#10: Film Junk
Although it took me a while to get into this podcast initially, it is now prominent in my regular rotation. Three movie fans from St. Catherines, Ontario talk weekly for a couple of hours about all aspects of the cinema, from movie news, to trailer trash, to reviews of new releases. While this podcast leans dangerously towards irrelevant rambling on occasion, the hosts are amusing enough that they are entertaining to listen to even when they talk about hockey or their collections of Star Wars memorabilia. The insights of documentary filmmaker and co-host Jay Cheel are of particular interest.
Although it took me a while to get into this podcast initially, it is now prominent in my regular rotation. Three movie fans from St. Catherines, Ontario talk weekly for a couple of hours about all aspects of the cinema, from movie news, to trailer trash, to reviews of new releases. While this podcast leans dangerously towards irrelevant rambling on occasion, the hosts are amusing enough that they are entertaining to listen to even when they talk about hockey or their collections of Star Wars memorabilia. The insights of documentary filmmaker and co-host Jay Cheel are of particular interest.
#9: New York Times Book Review
This podcast is the best I have found for keeping up with news from the universe of books. Editor Sam Tenenhaus conducts interviews with important contemporary authors. In addition, each episode contains a “Notes from the Field” segment in which Julian Bosman and Jennifer Schuessler discuss current trends in publishing as well as bestseller news. I’ve definitely discovered a good read or two from listening to this podcast.
This podcast is the best I have found for keeping up with news from the universe of books. Editor Sam Tenenhaus conducts interviews with important contemporary authors. In addition, each episode contains a “Notes from the Field” segment in which Julian Bosman and Jennifer Schuessler discuss current trends in publishing as well as bestseller news. I’ve definitely discovered a good read or two from listening to this podcast.
#8: A.V. Talk
The A.V. Club, associated with The Onion, is one of the most comprehensive and intelligent sources for pop culture analysis today. Commentators like Scott Tobias and Kyle Ryan talk about the latest movies, television shows, and records. I particularly appreciate the variety on this podcast. One week you may hear a discussion of the new season of Mad Men, whereas the next week you’ll hear a debate about the merits of the new Arcade Fire album.
The A.V. Club, associated with The Onion, is one of the most comprehensive and intelligent sources for pop culture analysis today. Commentators like Scott Tobias and Kyle Ryan talk about the latest movies, television shows, and records. I particularly appreciate the variety on this podcast. One week you may hear a discussion of the new season of Mad Men, whereas the next week you’ll hear a debate about the merits of the new Arcade Fire album.
#7: New York Times Music Popcast
The Times music staff, including Jon Pareles, Ben Ratliff, Jon Caramanica, and Nate Chinen, review the latest musical releases, conduct artist interviews, and talk about trends in modern pop music. This podcast is notable for the depth of discussion about new CDs. The critics do an excellent job of covering music from several different cultural perspectives. Oftentimes the reviews of more controversial releases will feature more than one critic in dialogue about the merits and flaws of a particular record.
The Times music staff, including Jon Pareles, Ben Ratliff, Jon Caramanica, and Nate Chinen, review the latest musical releases, conduct artist interviews, and talk about trends in modern pop music. This podcast is notable for the depth of discussion about new CDs. The critics do an excellent job of covering music from several different cultural perspectives. Oftentimes the reviews of more controversial releases will feature more than one critic in dialogue about the merits and flaws of a particular record.
#6: IFC News Podcast
Alison Willmore and Matt Singer engage in a simultaneously casual and sophisticated conversation about movies. Don’t let the “independent” part of “IFC” fool you … they discuss more than just the latest arthouse flicks. In fact, the range of films discussed is one of the podcast’s great strengths. A recent episode, for instance, included banter about Stagecoach, Raging Bull, and Eraserhead. You never know exactly what direction the conversation will take. It’s enlightening and entertaining at the same time.
Alison Willmore and Matt Singer engage in a simultaneously casual and sophisticated conversation about movies. Don’t let the “independent” part of “IFC” fool you … they discuss more than just the latest arthouse flicks. In fact, the range of films discussed is one of the podcast’s great strengths. A recent episode, for instance, included banter about Stagecoach, Raging Bull, and Eraserhead. You never know exactly what direction the conversation will take. It’s enlightening and entertaining at the same time.
#5: NPR: Culturetopia
Culturetopia began as a compilation podcast of stories from regular NPR programs involving film and television. A few months ago, though, a weekly roundtable known as Pop Culture Happy Hour was added. The panel members, all employees of NPR, are articulate and have fascinating personalities. They bring their expertise in a diverse array of disciplines to the pop culture stories of the week. The panelists include Linda Holmes, Stephen Thompson, Trey Graham, and more.
