A podcast, for those of you not in the “know”, is basically a digital radio show that can be streamed to your computer or downloaded onto any number of digital listening devices, including the ever popular iPod. Podcasting is now more popular than ever thanks, in part, to two factors: 1) the popularity of the iPod and other portable digital listening devices and 2) the reduction in price of quality audio broadcasting equipment.
This increased popularity means that there are a lot of podcasts sprouting up around the net. These podcasts range in quality and produciton value from a kid with a cheap microphone in his parent’s basement to a nationally syndicated radio show.
I’ve fallen in love with podcasts recently after buying a car with an auxiliary input that allows me to listen to my iPod on the road. This enables me to hear pertinent, relevant, interesting stuff on my 45 minute drive to and from work. Better than radio, podcasts allow me to choose WHAT I listen to and WHEN I listen to it. Kinda like Tivo for audio broadcasting.
As a computer guy or gal, listening to tech-related podcasts regularly will help you keep up with the latest trends in computer consulting and the IT business in general. You can listen at home or in your shop while working on a computer or in the car on your way to your service calls. There are quite a few tech-centric podcasts out there. This list provides you with the podcasts that I personally enjoy and in which I find the most value as a computer guy.
So here, in no particular order, are my top 10 podcast recommendations for computer techs:
The Computer Business Podcast
Okay, I’m a bit biased seeing as this is my podcast, but I do honestly think it’s the best computer podcast because I work my butt off to make sure I combine top quality production with focused and actionable content for people looking to start and grow a computer business. I talk about my own business, interview other computer business movers and shakers, and review computer business tools and resources. This podcast has it all!
Mike Tech Show
Featuring the musings and advice of Philadelphia area computer consultant Mike Smith, Mike Tech Show is a weekly podcast with a very homegrown feel to it. But that’s not a bad thing. Mike not only comes a cross as a genuinely nice guy, but he provides helpful information “from the trenches” to computer techs, which makes for a winning combination in my book.
PodNutz
A network of tech podcasts that include the flagship podcast, Podnutz and Podnutz Daily, and many other podcasts like Android App Addicts, Booknutz, MiniPC Show, and My Hard Drive Died.
Call That Girl’s Office 365 Show
Hosted by Office 365 and Outlook guru Lisa Hendrickson, Call That Girl’s Office 365 Show is about Lisa’s weekly jobs and updates covering Microsoft Outlook, Exchange and Office 365. The show also has a video version if you prefer watching along.
This Week in Tech
The rest of the podcasts on this list are brought to you by the TWiT tech podcast network. This network, founded by radio tech guy Leo Laporte, offers very professional broadcast-quality podcasts featuring mostly tech-related subjects. Their flagship podcast, This Week in Tech, brings together different tech big-shots to discuss the latest technology news of the week.
Windows Weekly
A weekly look at all things Microsoft, including Windows, Windows Phone, Office, Xbox, and more, from two of the foremost Windows watchers in the world, Paul Thurrott and Mary Jo Foley. Windows Weekly is one of my favorites, providing me all the juicy windows tidbits I need to satiate my Microsoft munchies in digestible weekly portions.
The Tech Guy
Hosted by the man himself, Leo Laporte, this is his XM radio show without the commercials. Very entertaining and informative covering general tech. A great way to learn how to talk about tech topics with your clients.
Security Now
Steve Gibson, a major player in the security software game, brings a weekly podcast of computer security news, tips, and trends.
TechVets
In this podcast Mike from the Mike Tech Show joins Carey Holzman, another seasoned computer business owner. In every show they tackle issues and questions from the audience from two different and unique perspectives. The beauty of this show is that both techs have very different philosophies on a lot of different topics, but when it comes down to it, they both care about delivering high quality computer repair services to their customers.
Computer America
The nation’s longest running nationally syndicated radio talk show on computer. The podcast is a direct copy of the radio show, but usually not available for a few months after the show airs live. Craig Crossman provides mostly consumer-level tech news and information, but the wisdom and experience of these guys proves very beneficial.
Many of these podcats also include forums, chat rooms, and live participation with the hosts. So check them out and tell ’em Your Friendly Neighborhood Computer Guy sent ya!
What podcasts do you listen to? What other podcasts should I include on the list?
Eric Hamm | Motivate Thyself says
So THAT’S why you we inquiring about this on Twitter.
Well, you did a great job! I’m bookmarking this post as we speak. Retweeted! Eric
Matt R. says
You got it! I can’t publish a post before pinging my twitter peers for info.
