It’s Podcast Friday! Each week we’ll compile some of the more interesting podcasts from around the web and list them right here for your listening pleasure!
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Bits: Tech Talk from The New York Times
Identity Theft and a Happy App (December 08, 2011) — Daniel Mohan of ID Watchdog explains how people’s identities can be stolen (and what to do about it) and Will Lucas discusses Thankyouaga.in, a new social app for positive posts.
Book Reviews from The New York Times
The 100 Notable Books of 2011 (December 02, 2011) — This week, the editors of the Book Review on the 100 Notable Books of 2011; Julie Bosman has notes from the field; Andrew Graham-Dixon talks about his new biography, “Caravaggio: A Life Sacred and Profane”; and Gregory Cowles has best-seller news. Sam Tanenhaus is the host.
Brain Stuff
Why does lettuce stored in a bag stay fresh longer? (December 07, 2011) — Many foods you’ll find at the grocery store — like lettuce, for example — are stored in special plastic packaging called MAP that helps them stay fresh longer. Find out what MAP is, and how it keeps food fresh longer, in this episode of BrainStuff.
How do we measure sea level? (December 05, 2011) — Sea level is an important measurement, but it’s also a complicated one. Find out why in this episode of BrainStuff.
Why can I play some DVDs, but not others? (December 02, 2011) — Film studios use regional code protection in DVD technology to protect content and to control worldwide release dates. Tune as Marshall Brain breaks down the concept of region codes in this podcast.
Culturetopia from NPR
Culturetopia: Every Move Matters Edition (December 07, 2011) — This week on Culturetopia: an interview with Mary J. Blige; the modernist homes of architect John Lautner; how Harvey Weinstein picks movies; a capella group Pentatonix; traffic sign haiku.
Pop Culture Happy Hour: Muppets, Nostalgia, And Finding Common Ground (December 02, 2011) — This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See’s Linda Holmes, Trey Graham, Stephen Thompson and Glen Weldon consider the Muppets and the nature of nostalgia itself. Then they talk about where to find common ground with loved ones so nobody gets really angry over the holidays, and of course cover What’s Making Us Happy this week.
Music Popcast from The New York Times
Three Artists Expanding Their Horizons (December 08, 2011) — This week we talk to three artists who are expanding their horizons: the jazz violinist Jenny Scheinman, the Australian pop star Gotye and the indie folk singer-songwriter Sharon Van Etten.
NOVA on PBS
Darwin’s Debut (December 06, 2011) — Charles Darwin’s “Origin of Species,” changed science forever. His radical notions still draw some controversy, but how were they received a century and a half ago? In this podcast, hear from biologist Ken Miller, historian Jim Moore, and the late paleontologist Stephen Jay Gould on the impact of Darwin’s ideas.
PopStuff
Are Cheat Codes Cheating? (December 07, 2011) — If a cheat code is built into a game, are you really cheating? Lots of gamers use cheats, but there’s a wide range of justifications for them. Find out where Tracy and Holly stand on cheating in video games (one of them is a Cheaty McCheaterson).
Holiday Foods: Get Your Pumpkin On! (December 05, 2011) — Do you live for pumpkin coffee, peppermint cheesecake and Cadbury crème eggs? Grab some eggnog and listen as Tracy and Holly work their way through all the holidays on the calendar in a drool-worthy discussion of their favorite treats.
Stuff To Blow Your Mind
Nanohealthcare: The Tiny Doctors Inside Me (December 08, 2011) — Imagine a future in which replacement organs grow in magnetic fields and smart pills work for months. Thanks to advances in nanotechnology, this age of super medicine is nearly here. In this episode, Robert and Julie explore the world of nanohealthcare.
Pyromania: What’s Your Relationship with Fire? (December 06, 2011) — When does an appreciation for fire turn into an obsession with the flickering, golden god? Who are firebugs, and what drives them to burn? In this episode, Julie and Robert slip into their best burn suits and hide the matches as they explore pyromania.
Stuff You Missed in History Class
Civil War Medicine: Angels of the Battlefield (December 07, 2011) — Women weren’t initially welcome in the Civil War armies, but thousands eventually ended up serving as nurses. We feature five here. Listen in to learn about nurses like Sally Louisa Tompkins, whose hospital became one of the most successful of the war.
John Dillinger: Public Enemy Number One (December 05, 2011) — John Dillinger robbery career began when he was paroled in 1933. Several escaped inmates joined Dillinger, and they were arrested in 1934. Dillinger escaped, but was gunned down in July. To this day, conspiracy theories abound about his death.
Stuff You Should Know
How the Digestive System Works (December 08, 2011) — The digestive system uses mechanical and chemical processes to absorb and transport all the nutrients your body needs to survive — but how does it work? In this episode, Josh and Chuck take you through all 30 feet of the average digestive system.
How Daylight Saving Time Works (December 06, 2011) — Benjamin Franklin first came up with daylight saving time in 1748, and people still practice it today. But how does it work? What are the pros and cons? Join Josh and Chuck as they turn back the clock to explore the origins of daylight saving time.