AMY JANZEN

There is something refreshing about tuning into a podcast while walking around the city. As much as I love listening to music, I find that listening to something informative, argumentative or historical refreshes my mind, despite the many hours I spend in lectures each week.

The right podcast can invigorate you and offer great information to spout at a party. But like most of the information offered via the Internet, you have to delve through the shit to get to the gold. I’ve compiled a list of my favourite podcasts and collections of podcasts that can all be found on iTunes. Each offers a large collection in their archives as well as a variety of topics you may not get from your university education.

The fact that they’re free is just a bonus.

How Stuff Works

My favourite podcasts come from the people at How Stuff Works. I’ve been listening to Stuff You Missed In History Class and Stuff Mom Never Told You for a few years. These podcasts cover a range of topics from medieval torture devices to afterschool specials. Both podcasts are approximately 30 minutes long and are updated a couple times a week. How Stuff Works also hosts a bunch of other shows like Stuff You Should Know, Brain Stuff, Tech Stuff, Stuff to Blow Your Mind and many more. My only qualm with them is that since they’re an American organization, the topics and research are usually geared to Americans.

Today In Canadian History

Today In Canadian History is produced by community radio station CJSW in Calgary. They cover historical Canadian events that happened on the day that the show is broadcasted. Each 10 minute episode features an interview with a “Canadian professor, journalist, author or ‘everyday historian.’ ”

Ideas

Ideas from the CBC covers a wide range of topics, from culture to science and technology. Obviously, being produced by CBC, the podcast is geared toward Canadian interests and relevant current events.

TED Talks

TED Talks also hits that “just- about-any topic” balance, but is more globally relevant than Ideas. I’m a big fan of TEDTalks on Netflix, so taking each episode with me on the bus has made those cold and lengthy rides slightly more enjoyable.

NPR

If you’re more musically-inclined and are reluctant to indulge in anything other than music, NPR may have the podcast for you. All Songs Considered focuses on emerging musical artists as well as more established artists. I like this podcast because it offers an introduction to more diverse artists than what is typical to Saskatoon radio stations. Interviews with celebrities are also a pretty cool feature.

I’ve undoubtedly left out many notable productions, but I greatly encourage you to try the ones I suggested, especially if you’ve never listened to a podcast before. You never know what they may add to your academic career.

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Image: Lukasz Strachanowski/Flickr