Culturetopia began as a compilation podcast of stories from regular NPR programs involving film and television. A few months ago, though, a weekly roundtable known as Pop Culture Happy Hour was added. The panel members, all employees of NPR, are articulate and have fascinating personalities. They bring their expertise in a diverse array of disciplines to the pop culture stories of the week. The panelists include Linda Holmes, Stephen Thompson, Trey Graham, and more.
#4: NPR: All Songs Considered
Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton play a variety of great new music on a weekly basis, covering indie, jazz, folk, and more. In addition, they discuss fascinating musical topics worthy of Nick Hornby’s High Fidelity like “best drum fills of all time”, “top records to get you through your teens”, or “best opening tracks”. I like to save up my episodes of this podcast for long road trips, for I find the music and fascinating dialogue keeps me going for hours at a time.
Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton play a variety of great new music on a weekly basis, covering indie, jazz, folk, and more. In addition, they discuss fascinating musical topics worthy of Nick Hornby’s High Fidelity like “best drum fills of all time”, “top records to get you through your teens”, or “best opening tracks”. I like to save up my episodes of this podcast for long road trips, for I find the music and fascinating dialogue keeps me going for hours at a time.
#3: Slate’s Culture Gabfest
Conceptually similar to NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour isSlate‘s Culture Gabfest. Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens talk about the latest movies, television, and books. They sometimes cover topics that verge on the esoteric, but they do it in such an engaging and articulate matter that they keep me engaged. My favorite part of the show each week is a segment called “Endorsements”, where each panel member talks about a pop culture item that is bringing him or her joy in that particular week.
Conceptually similar to NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour isSlate‘s Culture Gabfest. Stephen Metcalf, Julia Turner, and Dana Stevens talk about the latest movies, television, and books. They sometimes cover topics that verge on the esoteric, but they do it in such an engaging and articulate matter that they keep me engaged. My favorite part of the show each week is a segment called “Endorsements”, where each panel member talks about a pop culture item that is bringing him or her joy in that particular week.
#2: Sound Opinions
This podcast of the self-proclaimed “world’s only rock ‘n’ roll talk show” from PRX and Chicago Public Radio is quite simply the most comprehensive and well-produced pop music program out there today. Chicago critics Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kott provide music news, reviews using a Siskel and Ebert-style “buy it, burn it, or trash it” scale, and in-house interviews with some of the most interesting artists in modern music. DeRogatis and Kott have notably different musical tastes, which makes for a lively discussion. Sound Opinions is a great place to not only discover fascinating new music, but also learn about the glorious musical past. The critics frequently talk about the history of a particular genre (i.e. metal) or dissect a classic record (i.e. The Replacements’ Let It Be.
This podcast of the self-proclaimed “world’s only rock ‘n’ roll talk show” from PRX and Chicago Public Radio is quite simply the most comprehensive and well-produced pop music program out there today. Chicago critics Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kott provide music news, reviews using a Siskel and Ebert-style “buy it, burn it, or trash it” scale, and in-house interviews with some of the most interesting artists in modern music. DeRogatis and Kott have notably different musical tastes, which makes for a lively discussion. Sound Opinions is a great place to not only discover fascinating new music, but also learn about the glorious musical past. The critics frequently talk about the history of a particular genre (i.e. metal) or dissect a classic record (i.e. The Replacements’ Let It Be.
#1: Filmspotting
Filmspotting was at the vanguard of podcasting technology when the medium was truly in its infancy. The show has grown substantially since it began in 2005, expanding its audience and now playing weekly on Chicago Public Radio. Hosts Adam Kempenaar and Matty Robinson produce the most consistently engaging weekly film podcast today. Their show is such a joy to listen to because they bring the perfect balance between passion and critical acumen to their discussions of the cinema, both new and old. Regular segments include reviews of new releases and top five lists, like “top five movie trilogies,” “top five existential films,” or “five most overrated directors.” They also host regular movie marathons, in which they watch and comment upon at least five films from a particular director, genre, or cinematic movement. Past marathons have included films noir, westerns, and the work of Akira Kurosawa. I always walk away from listening to Filmspotting feeling refreshed and with a list of titles to add to my Netflix queue.
Here is a different set of suggestions from another blogger.
Filmspotting was at the vanguard of podcasting technology when the medium was truly in its infancy. The show has grown substantially since it began in 2005, expanding its audience and now playing weekly on Chicago Public Radio. Hosts Adam Kempenaar and Matty Robinson produce the most consistently engaging weekly film podcast today. Their show is such a joy to listen to because they bring the perfect balance between passion and critical acumen to their discussions of the cinema, both new and old. Regular segments include reviews of new releases and top five lists, like “top five movie trilogies,” “top five existential films,” or “five most overrated directors.” They also host regular movie marathons, in which they watch and comment upon at least five films from a particular director, genre, or cinematic movement. Past marathons have included films noir, westerns, and the work of Akira Kurosawa. I always walk away from listening to Filmspotting feeling refreshed and with a list of titles to add to my Netflix queue.
