While I’m working on the human edited podcast directory, basically a guide of podcasts I like and have reviewed instead of an automated one, can I point you in the direction of a directory that is between the two ideals.
The Digg Podcast directory seems to have been launched as part of the latest design refresh and, although slightly clunky is a very good way of finding the best podcasts. Especially given that there doesn’t seem to be any method to the iTunes directory madness.
In the meantime here is a list of the podcasts I’m currently listening to on my iPod (the short description underneath isn’t an example of what a review might be. These are podcasts I listen to regularly and like a lot, not ones I’m trying out to write about for the first time):
BBC Radio Newspod 
One of only a small handful of daily podcasts I currently subscribe to. It gives you a roundup of news from across the BBCs radio and television network.
Digital Planet
One of the best tech podcasts out there. Not particularly ground breaking in terms of bleeding edge stories but does provide a useful insight into the current world of technology. Plus it features Bill Thompson which is always a bonus.
In Our Time
If you want your brain to hurt then listen to this every week. It’s the sort of programming the BBC does better than anyone else in the world.
Jamie’s Podcast
It’s Jamie Oliver cooking on a podcast. Sometimes it features video but more often its a reasonably packaged series of programmes looking at different styles of cooking.
MacBreak Weekly
If you’re a fan of the Apple Macintosh, digital media or anything to do with the pretty white boxes Apple churns out then this is one for you.
Newsnight
The best news programme on British television. Jeremy Paxman and others look at whats happening in the world with the ever brilliant hand of BBC impartiality.
Russell Brand
Funny dandy like geezer with a flair for language and being funny.
Snowmail Podcast
Only very short but worth every second of your time. Jon Snow is one of the best journalists and broadcasters on British television.
Start the Week
A look at culture with the ever wonderful Andrew Marr every Monday morning.
this WEEK in TECH
The first stop in technology with Leo Laporte, John C Dvorak.org/blog and all the other tWiTs.
Today programme podcast
A daily look at whats happening in the news with a John Humphreys interview.
This isn’t all though
As you can see from this list, with the exception of the Today podcast they’re all weekly at best. This is because I sometimes can’t update my iPod every day for one reason or another, so daily podcasts tend to build up and get out of date very quickly.
The list above isn’t the complete one either, it’s a list of the podcasts currently on my iPod, there are others that I’ve already listened to this week or are currently off the air.
I also regularly subscribed to podcasts, listen to an episode or two, decide it isn’t for me and then unsubscribe.
This is where the idea for the human podcast review comes in. I’m going to scour iTunes and other podcast directories for shows (from big media to bloke in his room) to listen to.
When I’ve listened to it I’ll write a review based on a number of criteria including ‘how quickly does it get annoying?’, ‘does the voice make me want to stick hot pokers in my ears?’ and ‘does it actually have a theme or are they just rambling?’.
Now rambling isn’t a bad thing and a podcast won’t necessarily lose marks because of a ramble BUT if the ramble is pointless and not funny or interesting then it will get marked down.
If you have a podcast you’d like to hear my pointless opinions on then email ryan@upyourego.com with the details.
Ryan Morrison is a geek, journalist and someone obsess with media, technology and geek culture. He writes for the BBC in Jersey on any subject that falls on his desk and presents a show about the islands music scene. He has been blogging for six years.
@ekcol – I haven’t but will look into it – are you on the new 4 or 8mb broadband or stil.l on the old system?
@ekcol – just to follow up on this for you – got this from Channel 4:
“This is a known issue and we have not intentionally blocked the Channel Islands. We are working on the issue now and expect the service to become available again in the next 24 hours. Obviously we’re sorry for the inconvenience this may have caused.”
Awesome, good sleuthing.
ta for blog
can u find out a customer support Email addy for Veoh please
Do even more for Movember! http://bit.ly/4Fh9b1
Very cool! Movember is definitely making progress in Canada also. All the guys at work are cultivating our mo’s as well. I even made this shirt to commemorate the event:
http://rlv.zcache.com/dont_even_think_about_it_tshirt-p2351555460137801852qmn1_325.jpg
TV content is not broadcast on the internet. The viewer has to actively access it.
Entering a paid for password before being allowed to watch is an excellent idea, which I am sure the BBC would have thought of, before streaming live content from their website unrestricted. Their action is just an attempt to tax all British residents, while the rest of the world can access the same content for free. This is racial discrimination.
Hi Do what a lot of UK Businesses are doing and tune into http://www.rfmradio.co.uk Royalty Free Music Radio, NO PRS or PPL Fees if this is all you listen to.
Its as good as your mainstream radio stations just that we use quality unsigned bands, Profesional Dj hosted shows, News, Weather and entertainment.
O and did I say they were looking for a sponsor, is Kwik fit reading this?
New website – new look – new sounds – NO FEES – No Hassle – Music as it should be
Why not get Gelan & Rebeka Swift to write an England anthem? There Charlton anthem “Endless Journey” is absolutely stunning!
Quite agree, have been saying this over at FG for some time now, along with numerous other people.
I’m sure they haven’t done too much of 15/16 yet, as the TG Live Tour (which I think we all agree is part of the problem) is ongoing. I think they could easily cut back to one season this year, plus, say, a Christmas Special, and that might be enough to right things.
Either way you’re right, the most diehard fans would prefer quality over quantity.
Should we write to Andy wilman, even if he doesn’t read it?
Lots of of bloggers not too pleased with this new iPad.There was just 2 much hoopla over it and alot blogers got turned off.Thing is, I can actually see great deal of the cool potential of the gizmo. Third-party apps for working with tunes, games, newspapers and magazine and books, all kinds of awesome stuff, but they failed to sell it very well (aside from the books). It smells kinda not finished
Miley is the greatest singer !!! “You love me, you like her”
I loved spotify until they unplugged the free service to Jersey IP addresses. Have you had this problem yet?
Jason
Cool article, was wondering if you would permit me to link to it in a article im currently writing for my own site? Thanks