I like podcasts. I like funny podcasts, and I like interesting podcasts, and I epecially like those that are both. Here are some of my favourites.

The Bugle

Possibly the most well-known podcast on the net, definitely the funniest. Andy Zaltzman and John Oliver, two professional comedians and extremely silly men, burn through all the bullshit that the news has to offer. Often more informative than actual news.

Psycomedia

Podcast that shows “the funny side of psychology”. Starts with a bit of waffle, then gets into serious science backed up by genuine research. (Genuine research sometimes includes stabbing a corpse up the nose with a dueling foil trying to skewer a particular piece of brain.)

Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History

The best history podcast on the web. Ranges over a wide range of history applying the journalist’s perspective to the great historical events.

The History Of Rome

The second best history podcast on the web. Now finished, covers Rome from its founding through to the fall of the Western Empire. I was surprised to learn that I knew so little about Roman history.

Dissecting Worlds (part of the Geek Syndicate network)

Applies the science of social media to science fiction and other genre worlds. Deconstructs how workable the Judge Dredd justice system is, whether Buffy The Vampire Slayer is an effective leader, and how UNIT fare as a global defence against aliens.

How Was Your Week

New York comedian Julie Klausner skewers the week in pop culture, then interviews someone from the world of showbiz. Not my normal fare, but she’s funny enough to make it worth it.

Overthinking It

“Subjecting popular culture to a level of scrutiny it probably doesn’t deserve.” Spent a good 90 minutes deconstructing the themes of Ghost Rider: Spirit Of Vengeance (or as they termed it, “Ghost Rider, Colon Spirit Of Vengeance).

Videogames Hotdog

Three of the creators of Kingdom Of Loathing rabbit on about videogames in a highly funny manner. Once defined the ideal game mechanic as “Kill Skeleton, Get Sweet Sword”. Also do an occasional advice podcast called Advice Hotdog, naturally. On the occasions that their girlfriends do the podcast instead, it is renamed Videogames Taco.