runs about 12 minutes.

Military


Army Wife Talk Radio (audio) - The hosts try very hard to get informative guests, give a quick blurb of military news and discuss new programs or things of interest at a variety of military posts. They do laugh a lot and joke around, and they also have a chat room that runs the same time as the show. Sometimes they give away prizes too. I personally think the show is too long (and they're thinking of making it longer)....I can never sit and listen to the whole thing and listen instead in short snippets. Take a look though, as these ladies try very hard to put out a quality show and you might learn something in the process.

This Week in the Pentagon (video) - A quick video of Pentagon military news from around the world. The military also has another half dozen podcasts you can check out.


Fitness & Health

Fit for Duty (video) - This is like a workout show. If you don't know what to do to work out or are tired with your old routine, check it out. 30 minutes long.

Fit for Duty Cardio (video) - This one is like an aerobics class. I've even hooked up my mp3 player to the TV and done a routine or two. 30 minutes long.


Other


Clark Howard Show (audio) - Clark is a BIG consumer advocate. You'll hear him talk about products and services and companies. Callers will call in with some bozo letter they got in the mail, and Clark will explain it to them...things like that. I actually like listening to it, and I can say I've learned a few things. The other day he was talking about warranties and the possible downfall of Chrysler...does anyone remember Daewoo?

Clark Howard's Rip-off Alert (audio) - A different topic every time. I just listened to one where he had a caller who detailed his Wachovia bank fees...over $500 worth...not really a scam but the bank was being sneaky about it...many others do this too...become familiar with the latest rip-offs and scams.

Cook's Illustrated (video) - Don't watch this if you are hungry. You'll see how to make some yummy dishes. I just watched a video comparing different priced cast iron pans..the most expensive is not necessarily the best.

The Dog Whisperer (video) - I love how confident Cesar, the host is. This is just like the TV show but shorter. I guess you could call it previews. If you have a dog or regularly interact with one watch this...great and simple advice and will make you wonder why you didn't know this or that already.

Get Real Real Estate Investing (audio) - This show can be a little boring..initially. It's a husband and wife team that invests in real estate. Callers call in with their real estate questions. The team also talks about their latest rehabs and investments. They also have seminars you can sign up for. If you've ever thought about real estate investing, it's worth a listen.

HEROES TV Show (music videos) - For those HEROES fans. Music videos...I think four or five of them that lead up to the season premier in March. No new episodes but still worth downloading.

One Minute How-To (audio) - Quick one minute blurbs on how to do something...a different topic every week. A new guest every week showcasing what they know.

The History Channel: Just Another Day (video) - Find out how everyday items work and were invented. My kids like watching this one. The History Channel also has a host of other podcasts here.

Home Innovations (audio) - Callers call in about their home projects and get ideas and help from the show's hosts. If you like to tootle around the house, this show can be for you. I just listened to two guests who run heating and cooling businesses giving tips on how to keep costs down around the house, as well as what the biggest requests are from them.


I would've included Dr. Laura, cause she really has some great advice for people who just can't seem to get it with their relationships. She is fun to listen to and gets right to the point in helping people to move to fix their problems...BUT...she only offers a paid version of her show..shame on you Dr. Laura! You should do it like Dave Ramsey and at least offer a shorter free version!

Do you have any video or audio podcasts you like to listen to? Which ones are your favorites and would you recommend to others? Be sure to post them below!