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Podcasts for the geek: a couple of proven programs about project management, technology analysis and GTD

I have been listening to podcasts since 2010. I’ll tell you about the programs I found then and explain why I like to return to them after many years. If you would like to diversify the informational diet and take a break from the ubiquitous news about the crisis , podcasts are what you need.


William Brawley ,  CC BY

I discovered the podcast format by accident. I wanted to find something similar to conversational radio programs, but without policy analytics and that’s all. The first thing that came to mind was the music programs, because I listened and listened to a lot of things (at that time I couldn’t even imagine that I would help the guys from SXSWselect projects for participation in the IT part of the festival).

I had to search for a long time. A few hours later I came across a hood hype. At that time it was a “gun” - with covers for each issue, chat and live video broadcast from the studio. Unfortunately, the podcast was closed after a few years, but a lot of issues came out, and they are really cool. Why am I all this: “Hudhayp” was recorded by amateurs, and I realized that I had to dig further - there should be more conversational programs and, of course, not only on the topic of music.

Back to work


In 2011, it was already clear that in English-speaking podcasts they discussed anything. Then the first web radio stations began to appear, and I was very happy when I found a couple of interesting programs on one of them. It was Back to Work and Hypercritical - at 5by5. This project was raised by Dan Benjamin - now a true podcasting legend. As the guys from the aforementioned program about hip-hop culture, he started out as an amateur and in parallel with the launch of web radio has been developing (it was his profile before podcasting), plus a couple of projects led like  Hivelogic . Dan Benjamin, founder 5by5 / Screenshot  broadcast on YouTube




When Apple launched the first version of the iTunes storefront, where you could find music and conversation podcasts, Dan started several programs at once. One, along with Merlin Mann. He was already widely known as a GTD expert at that time, he published books, had a mega-popular blog 43 Folders and even a You Look Nice Today podcast (deserves a separate story). But despite his status as a web celebrity, Merlin agreed to collaborate with Dan.

And they began (and still continue!) To record  the Back to the Work . Merlin Mann, co-host of the Work to the Back / Alex Erde , CC-BY clause-2.0 We do What is important to know about the podcast




: this program is not about motivation, there are no notorious speeches about the round-the-clock Haslhard and calls to join the ranks of workaholics. Merlin is not the kind of person who will preach "easy ways to change lives." In the podcast, he shares his experience, discusses a lot and tries to help listeners figure out how to optimize their time, manage it and not waste time in vain . Dan, in turn, has already become a professional presenter - he complements the conversation, helps Merlin and sometimes shares the difficulties that he faces in working on his projects (in addition to web radio, he also hosts fireside.fm podcasts  ).

:  — , . Back to Work 468 , :


Hypercritical


For those who will not have enough Merlin, there is John Syracuse. Level 80 geek, programmer and critical thinking guru. He started with enterprise-development and was published in Ars Technica. John Syracuse, co-host Hypercritical / Usethis.com This was the beginning of the 2000s, and then became his calling card reviews Mac OS X - the annual longridy with a detailed analysis of new products and possible problems them. For 15 years, John has become one of Apple's most respected software and hardware analysts, and Dan Benjamin has not missed the opportunity to interview him. The conversation with John and Gabe Newell from Valve was one of the first records on 5by5. Dan later persuaded John to try to launch a joint transfer, which they called  Hypercritical .




What is important to know about the podcast : unfortunately, it is closed, but the good hundred episodes that still managed to be recorded are available, and you can listen to them without much haste. It will appeal to those who like hours of conversation and analysis of IT products. Everything is discussed here - from the appearance of gadgets to usability, firmware and the internal structure of individual components. John gravitates to critical thinking, and Dan returns the conversation in a constructive way.

How to start listening : to many, the podcast will seem boring, but I recommend trying. Here are two (even three) issues that will not leave you indifferent:


PS If you would like not to limit yourself to listening and launch your technological podcast (personal / corporate / any), I will be happy to help with this - from organizing remote recording (it will not be superfluous) to processing audio and publishing. Feel free to write in a personal email here or on Facebook .

PPS My English-speaking Habraposts (need such - please contact):


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