It’s been years since I’ve spent this much time on cardio machines at the gym. Don’t get me wrong; I’ve long been a compulsive exerciser. But in Houston, I ran outside all year round. And upstate New York? Not so much.
So this winter, to pass the time on the treadmill, I tried something new: podcasts. I’m kinda embarrassed to admit this, because podcasts are so yesterday’s technology. But I’ve always been more of a fan of the written word than audio.
Turns out there are quite a few podcasts out there for writers! Whatdoyaknow. If you’re a newbie like me, you can listen to most of these audio files right on the Web site or download it to your iPod through iTunes. In addition to listening to the latest ones, check out the archives.
Podcasts for writers:
And, of course, there are lots of fabulous podcasts out there that aren’t writing specific. I like the New York Times’ Story of the Day and World Story of the Day (I can’t find links for these but you can subscribe through iTunes). Lots of people are super into National Public Radio’s Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me and This American Life from Chicago Public Radio.
What are your favorite podcasts?
This American Life is #1. #2: Radio Lab. Seriously, this is great.
Also BBC’s “Americana.” American Public Media’s “Speaking of Faith,” “The Story” w/Dick Gordon, “The Splendid Table” (a great food show), NPR’s “StoryCorps”, “Studio 360” w/Kurt Anderson (show about culture and arts).
The Writer’s Almanac, by Garrison Keiller. Can’t go wrong! Short and sweet, so not perfect for a work out, but good for the morning coffee break.
Great list – I’m looking forward to checking some of these out. One of my favorites is Will Write for Wine (willwriteforwine.com). It’s about writing fiction and pretty funny to listen to. Good for when you need a break but still want to do something semi-productive.
Great list – I’ll check them out.
I listen to several news headline podcasts while I run in Cow Town. I space them out with my favorite music tracks.
In my car, I enjoy listening to these podcasts by writers:
– Martini Shot by Rob Long, a TV writer and producer: He offers a fun, snarky and sincere look at writer’s block, comic timing and other challenges in the TV sitcom world.
http://www.kcrw.com/etc/programs/ma
– Memories of the Futurecast by Wil Wheaton: The former Star Trek: Next Generation Star reads a little bit from his book and shares more insights into the plot and crew of the Starship Enterprise. He’s funny, honest and totally entertaining.
http://memoriesofthefuturecast.com/
I love “I Should be Writing” and “Writing Excuses” when it comes to writing podcasts.
Quick correction though. Mur is published. She had her book come out in print a couple of years ago. Her podcast has gone on even longer, it started before she got published and even now she keeps it going as she knows she has much to learn/face when it comes to writing. Her published book is Playing for Keeps.
Another good podcast, though it isn’t updated as much anymore is “Adventures in Sci-Fi Publishing”. They are funny and do many great interviews with authors. One of the podcasters, who does most the talking now is also writing a book or two.
Dawn — Oh, thanks! Thought I got that off Mur’s Web site — I’ll check and correct it if need be.
Everyone — Great ideas! Keep ’em coming!
Funny, I’ve never gotten into podcasts either, probably because i don’t sync up my ipod a lot, but maybe it would vary my workout..hmmmmmm
you ran outside year-round in houston?!
what, at 4 a.m.? 😉
Uh, yup. Summer running group met at 5:30 a.m. BRUTAL.
Most of my favorites have already been mentioned, but I love a lot of the NPR podcast: Fresh Air, Splendid Table, Radio Lab, This American Life, and Speaking of Faith. I also recently discovered The Writers’ Block (through The Gatekeeper).
I love podcasts for the gym or my commute. Looking forward to checking out the ones you mentioned.
Two more for you:
Dead Robots’ Society
http://deadrobotssociety.com/
Get Published
http://www.michellplested.com/
Both podcasts feature discussions on various writing topics as well as interesting and useful interviews with authors, publishers, and agents.