Some Podcasts You Should Check Out In 2016

Confession, I’ve read a few less books this year.  I’m usually a voracious reader of printed  (well, Kindle) page but a new mistress has entered my life…

…the podcast!

True, for the last couple years or so I had slowly been increasing my podcast consumption but it was on my journey across Spain on the Camino de Santiago this past spring that I truly became addicted.

So instead of a year end book review, I thought I would share with you some of the best podcasts of 2015 that regularly reside on my iPhone and hopefully, with the imminent launch of my own podcast, pique an interest for this new media platform in you.

Note:  All these podcasts are available through iTunes but I include a link to the podcast website as well for your reference.

Faith/ Christian/ Spiritual Based Podcasts

Brian Zahnd: Word of Life Church podcast–  Who would have guessed that perhaps the biggest influence on my faith journey and theology in the last four years would be a pastor from Missouri who leads a church called Word of Life.  The Lord does work in mysterious ways.  Find Brian here

Zac Gandara: Losing our Religion podcast podcast- Zac Gandara is a former mega-church pastor who found the whole system of the way we do church toxic and pulled the jettison cord.  He loves Christ though and his podcast is an inspiration to me of how to build a real community that probably is much more what Jesus had in mind.  Find Zac here

Steve Brown: Steve Brown Etc. podcast- Steve Brown jokingly refers to himself as “a cranky old white guy who is more conservative than Genghis Khan” but in reality he demonstrates more grace and freedom than anyone I have heard.  Very few folk can interview Mark Driscoll  on one show and Nadia Bolz-Weber on another.  His Christianity is “Big Tent” and I like it.  Find Steve here

Rob Bell: The RobCast podcast-  What more can be said about Rob Bell?  Everyone’s favorite former evangelical pastor turned heretic.  He talks a lot like Jesus did, which usually gets him in trouble…not that he seems to care much 🙂  Find Rob here

Comedy Podcasts

Pete Holmes: You Made It Weird podcast- Comedian Pete Holmes offers up hysterical yet candid interviews with some of the most interesting folk in entertainment.  On top of that he’s a recovering Charismatic Christian who brings his spirituality and discussions on God to every interview.  Where else will you find someone who can interview Russell Peters and Richard Rohr?  Find Pete here

Jay Mohr: Mohr Stories with Jay Mohr: Like Pete Holmes, Jay Mohr talks straight with some really funny people…but with some great Christopher Walken impressions.  Find Jay here

Bill Maher: Real Time with Bill Maher- Conservatives who hate Bill Maher fail to see he lambasts liberals nearly as often as conservatives.  With Jon Stewart gone, this podcast is the best way of hearing news minus the bull@$%#…and done in a very funny way!  Find Bill here

Human Interest podcasts

Alec Baldwin: Here’s The Thing podcast- Actor Alec Baldwin offers one of the most interesting podcasts available.  His network of friends allows Baldwin to interview actors, musicians, politicians, and artists from diverse eras and he does so with an enthusiasm that is just so darn entertaining.  He seems to thrive on interviewing folk he has admired since a young man and it shows.  Carol Burnett, Debbie Reynolds, Peter Frampton, David Letterman, Penn Jillette…and the list goes on.  Find Alec here

NPR’S Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast- A round table of pop culture geeks discuss movies, TV, books, and music.  What’s not to love?  Find PCHH here

Jonathan Bowles: The Slingshot Show- Personal favorite of mine because Bowles hosts a lot with his wife, they are Christians who have jettisoned a lot of their evangelical baggage, and they like to podcast on faith, life, business, travel and stuff that interests them. Sound like anyone you know? I love it.  Find Jonathan here

Dan Carlin: Hard Core History podcast- 3 hour long history podcasts may not be what you think of when you are looking for something entertaining to listen to.  Think again!  Carlin’s mix of analysis and storytelling from a passionate yet non-partisan viewpoint makes it one of the most popular podcasts in the podcastaverse!  (Yes, I think I coined that term)  Find Dan here

There are quite a few more but these are my tops and should get you started.  Check these podcast out and let me know what you think

Peace in 2016,

Steve