My Podcast roll
Over the last week, we've had an interesting discussion over what podcasts any of us listen to (or watch) to improve our skills as developers / software people / business people. It seemed interesting enough to share with others, so here's my list:
.NET Development
.NET Rocks: DNR is now twice a week. Carl and Richard cover quite a few different topics, and I almost always learn something. This podcast makes me reach for the keyboard and want to code.
Hanselminutes: Scott's is a mix of hard code tech stuff, processes, emerging (and not yet emerging) tools, and best practices. As much or more than any other developer podcast, this one makes me think.
On Microsoft: This video podcast features interviews with authors on the Pearson Education imprints (Addison-Wesley, Prentice Hall, Cisco Press, Exam Cram, IBM Press, Que Publishing, and SAMS Publishing). Full disclosure: Effective C# is an Addison Wesley book). This podcast gives a really good overview of new and upcoming technologies and tools coming from Microsoft.
Software in General
The Java Posse. This is a weekly news cast on developments happening in the java development space. Even though I do very little professional development in Java (or on any other language on the JVM), it's still an important part of the development space. My only complaint on the Java Posse is that they do have a noticeable anti-Microsoft bias. That bias, combined with a lack of knowledge about newer developments in the .NET space leads to some technical errors when they compare the .NET ecosystem to the Java / JVM ecosystem. But, they are honest about that bias, so if you take those items with a grain of salt, there is a lot of information in the podcasts.
On Software: This is another video podcast from Pearson. Discussions range to anything of interest to software developers: C++, Java, C#, Unit Testing, F#, continuous integration, tools, Agile methods, etc. All discussions are with known and respected experts in the field.
On OpenSource: Same source, same interview format. Discussions with open source developers. I watch most of these, but some of the projects (like Linux Kernel Development) cover topics of which I have no interest. I skip those.
On Security: Same source. Here I listen to the developer-centered interviews that discuss how to create software that is more secure, and more capable in secure environments. I often skip the interviews that are on network admin topics.
Business and Technology:
Stanford Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders: During the school sessions, this podcast features lectures and interviews with some of the most impressive leaders in the software and entrepreneurial business areas. You'll learn how folks have found and served new markets, created new businesses, and how some folks have grown several businesses over their careers.
Channel 10: Short videos about different items that are happening around Microsoft. Some technology, some business, some (not really funny) humor. They are short pointers to tech ideas that you might want to learn more about.
Women in Technology: It's about the technology, not the women. These are short interviews with some of the top people in the industry, sharing what they've done. My only complaint is that it's obviously recorded over the phone, and often the quality is rather poor.
Humor:
Mondays: Nerd humor. Not safe for work (although we certainly would allow it in our office, because we're nerds and we're humorous.)
R3TV: CBC Radio 3 TV. Not sure how to describe this. It's a mix of humor, and new Canadian Independent music. Where
Music:
CBC Radio 3: There are 5 podcasts from CBC Radio 3. I've subscribed to all of them: Track of the Day, CBC Radio 3 Podcast with Grant Lawrence, the R3-30, Radio 3 Sessions, and Special Edition. It's a northern thing. Us in the upper Midwest thrive on Hockey Night in Canada, CBC's Olympic coverage (did you know there are Olympic sports in which American's don't' win medals?) Some don't come out as often, so it's not as crazy as it sounds. Besides, where else am I going to get my fix of "Puck Rock"?
The Edge Videocast: A monthly videocast of new music videos. I save some, I delete some immediately.
IndieHeart podcasts: There are two podcasts here. Heart of the Night, and the Transatlantic Acoustic Show. Both will give you a taste of independent music from the middle of the US.
All Songs Considered: The Podcast version of NPR's All Songs Considered. I skip some, because Bob Boilen can be a bit annoying when he goes on about the music of his youth. But still, the music is often very good.
Detroit Jazz Stage: Detroit has an amazing Jazz scene. This will give you a taste of what's happening in this region. Also, I find that instrumental jazz is the best music to listen to while writing.
The Jazz Suite: Another weekly instrumental Jazz music.
DeadPod: Last, but clearly not least, DeadPod. Nothing could be better than a fix of dead music.
There you go, one person's long, strange trip through the podcasting universe.