As most of you know from my brief and flattering bio post by Cal Wilkerson, I am an avid listener of podcasts. Podcasts are a much needed break from music and at times far more satisfying than silence in the car and a complement to physical training. They offer insight to an endless range of topics from self-development to learning a new language. Since I am right in the middle of the book I am planning on writing about in our next traditional post, I decided to diverge and buy myself some time by giving out my favorite podcasts that I subscribe to. These are simply my personal favorites but I hope that at least one of them will be added to your own list.
1.) Art of Manliness: I have listened to every episode of this podcast and have seen it grow into an incredible site. Brett McKay is a personal hero of mine. His mission is to revive the lost art of manliness in the modern world. He hosts authors, adventurers, athletes, social scientists, investors, style experts and many more interesting people on his show. He has developed a very strong brand and message. Twice a week he comes out with a new show that almost always peaks my interest into an area I was otherwise unaware of. I could go on and on about how great it is but just do yourself a favor and listen to it.
Favorite episode: #197 “On the Joys and Travails of Thinking”
2.) The Tim Ferris Show: This podcast is great because Tim’s mission is to interview world class performers in all areas of life and break down how they do it. Not only that, he digs up habits or strategies for the average guy like me to implement to become a better person physically, mentally or spiritually. I like the interviews he has with world class athletes and their training routines. I have picked up a lot of great tips from this show. Tim’s energy is contagious throughout all of his interviews. I recently purchased his book Tools of the Titans as well.
Favorite episode: #255 “How to Turn Failure into Success”
3.) Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History: I have always loved learning more about history and this podcast definately scratches that itch. It is excellent for long car rides because the episodes are hours in length. Carlin is such an interesting guy in general as well he talks about politics a lot which I find compelling. He does a great job of citing sources and recommending books to read along the way during his lengthy shows. History is such a broad topic and Dan chews on each aspect of it.
Favorite episode: #50-55 “Blueprint for Armageddon”
4.) Against the Odds: Another history podcast that is produced by the American Heroes Channel. It is essentially the podcast version of their TV series. It has sound effects, interviews and well done commentary during the episodes that usually last anywhere from half an hour to an hour. It highlights different instances of american soldiers displaying courage and triumphing against the odds in WWII, Korea, Vietnam and Iraq. I have on more than one occasion teared up while on a long run listening to the interviews from the soldiers that clawed their way out of impossible odds and banded together under fire.
Favorite episode: Season 1 Episode 4: “Blood George at the Chosin Reservoir”
5.) Revisionist History: Malcom Gladwell is not only an excellent author but his podcast series is just as good as his many books. He goes off the beaten path and looks into stories that are overlooked by the history books. He interviews the people that experienced the history while also taking a step back to look at the different nuances of the whole ordeal. The stories range from the light hearted to the truly disturbing. Gladwell has a very calming voice as well.
Favorite episode: “Hallelujah”