Here is a different set of suggestions from another blogger.
10. NPR: Culturetopia -- If you read this blog, there's a good chance you enjoy sitting around with your friends at least once a week discussing pop culture: film, music, TV, the whole shebang. That's exactly what you'll find here, only the roundtable includes NPR's team of experts. Culturetopia's "Pop Culture Happy Hour" is funny, honest and bounces from one topic to the next with ease.
9. Slate's Culture Gabfest -- The concept is similar toCulturetopia, only this time you'll hear Slate's experts weigh in on the news of the day. Differences: It can be a bit explicit at times (wear headphones) and includes more cultural analysis.
8. Q the Podcast (from CBC Radio) -- Host Jian Ghomeshibrings us this Canadian pop-culture haven featuring interviews from some of the biggest personalities in entertainment, likeJane Lynch, Roseanne, The Decemberists and Joan Rivers. (Emmylou Harris is on Friday's show.) He's a smart interviewer, and the daily show moves quickly from one impressive chat to another.
7. The Moth -- Though this is considered more of a "storytelling" podcast, it should be mentioned: The Moth delivers funny, emotional and true stories each week in this concise podcast. Occasionally, tales will be told by a recognizable name; they're almost always worth hearing for the 20 or so minutes they last.
6. The Morning Stream -- Scott Johnson loves pop culture, and it shows. Each morning he and co-host Brian Ibbott (of music podcast Coverville) deliver this cheerful, entertainment-heavy chat show. Their easygoing rapport makes it perfect for morning listening and they throw in some news bytes as well, so listeners feel like they're getting a little protein with their dessert.
5. Fresh Air (NPR) -- Terry Gross gets cozy with some of the biggest newsmakers around, many of them based in entertainment. It's refreshing to hear such in-depth interviews with folks who usually only talk for a few minutes; like James Lipton, she's a host who does her research, and it pays off.
4. Studio 360 -- The arts and culture podcast presents a series of interesting stories each week (and also posts them on itsexcellent website). Host Kurt Andersen has excellent access to stars, and stories often take an edgier approach.
3. Radiolab -- OK, so it's more science than culture. Still, I had to include one of my favorite podcasts somewhere in this series -- even if you're not a science buff, you'll be pulled in by the emotion (and humor!) in the episodes, which often introduce some sort of scientific concept. It's fascinating and impossible to turn off.
2. The Sound of Young America -- I love listening to this podcast each week; the guests are almost always folks I want to hear more about, and host Jesse Thorn is excellent at engaging them. By the title, you can probably tell the demographic is a little younger; recent eps have welcomed Bill Hader, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Fred Armisen, Carrie Brownstein and Scott Thompson.
1. This American Life -- Could the top slot belong to anything else? Although TAL is a popular radio show, I listen to it as a podcast, as do most of my friends. For those who aren't in the know (who are you people?), each week the series tells captivating, human stories based on a theme. Listen for 10 minutes, you'll be a lifelong fan.
Guide: Best Podcasts for Christians
I have subscribed to many podcasts over time, and most of them fail to enlighten significantly. However, a few have stood the test of time, and I enjoy them regularly. You'll note that most of them are weekly rather than daily - because less often usually means better content.
Last Updated: 03.01.10
Added:
- Conversations from the Pale Blue Dot (the only atheist podcast worthy of being on my Christian podcast list)
- I also demoted many from Essential to Good - trying to keep the best up top.
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SOURCES
- Lightsource.com - a vcast site for Christian ministries (I don't vcast much, but there you go)
- Oneplace.com - this site is a clearing house for podcasts for thousands of popular ministries. Want to find your favorite radio preacher or show? Try here.
ESSENTIAL PODCASTS
- Acton Institute (Weekly, 20-90 min): This Catholic think tank has awesome, intellectual speakers - their tag line is "Integrating Judeo-Christian Truths with Free Market Principles." They also have video archives. Very world-view oriented and scholarly - faith and politics, economics, public morality, education, you name it.
Albert Mohler (Daily, 60 min): This high-visibility talk show touches on current issues that Christians should be aware of. Because it's an hour-long call-in show, I recommend the first 10 minutes only ;).- Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast (Monthly, 30 min) - Andy Stanley is not only a great preacher (see North Point Ministries podcast below), he is one of the most knowledgeable and biblical man I have ever heard on organizational leadership. His insights are life changing for leaders.
- Apologetics 315 (Varies) - This relative newcomer is now the best place to get the latest audio of debates and lectures defending the faith. They don't create any audio, they just list it from around the web. Not only do they update often, but they have their now infamous Ultimate Apologetics MP3 Audio Page.
