As the tech industry continues to entwine further with everyday life, we must educate ourselves. Although some people may have a fleeting interest in the subject, while others are tech enthusiasts, it is crucial for everyone to learn and adapt. One of the best ways to learn is by listening to the best tech podcasts, the treasure troves of information on all things tech.
The podcasts exemplified in this article are great for staying abreast of the trends, news, and other developments in the tech sector. What are the best tech podcasts, though? Our list below will shed light on that question as we discuss 10 of the best tech podcasts and podcast episodes to get you started.
Why You Should Listen to Tech Podcasts
Tech podcasts are informative at worst and exciting at best. If you want to grow your skills as a tech professional and ensure your success, staying updated on developments in the industry is crucial. The technology industry pivots faster than any other field, and staying informed on what’s hot and what’s not will help you grow your career.
In line with that, if you have a passion for tech, are fascinated by how your phone works, or what flying cars mean for society, tech podcasts are your go-to. They are excellent for learning about topics you’re curious about and want to explore. They are also an excellent resource for understanding tech lingo, keeping up with trends, and learning new skills.
What Makes a Great Tech Podcast?
- Central ideas and specific niches. The best podcasts appeal to a particular demographic. They feature in-depth discussions and actionable insights that keep their viewership engaged.
- Production quality. Production quality is key to success in podcasting. Audiences receive content better with high audio and video quality. The best podcasts ensure that the quality of their productions is at a high standard.
- Consistency. Whether semi-weekly, weekly, monthly, or seasonally, most people’s favorite tech podcasts release episodes on a predetermined schedule.
- Audience engagement. Listening to a podcast is a personal experience for many people. The best podcasts tailor their content to their audience and deliver them with a mix of humor, fact, and critique.
- Good structure. Tech podcasting isn’t easy, but the best podcasts follow a format. The episodes flow smoothly, from the intro song and preamble to the deep dive and rapid-fire discussion. Listeners know what to expect at any given time.
The 10 Best Tech Podcasts
1. Accidental Tech Podcast (ATP)
- Available On: Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts
- Subjects Covered: Apple products, programming, tech
This technology podcast features three tech professionals and friends who provide insightful opinions on everything about tech. Episodes typically last for about two hours and cover the biggest stories in tech, including phishing scams described by the Federal Trade Commission as Google’s latest business challenge. It is an excellent fix for tech nerds, packed with dry humor and geeky energy.
2. Daily Tech News Show
- Available On: Patreon, YouTube, Apple Podcasts
- Subjects Covered: 5G, crypto, NFTs
Hosts Tom Merritt and Sarah Lane excel at simplifying the complex details and making the mundane aspects of the tech industry exciting. The podcast features special guests and co-hosts from the tech industry who deliver the biggest stories in tech industry news to its vast audience. Episodes debut daily and discuss topics from data privacy and cyber security to Gen Z.
3. A16z
- Available On: ListenNotes, Spotify, Apple Podcasts
- Subjects Covered: Fintech, culture trends, career advice
An enjoyable listen, this company podcast from Andreessen Horowitz brings together business leaders, tech whizzes, and other bigwigs to analyze innovations in tech and current technology issues. Its hosts, Ben Horowitz and Marc Andreessen provide career advice and discuss cryptocurrency investing, and business analytics with guests from tech and finance.
4. Sway with Kara Swisher
- Available On: Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts
- Subjects Covered: Politics, finance, tech, digital culture
Hosted by Kara Swisher, a renowned tech journalist in Silicon Valley, this semi-weekly podcast is your gateway into the minds of some of the most influential individuals within and outside of the tech industry. Swisher interviews influential figures such as little-known politicians and famous tech billionaires on matters relating to business, tech, and governance.
5. Two Irish Guys Discussing Software
- Available On: Origina, Spotify, ListenNotes
- Subjects Covered: Software, video games, tech trends
Hosted by Tomas O’Leary and Brendan Walsh, this podcast focuses on the software that drives tech and the moves made by major players in the industry. As a new player in the space, it has built up a large following among software enthusiasts as it makes bold predictions and deep dives into the software technology industry.
6. TED Talks Technology
- Available On: YouTube, Ted.com, Apple Podcasts
- Subjects Covered: Artificial intelligence, virtual reality, education technology
This podcast features some of the greatest minds in today’s society and contains great tech-related discussions. The TED Talks about technology are concise and insightful, and are ideal for extended listening periods or a bite-sized intake. The platform is perfect for listeners to gain insight into various topics, including some of the applications of AI and robotics.
7. There Are No Girls on the Internet
- Available On: Apple Podcasts, TangoTi, Deezer
- Subjects Covered: Digital activism, women in tech, cancel culture
This podcast looks at the world of tech through the lens of women working in the industry. It features various prominent female voices within the tech space. These women use their expertise to highlight hot topics in tech, from emerging business opportunities to fake news and cancel culture.
