The best podcasts for Weekly news, policy, tech and science
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Who am I?
Pop culture is our passion, but you have to keep up with the news. It's best to hear from people you respect. I wanted to make a list that captures go-to podcasts week to week. I try to work hard to monitor my personal news consumption, as I think daily news can be unhealthy. I appreciate news analysis that is weekly or bi-weekly, as I tend to think that's a good cadence. It's enough to keep up with what's happening, while still not being so immersed that news is all you think about.
My Show
What is my podcast about and/or how does it relate to the playlist topic you chose?
Famous & Gravy is a conversation about what is actually desirable in life, one dead celebrity at a time. On our show we dissect famous characters, and their lives often reflect values and norms of society. Ultimately both this playlist as well as our show is about analysis of society and culture.
What is my podcast playlist about?
These are some of our favorite shows for understanding the news outside of the daily cycle. There's such a thing as too much news consumption, and weekly shows (or bi-weekly) offer a little distance from the day to day news that can often result in fatigue.
1. Pivot
Why this podcast?
Kara and Scott have excellent chemistry. Each of them has separate shows, and I'm not as big of a fan. Somehow, together, they bring out the best in each other. They both offer perspectives that I often disagree with, but the show is extremely well-informed. I also appreciate the organization of segments and structure.
Pivot
New York Magazine
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Every Tuesday and Friday, tech journalist Kara Swisher and NYU Professor Scott Galloway offer sharp, unfiltered insights into the biggest stories in tech, business, and politics. They make bold predictions, pick winners and losers, and bicker and banter like no one else. After all, with great power comes great scrutiny. From New York Magazine and the Vox Media Podcast Network.
118 Listeners
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How many episodes does Pivot have?
Pivot currently has 636 episodes available.
What topics does Pivot cover?
The podcast is about News, Tech News, News Commentary and Podcasts.
What is the average episode length on Pivot?
The average episode length on Pivot is 58 minutes.
How often are episodes of Pivot released?
Episodes of Pivot are typically released every 3 days, 8 hours.
When was the first episode of Pivot?
The first episode of Pivot was released on Sep 24, 2018.
2. Plain English with Derek Thompson
Why this podcast?
Derek Thompson is an exceptionally clear thinker, and his interview style brings the listener along. This is one of those shows that always surprises and makes you feel smarter for having listened.
Plain English with Derek Thompson
The Ringer
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Longtime Atlantic tech, culture and political writer Derek Thompson cuts through all the noise surrounding the big questions and headlines that matter to you in his new podcast Plain English. Hear Derek and guests engage the news with clear viewpoints and memorable takeaways. New episodes drop every Tuesday and Friday, and if you've got a topic you want discussed, shoot us an email at [email protected]! You can also find us on tiktok at www.tiktok.com/@plainenglish_
53 Listeners
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How many episodes does Plain English with Derek Thompson have?
Plain English with Derek Thompson currently has 269 episodes available.
What topics does Plain English with Derek Thompson cover?
The podcast is about News, News Commentary and Podcasts.
What is the average episode length on Plain English with Derek Thompson?
The average episode length on Plain English with Derek Thompson is 51 minutes.
How often are episodes of Plain English with Derek Thompson released?
Episodes of Plain English with Derek Thompson are typically released every 4 days.
When was the first episode of Plain English with Derek Thompson?
The first episode of Plain English with Derek Thompson was released on Nov 11, 2021.
3. The Ezra Klein Show
Why this podcast?
Ezra is sometimes a little hit or miss, but when he hits there is no better show. HIs interview style is interesting – he takes the time to ask very long questions that offer deep context. One of the things I most appreciate is that I come away thinking with a systems-oriented perspective. I appreciate learning the behind-the-scenes of important policies. Plus his guest list is always interesting.
The Ezra Klein Show
New York Times Opinion
Play first episode
Each Tuesday and Friday, Ezra Klein invites you into a conversation on something that matters. How do we address climate change if the political system fails to act? Has the logic of markets infiltrated too many aspects of our lives? What is the future of the Republican Party? What do psychedelics teach us about consciousness? What does sci-fi understand about our present that we miss? Can our food system be just to humans and animals alike? Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
171 Listeners
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How many episodes does The Ezra Klein Show have?
The Ezra Klein Show currently has 399 episodes available.
What topics does The Ezra Klein Show cover?
The podcast is about News, Society & Culture and Podcasts.
What is the average episode length on The Ezra Klein Show?
The average episode length on The Ezra Klein Show is 66 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Ezra Klein Show released?
Episodes of The Ezra Klein Show are typically released every 3 days, 23 hours.
When was the first episode of The Ezra Klein Show?
The first episode of The Ezra Klein Show was released on Jan 13, 2021.
4. Political Gabfest
Why this podcast?
This show is a must-listen for me week to week, as I am always grateful to have the week's news boiled down to three segments/headlines. The hosts do a good job of laying out the politics, the legal framework, and the ranges of perspectives on a given issue. The analysis is unrivaled.
Political Gabfest
Slate Podcasts
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Voted “Favorite Political Podcast” by Apple Podcasts listeners. Stephen Colbert says "Everybody should listen to the Slate Political Gabfest." The Gabfest, featuring Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz, is the kind of informal and irreverent discussion Washington journalists have after hours over drinks. Want more Political Gabfest? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Political Gabfest show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/gabfestplus to get access wherever you listen.
39 Listeners
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How many episodes does Political Gabfest have?
Political Gabfest currently has 674 episodes available.
What topics does Political Gabfest cover?
The podcast is about News, Podcasts, Politics and Government.
What is the average episode length on Political Gabfest?
The average episode length on Political Gabfest is 58 minutes.
How often are episodes of Political Gabfest released?
Episodes of Political Gabfest are typically released every 6 days, 23 hours.
When was the first episode of Political Gabfest?
The first episode of Political Gabfest was released on Mar 7, 2014.
5. Stay Tuned with Preet
Why this podcast?
While we may not realize it, we are all living under a set of laws that guide everyday hidden behavior. It's refreshing to have the perspective of someone who served at the federal level AND who happens to be fairly charismatic. I also very much appreciate the listener call-in segment, as it's a chance to answer common questions (often ones that I'm wondering myself).
Play first episode
Join former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara as he breaks down legal topics in the news and engages thought leaders in a podcast about power, policy, and justice. From CAFE and the Vox Media Podcast Network.
55 Listeners
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How many episodes does Stay Tuned with Preet have?
Stay Tuned with Preet currently has 864 episodes available.
What topics does Stay Tuned with Preet cover?
The podcast is about News, Society & Culture, Podcasts and Politics.
What is the average episode length on Stay Tuned with Preet?
The average episode length on Stay Tuned with Preet is 42 minutes.
How often are episodes of Stay Tuned with Preet released?
Episodes of Stay Tuned with Preet are typically released every 2 days.
When was the first episode of Stay Tuned with Preet?
The first episode of Stay Tuned with Preet was released on Sep 18, 2017.
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