- Conversations from the Pale Blue Dot (Weekly, 60 min) - podcast of one of the few atheist blogs I enjoy, Common Sense Atheism. Focuses on Philosophy of Religion, interviews top thinkers in the field, both Christian and non.
- Council on Foreign Relations (Weekly, 60 min) - This is one of my new, favorite academic think tank podcasts. This independent (but somewhat libertarian) think tank produces the highly regarded Foreign Affairs periodical. Amazing stuff, like the recent Religion and the Open Society Symposium, with full transcripts!
- Issues, Etc. (5 per day / 20 min) - though this podcast is frequent and labeled as 'Lutheran', it is really just evangelical, and has really great content. One of my new favorites.
- North Point Ministries: Andy Stanley Podcast (Bimonthly, 40 min) The best of Andy Stanley's sermons. Andy is the son of well known expository preacher Charles Stanley, and is one of the best preachers from Generation X, or anywhere. My favorite preacher right now.
- Probe Ministries (Weekly, 13 min): Produced as weekly radio spots, these are very good introductions to various world view and cultural issues.
- Reasonable Faith (Bimonthly, 20 min) s a conversational program dealing with the most important apologetic questions of our day. It features William Lane Craig, the foremost Christian Apologist, debater, and philosopher of our time. Great for keeping up with current trends and arguments in apologetics.
- The Resurgence (Bimonthly, 60 min): If you are interested in church growth and cutting edge thought on our cultural relevance, spiritual depth, and call to missions both locally and globally, this podcast is informative.
Shire Network News (Bi-monthly, 40 min): This satirical news commentary show is priceless, esp. if you are a conservative interested in 'defending the anglosphere through satire.' Wonderful conservative British wit, critiquing American politics and Isamofascism world wide. (WARNING: May contain profanity, this is NOT a 'Christian' show).- The Thomas Jefferson Hour (Weekly, 60 min): Clay Jenkinson is a historian, and has for years impersonated, or incarnated, if you will, various historical figures. Each show, he is intereviewed and answers as if he were Thomas Jefferson. Fantastic thought-provoking and educational stuff, and way more interesting than dead history! Awesome.
- Unbelievable (Weekly, 90 min): This UK podcast has really great discussions with thought leaders, usually having a very civil discussion between a Christian and a non. Well moderated.
- University Channel Podcast (Multiple Daily, 60 min+): This podcast from Princeton University has some of the most incredible speakers, all highly educated, sometimes boring, but the subject matter is usually relevant, thought provoking, informative, authoritative, and fantastic listening.
OTHER GOOD PODCASTS
American Vision with Gary Demar (Weekly, 60 min): Gary is a little off of mainstream, he's in the homeschooling, Christian 'reconstructionist', world view stream. He sometimes has good guests on his broadcast.- Bored-again Christian - want to hear the latest in underground and cutting edge Christian music. Try this.
- Christ the Center (Podcast RSS) (weekly, 60 min) - the Reformed Forum podcast is a bit academic, and they spend a lot of time reviewing new books. If that sounds good to you, this is a good podcast.
- The Commonwealth Club (Biweekly, 60 min): This NPR show has some of the best public affairs lectures from high profile leaders and authors and other world leaders.
Defender's Podcast (Weekly, 50 min) - the Sunday school classes of William Lane Craig, foremost Christian debater, apologist, and philosopher of our age. If you want to learn about doctrine and apologetics, this podcast is a mindful. See his other podcast, Reasonable Faith, below.
- The Dividing Line (Weekly, 60 min) - the talk show of apologist James White (Alpha and Omega Ministries), I like him because he is on the forefront of public debates with atheists, Mormons, Muslims, and guys like Bart Ehrman (you can see their upcoming debate in 01/09). If you like to argue over the Greek behind the text, this guy is fun.
- Focus on the Family (Daily, 30 min): Come on, you know you love James Dobson. Just give in. I actually don't listen to most of these, but when something interesting comes up, his show can be exceptional.
- Grace to You (Daily, 30 min): Even if you dislike John MacArthur's authoritative preaching style, he is still one of Christendom's best preachers, and his study bible is one of the best.
- K-LOVE Podcasts - the great KLOVE broadcast famlily has a few good podcasts, including the Closer Look podcast (Weekly, 15 min) and the Pastor's Roundtable podcasts (Weekly, 5 min).
- John Ankerberg Show (Daily, 30 min): This apologist has a TV show, and most of his materials are well done, but pricey. You can get his podcast for free. Enjoy.
Masters Seminary Faculty Lecture Series (Annual, 6 hour-long lectures) - John MacArthur started The Master's Seminary, and each year, they have a short Faculty Lecture series on a specific topic (for example, this year it washomosexuality). Well worth a listen.- The Skeptical Christian (Podcast RSS) (40min, Monthly) - I'm still evaluating this one, but check it out.
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