Welcome to Podcast Friday!, a weekly compilation of some of the more interesting podcasts from around the web, listed right here for your listening pleasure!
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All Songs Considered from NPR
George Harrison’s Son, Dhani And Thenewno2, Rapper El-P, Lawrence Arabia, More (Tuesday, July 03, 2012) — After a month of guest DJs, previews and other special shows, Bob and Robin are back with a good ol’ fashioned mix of picks for this week’s essential listening. Hear a new song from New Zealand’s Lawrence Arabia and a cut from Robin’s favorite new discovery, the French-Finnish duo, The Dø. Plus, an entrancing track by George Harrison’s son Dhani Harrison and his band Thenewno2, and some melodic slide guitar in a new cut from the band Delicate Steve.
Book Reviews from The New York Times
Book Review Podcast (Friday, July 06, 2012) — This week, Larry Tye talks about his biography of Superman; Julie Bosman has notes from the field; David Haglund discusses Sheila Heti’s new novel; Bruce Handy shares the art of collecting dull books; and Gregory Cowles has best-seller news. Sam Tanenhaus is the host.
Books Podcast from NPR
Author and Screenwriter Nora Ephron Remembered, Teenage Brain, more (Thursday, June 28, 2012) — Stories in this episode: 1) Ephron: From ‘Silkwood’ To ‘Sally,’ A Singular Voice 2) Rich Reads: Historical Fiction Fit For A Queen 3) As The Earth Slows, This ‘Miracle’ Becomes Calamity 4) Dr. Karp On Parenting And The Science Of Sleep 5) Teenage Brain: Gateway To A ‘Bright And Dark’ World
Brain Stuff from HowStuffWorks.com
Why are West Coast waves bigger than East Coast waves? (Friday, July 06, 2012) — The West Coast of the United States seems to produce bigger, more impressive waves than the East Coast. But why? In this episode, Marshall explains the various factors that make West Coast waves bigger and better.
What is a T1 line and how does it work? (Wednesday, July 04, 2012) — A T1 line is a dedicated fiber optic or copper cable that provides businesses with far more digital data than a residential line. Discover how T1 and other kinds of fiber optic lines work in this episode of BrainStuff.
What is the difference between good and bad toy helicopters? (Monday, July 02, 2012) — Can you buy a good, long-lasting toy helicopter for under $30? Tune in and learn more about toy helicopters with Marshall Brain.
The Coolest Stuff on the Planet
The Coolest Summer Festivals on the Planet (Friday, July 06, 2012) — So what do Meatopia, Outside Lands and Artown have in common? They are all large multi-day festivals being held in the U.S. this summer. We’ll explore these and other festivals in our podcast – including a festival that’s been around since 1897.
Culturetopia from NPR
The Lure Of The Open Road (Friday, July 06, 2012) — This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See’s Linda Holmes joins Trey Graham and guests Barrie Hardymon and Mike Katzif for a lengthy, winding discussion about the iconic road movie — from classics like Easy Rider, Thelma and Louise, It Happened One Night and Planes Trains and Automobiles, to newer films such as Jeff Who Lives At Home, Broken Flowers, Away We Go, Almost Famous, Little Miss Sunshine, Stardust and so many more. Then a short quiz about summer blockbusters at the box office. All that plus What’s Making Us Happy this week.
Film Junk
Bonus Podcast: Spider-Man Trilogy + Darkman (Wednesday, July 04, 2012) — We revisit the original Spider-Man trilogy from director Sam Raimi and throw in an extra discussion about his first superhero film, Darkman. This premium podcast is free for one week only!
Episode 375: Magic Mike (Tuesday, July 03, 2012) — We throw dollar bills at Magic Mike and count down our top 10 movies of 2012 thus far, plus we also discuss the Guardians of the Galaxy movie, Ted, Missing in Action, Jeff Who Lives at Home and revisit Prometheus with another spoiler discussion.
PopStuff from HowStuffWorks.com
Cookout Culture (Wednesday, July 04, 2012) — Is grilling a guy thing? Why does the word “barbecue” mean different things to different people? The PopStuff gals are celebrating summer by noshing on grilled goodies, and it’s got them thinking about burgers and slaw and — yum! — grilled fruit.
Culture of Air Travel (Monday, July 02, 2012) — When taking a flight, do you make single-serving friends? Do you people-watch at the terminal? Are you a pro at getting through security? In this episode, Tracy and Holly examine airports, planes and how people behave in these places.
Science Talk from Scientific American
Plants Know Stuff (Friday, June 29, 2012) — Daniel Chamovitz, director of the Manna Center for Plant Biosciences at Tel Aviv University, talks about his new book What A Plant Knows.
Sound Opinions
Sound Opinions with Van Hunt (Sunday, July 01, 2012) — Van Hunt and his band stop by the studio to perform songs from his latest independent release What Were You Hoping For? And later, Jim and Greg butt heads over pop chanteuse Fiona Apple’s new album, The Idler Wheel.
Stuff To Blow Your Mind from HowStuffWorks.com
Life in the Weightless Void (Thursday, July 05, 2012) — We all know the potentially dangerous effects of microgravity, but what are the long-term effects? Join Robert and Julie as they wonder what life will be like if evolution continues in space. Imagine the plants and the strange humans who will tend them.
An Internet that Spans the Stars (Tuesday, July 03, 2012) — The Internet continues to spread its roots through our world, and soon it will launch cosmic seeds, spreading digital humanity into space. How will it all happen? In this episode, Julie and Robert contemplate the future of an interplanetary Internet.
Stuff You Missed in History Class from HowStuffWorks.com
The Bombardment of Baltimore (Wednesday, July 04, 2012) — After a night of shelling in the War of 1812, Baltimore was unsure if its fort had survived. At dawn, observers saw an American flag over the fort. Francis Scott Key composed a poem about the night — and that poem eventually became the national anthem.
Ma Barker and the Barker Gang (Monday, July 02, 2012) — During the Gangster Era, many believed Ma Barker led the Barker Gang. In the late 1800s, Barker had four sons, two of whom joined the infamous Barker gang. But was Ma really the mastermind behind their criminal activities?
Stuff You Should Know from HowStuffWorks.com
How Tabloids Work (Thursday, July 05, 2012) — Having started as an egalitarian answer to 19th-century newspapers, tabloids came to peddle shock and sleaze. They’ve cleaned up a bit, but they remain the world’s guilty pleasure. Learn more about the fascinating history of tabloids with Chuck and Josh.
Is the Dead Sea dead? (Tuesday, July 03, 2012) — An anomaly of geography, the shores of Dead Sea form the lowest dry spot on Earth. It’s been visited by millions, including King Herod and Cleopatra, all seeking the health benefits of this saline lake. Learn about this unusual spot with Josh and Chuck.
WNYC’s Radiolab
Shorts: Radiolab Remixed (Monday, July 02, 2012) — Turning ideas into radio is one of the most exciting, frustrating, rewarding, and insanely fun things there is. Which got us thinking–why not ask you to join in on the fun? So we teamed up with Indaba for our first-ever remix competition. And now we get to play the winners.