Podcast Picks

Revised 5/14/10 (see the last item on the list)

Every six months or so, I try to share some of the podcasts I’ve discovered. That time has come again. As usual it is a mixed bag, and I’m also including some that I’m inviting you to try out as I do — they might not make the cut in the long run.

“7 Day Sunday”
A new favorite of mine, this podcast from BBC5 features panelists cracking jokes about the week’s top stories in politics, entertainment, science, and sports. Features Andy Zaltzman from “The Bugle.”

“Answer Me This!“
Helen Zaltzman (sister of Andy) and her co-host Olly Mann tackle the questions somebody thought to ask, but nobody really needed answered.

“Bill Burr’s Monday Morning Podcast“
Comedian Bill Burr was regularly putting out a podcast every Monday. He hasn’t kept up with it the last few months, but I hope he comes back to it. The older installments are also worth sampling.

“The Brian Whitman Podcast“
Brian Whitman is, and I think I’m being as kind as I can be, different. He has traveled a hard road, fighting addiction and clawing his way back. I have been a fan of his since he was partnered with Tim Conway Jr. He’s attempted several podcast-based comebacks. For me, this is his last hurrah. If he doesn’t get it together this time, I’m moving on. The thing is, when he does have it together, he is an artist.

“Eye On America“
Another one that isn’t updated regularly, this podcast compiles segments of ONN (The Onion News Network) into a full sized program.

“The Impact Show with Frank Sontag“
Though he is still a part of Mark and Brian’s morning show on KLOS, Frank Sontag’s long-running talk show was dropped from the station last year, but has found a new home on the “Talk Radio One” internet radio network. The podcasts are not on iTunes, but the link will take you to the website where you can download them or listen live every Thursday at 6pm PST. Frank’s life has changed dramatically in recent weeks and it has been interesting to hear about.

“I Love Movies“
Host Doug Benson is not enough to keep me coming back to this podcast. He is, frankly, somewhat bland. But he does manage to get a decent group of guests. I tune in for the guests I like and tune out for the guests I don’t.

“The Jerry Doyle Show“
The former security chief of “Babylon 5″ now works as a conservative talk show host (and author). He is smart and funny, yet he is also one of Sarah Palin’s Tea Party followers. The dichotomy results in me wanting to shake his hand one minute and punch him in the face the next.

“John Holmes“
Holmes (whom I know from BBC’s “The Now Show“) hosts his own show on BBC6, at least until the network goes the way of the dodo bird. The whole podcast version of the show is worth listening for the rack’n'roll traffic report.

“KFI 640 AM Tim Conway Jr“
Tim Conway is back on the air full time in the City of Angels. AM radio is a different animal than the FM talk he’s used to. It is more issues based and at times more conservative, but worth a listen.

“The Nerdist“
Like Doug Benson, host Chris Hardwick isn’t particularly charismatic. He isn’t bad, but he is nothing to write home about. But, again like Benson, his podcast manages to land some terrific guests, from the Muppets to Andy Richter.

“Radio Free Burrito“
Wil “I am not Wesley Crusher” Wheaton is easy to dislike. But give him (and his podcast) half a chance, and he’ll grow on you. He is an admitted geek who tells tales of both a personal and professional nature.

One more entry for your consideration:

“Geno Michellini’s Turntable Hits“
Another KLOS veteran has just launched his own podcast (hours ago, as I type this), hoping to play around with the nearly forgotten AAA (adult album alternative) format. Geno’s podcast is music driven, and features deep cuts from well-known and obscure records. The man behind the oft’ imitated, never duplicated “5 O’Clock Funnies” is back!