Like blogs before them, podcasts as a popular medium for entertainment and journalism are on their way to breaking out. Anyone who is a follower of almost anything can attest, it’s easy to get excited about hearing people you respect, or are simply entertained by, talk about your specific area of interest. Games and tech are the focus around here, so here are 5 podcasts not to miss from this holiday break, along with 5 other great ones on the newer/smaller side that you may not follow.
5) TWiT
Leo Leporte’s This Week in Tech is the longest running and most respected technology podcast on the internet. Only the most intelligent and prolific names can be heard here. If anyone could be considered to have broken into the mainstream, it is Leo.
As is clear in the title, tech is the focus here, but TWiT often approaches topics from a business/industry point of view. This really sets it apart from most by avoiding being just a news or announcements type show, though you will definitely be covered on that front as well. If you want a bit of informal business 101 with your tech talk, look no further.
4) Diggnation
Started by Kevin Rose, of Digg fame, and Alex Albrecht, the perennial video favorite makes the list. Fans may argue that the show is more about sitting in on 2 guys’ conversation at a bar than hardcore tech talk, but tech is infused throughout.
The cool thing about Diggnation is that although you aren’t being bombarded by tech information at every turn, whether you realize it or not, you are being slathered with geek culture. The genius of Kevin and Alex’s baby is that whether you’re “tuning in” to watch 2 guys tell jokes while drinking beers or learn about trends in the web 2.0 world, you will get both.
3) gdgt weekly
If you follow the tech world, you are at least aware of Engadget and Gizmodo. The guys that brought you these two mainstays, Ryan Block and Peter Rojas, are back together with a weekly podcast filled chock-full with serious, in-depth tech world analysis. You knows these guys are knee-deep in the web 2.0 world with a website name that has omitted the vowels, is all lower case and has no “www” in the address.
The take here is not so much to break news as it is to provide commentary and analysis on the trends and happenings of the gadget industry. These guys are not only seasoned cutting edge veterans, but also have a strong grasp on the strengths of their different mediums. Conversational and intelligent, this is the model for tech podcasts.
2) 1UP Yours
Garnett Lee, with a regular cast from 1UP, brings you the week’s headlines with intelligent insights and opinionated general game talk. 1UP Yours probably isn’t the inventor of the format, but starting every show with a “what you’ve been playing” segment has set the template for video game podcasts.
Some may not like the “hipster” vibe, but there is no arguing that 1UP has produced some serious talent in the industry and seems to be a stepping stone for many, both on the journalism and development sides of games. There is no doubt that 1UP yours is the most consistent and enjoyable gaming podcasts around.
TRS came out of nowhere almost 2 years ago and brought fresh faces and a fresh take on entertainment media coverage in weekly video form. A podcast is only as good as it’s talent and Alex Albrecht, Jeff Cannata and Dan Trachtenberg are the best around. Whether you are interested in games, movies, comics or TV, these guys got you covered.
As podcasts grow, three of the utmost important factors to their success are serving a niche, informing/entertaining and regular/quality production. TRS is broad enough to bring in a large group of people, but maybe more importantly, is brilliantly produced thanks to the unsung star of TRS, Steve Koncelik.
Alex, Jeff and Dan are living examples of why being a geek has become cool.
5 more notable mentions:
Brought to you by Engadget’s sister site Joystiq, up to the minute news is their forte and that is a big focus here. With Christopher Grant and Ludwig Kietzmann tolerating the hilarious antics of the ever harsh and selfish Justin McElroy, this is a fun one.
Shane Satterfield of Gametrailers heads up this weekly video podcast focused on video games. This one just makes sense coming from the website it does. Visuals are very important for games and getting footage throughout the talking heads discussion really adds something to this one.
Featuring Patrick Norton and Veronica Belmont, Tekzilla is a tech video podcast by the people that bring you Diggnation and The Totally Rad Show. With a focus on reader questions there is a lot of very practical advice here. The weekly show is accompanied by short daily tips and the total package is entertaining and informative.
1UP delivers another winner, only in video form here. The 1UP Show generally covers 3 games a week with a very discussion based format. Shot in an indie style, this is yet another unique and entertaining take on games coverage.
This fresh show by 1UPers Philip Kollar and Nick Suttner is the variety show of the gaming scene. They cover a wide range of topics and have a weekly “backlog” where they play through notable games that somehow fell through the cracks.
I think you mean omitted instead of emitted on GDGT
Fixed. Nice catch, much appreciated.