8. Decoder with Nilay Patel
- Available On: Vox Media, Apple Podcasts, Spotify
- Subjects Covered: Contact tech, cars, social media, crypto
A brief listen to the stories in tech that Nilay Patel and his guests delve into helps you examine the tech landscape from different perspectives. Whether it’s the details about a tech firm’s acquisition of another firm or the hot new trend on social media, you’re sure to find a topic or two that piques your interest.
9. Tech Won’t Save Us
- Available On: Audible, Spotify, ListenNotes
- Subjects Covered: Tech, politics, industry news
This podcast offers a liberal perspective on ideas in the tech industry, like the world becoming a tech paradise and tech evolution hysteria. It also takes a critical look at the ideologies and philosophies surrounding digital culture, tech, and pop culture. The left-wing podcast’s goal is to make a better tech industry.
10. How I Built This
- Available On: Google Podcasts, Spotify, Apple Podcasts
- Subjects Covered: Tech entrepreneurship, innovation, tech leaders
Famous tech authority Guy Raz hosts a roundtable discussion on diverse tech topics with his various guests on this podcast. These successful entrepreneurs and technology leaders discuss taking a tech company public, digital culture, and business challenges. The program explores the stories behind some of the world’s tech behemoths and their relevance in today’s society and modern life.
The Best Tech Podcast Episodes to Get You Started
From the biggest news in tech to unfiltered insights regarding the lives of tech leaders like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, there is a tech podcast out there for everyone. Here are some of the best tech podcast episodes to start your listening journey.
Spanx: Sara Blakely | How I Built This
This fascinating episode looks into the story behind the iconic Spanx brand. Guy Raz’s conversation with Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, allows listeners to understand her incredible career trajectory. Blakely describes her journey from frustrated saleswoman to the head of one of the largest shapewear manufacturers in a billion-dollar industry.
Lightning in an Acquisition Bottle – DTNS 4197 | Daily Tech News Show
This episode is humorous, instructive, and engaging. It discusses some of the most famous stories in tech from 2021. It reviews the most significant acquisitions by tech giants and a story about a head of state’s hacked WeChat account. The podcast also discusses the cutting-edge research on thermoelectric generators by researchers at Penn State and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
What the Heck are NFTs? Let’s ask Beeple | Sway with Kara Swisher
Silicon Valley’s most feared and well-liked journalist delves into the world of NFTs with millionaire digital artist Mike Winklemann, who sold one image for $69 million. She attempts to find out whether NFTs are a sustainable, worthwhile investment or if they are the next dot-com boom-and-crash in the making.
The Race to Build AI That Benefits Humanity by Sam Altman | TED Talks Technology
In this episode of TED Talks Technology, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman explains why he thinks AI is a game-changer across all areas of society. He also talks about the drawbacks of the technology, how we can harness it for our benefit, and how his company is lighting the path to a better future with a unique business model.
How Evangelists Emulate Startup Culture with Corrina Laughlin | Tech Won’t Save Us
On this episode of the critically acclaimed podcast, host Paris Marx and guest Corrina Laughlin discuss the intersection between faith and tech. They also talk about how modern churches operate like startups, how evangelical Christians have adapted to modern technology, and the valuable lessons we can learn from them.
What Is the Best Tech Podcast?
There is no one best tech podcast, but the most widely respected ones include The Daily Tech News Show, Accidental Tech Podcast, How I Built This, and TED Talks Technology. Depending on your interests and schedule, any one of these is a great choice.
You may start your day with a summary of the latest news in tech with The Daily Tech News Show, and switch to an episode of TED Talks Technology for insight on a specific topic. If you have more time, the Accidental Tech Podcast is an excellent listen. You can watch interviews with industry bigwigs and learn about the latest plans for crypto or the metaverse.
Best Tech Podcasts FAQ
WordPress, Transistor, Blubrry, and SoundCloud are some of the best options for hosting your podcast. It also depends on whether you want a free hosting service or a paid one. Spotify is the most-used podcasting platform for listeners, so launching your podcast there could allow you to reach a wider audience.
Tech is a broad field, and you can cover topics like AI and cloud computing, robotics, computer hardware, big data, and ecommerce. You can also talk about important technology news, personal stories, tech companies, and fascinating people in the tech industry.
You’ll need a laptop, good-quality audio recording equipment, recording and editing software, and headphones. Your computer should be powerful enough to comfortably handle the recording and editing software. You should also invest in a good microphone and headphones to make your recording experience smoother.
Some podcasts are free to listen to, while others may require a fee, depending on the platforms that host them. Platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify may charge a subscription fee to fully access podcasts and other media. Others like ListenNotes are mainly free to listen on.
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