If You're Not Listening to Podcasts Yet …

… You're Missing Out

You're missing the boat if you still aren't listening to podcasts. Why should you listen to podcasts? Simply, because they are incredibly useful and you usually learn something.

Top Five Reasons to Listen to a Podcast

1. They are free.
2. They usually teach you something without being all "teach-y."
3. You find out things that you have always wondered about. 
4. Sometimes your playlists get a little stale, so you have to "mix it up." 
5. Did I mention, they're free.

I have been reading blogs since 2002 and listening to podcasts for several years. I like to read and hear what people think. I started this blog in 2006, and I can't believe it's still around. 

Podcasts are a unique format for learning. I use Apple Podcasts to download and listen to my podcasts. I don't know if what follows is necessarily a ranking, but here are five podcasts I think are worth your time. 

Cocaine & Rhinestones by Tyler Mayhan Coe. Coe, the son of one-time legendary country outlaw David Allen Coe, chronicles the history of 20th Century country music. His podcast is well-researched and often informative, filling in little bits of missing history. Check it out. 

The James Altucher Show featuring James Altucher. I discovered James when the New York Times wrote the story about him living with only 15 items. I think Tim Ferriss might have referenced the article and I checked it out, then listened to an episode. Usually informative, sometimes lengthy … Altucher is an original in more ways than one. Subscribe here. 

You can't leave Tim Ferriss off this list. The first real podcast I listened to, and still one of the best. My only complaint is that he might just podcast too often. Check it out here. All of his books are excellent, but this one might be the best. More information here if you want to read about it before reading it. 

The Way I Heard It by Mike Rowe. This is like Paul Harvey, only better. It's top notch and Rowe's voice is excellent. You will want to go back and listen to the first 100 episodes after you tune in. He has covered so many cool stories ... and I always find myself trying to solve the mystery before the big reveal. This is another weekly one that I can't wait to hear. 

Now, I'm debating, because I said I would list five podcasts. Do I introduce you to Noah Kagan? Revisionist History? Akimbo? Your Favorite Band Sucks? 

I have to send you to listen to Cal Fussman's Big Question. I first listened to him spin a yarn when he guested on Tim Ferriss's podcast. A journalist, Fussman's incredible adventures require listening. He has led a wild life, and ended up talking with Ferriss, who encouraged (demanded!) that he start his own podcast. Fussman's podcast is one of brilliance and is definitely worth checking out. He has breakfast almost every single morning with another great interviewing icon, Larry King. You will enjoy every single Fussman endeavor.