Thanks, hopefully you’ll find something new and useful to listen to!
dan says
I think these guys have a podcast http://www.hak5.org I’ve watched the show from their site but almost postitive it’s avail as a podcast also…Great article
Matt R. says
Cool suggestion, Dan, that seems like a great show. It looks like they do have a podcast, so I’ll be adding them to my rotation.
Joseph M. | The Digital Bytes says
That’s an awesome link. Difenetly plan on subscribing to them over iTunes and watching them at lunch, food and tech shows lol.
Joseph M. | The Digital Bytes says
WOW Matt! You have just as long a commute as I do. How long have you been doing that drive? The only podcast I listen to is This Week in Tech and I’m still backlogged into January with that podcast lol. I probably should consider adding others to my list. Maybe I could make a nice 5 day Tech talk podcast playlist that I can listen to on the way in. A different podcast each day of the week. I will be checking out a few others on this list, definitely need some new tech info.
During the slow times at work I have my tech podcasts going when I’m at my pc. The office is pretty laid back like that, just as long as it doesn’t disturb anyone else. Plus only one of my supervisors was able to pick out John C. Dvorak from TWiT when they stopped by my cube 🙂 . Podcasts make me feel uber nerdy and I like it.
Joseph
Matt R. says
Hey Joseph,
I’ve been doing that for about 2 years now, and before that my communte was about an hour, so this is actually much nicer than before! I have some coworkers who have even longer communtes than I have. I guess it’s par for the course in this area.
Yeah, I don’t listen to every single episode of all these podcasts every day. Some days I’m in the mood for tech podcasts, some days I’m not. I’ll skip episodes here and there…no biggie. But they’re always on my iPod if I feel the need to listen.
Nothing is more nerdy than a good tech podcast blasting out of your work PC! Nice!
tim says
POD casts, huh? This world is changing! I was just thinking about the last time I sat a read an actual book instead of the usual browsing I do of my RSS feeds, etc.
I guess POD casts are the RSS feeds of the audio world!
I think some of these modern influences are adding to my ADD tendencies! Instead of sticking to a book and concentrating on finishing it, I can jump from one article to another! The same with audio, instead of sticking to one station and living with what’s on, I can listen to whatever I want and change it if I get sick of it (I already jump radio stations as commercials come on).
I do like POD casts because I can pop in my headphones an catch up on the latest sermons or POD casts while working my second job! Great list and I’m looking forward to checking them out soon!
Matt R. says
Hey Tim,
I can’t help but notice how you’re spelling podcast as two seperate words with POD capitalized. Is there a reason for that? No biggie, it just struck me as odd. =-)
I personally never listen to podcasts other than in my car. I still read books (see previous book reviews on this site), though, it is getting harder to fit that reading time into my day!
I definitely agree that modern tech could wreak havoc on someone with ADD tendancies. But I guess that’s the price we pay for having a world of info at our fingertips!
tim says
No reason for the spelling, other than I’m a dork and it stands out!
I filled my half-hour commute to work with a rider (who helps with gas, too!).
tim says
OH, and by the way I’m not diagnosed ADD. I’ve wondered before, though. Some day, the one’s with short attention spans will be the normal ones!
Matt R. says
Haha, I think that day is here my friend.
Carey Holzman says
Check out the Tech-Vets show (Veterens of Technology) with myself and MikeSmith. Also MikeTechShow.com
Matt R. says
Hey Carey,
Yes, Mike Tech Show is already included in this list, and you mentioned my blog once on your Tech Vets show! Both great podcasts for the computer repair tech!
techandlife says
Here’s a few more tech podcasts that might be of interest:
Net at Night
The Computer Action Show
PCMag Radio
Aussie Geek Podcast
Matt R. says
Awesome! Those are all new to me, I’ll have to check them out.
Search Engine Marketing - Dallas says
Thanks for this astounding tidbit! I will definitely have to implement this in my blog!
Thanks!
Liam says
Podnutz Pro
Podnutz Daily
My Hard Drive Died with Scott Moulton
Linux For The Rest Of Us – LFTROU
all from Podnutz.com
Seems everything else has mentioned so far
Matthew Rodela says
Thanks for the suggestions Liam! I did mention Podnutz in the list, but not those others. I’ve updated the entry to mention that there are other podcasts in the Podnutz network worth checking out.
Austin Kelly says
Just saw this stumbling around your site! Thanks for the great advice…
Brian Houston says
Tech-Vets w/ Carey Holzman & Mike Smith