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Comment by kozikow | Hacker News Reader

I listen to python podcasts: https://talkpython.fm/ and https://www.podcastinit.com/ . Outside of purely technical subjects, I also like "talking machines" about ML: http://www.thetalkingmachines.com/ . Maybe they won't improve your "core" skills, but it's good with keeping up to date with cool recent libraries or new language developments. I use an app on android that pre-downloads podcasts on wifi and allow me to listen to them at 1.5X speed.

I wouldn't recommend audiobooks, as they require more focus and context than podcasts and it's harder to find during the commute.

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The idea of technical podcasts intrigues me.

But, I just clicked to see the content of 'Talk Python' podcasts, and it seems that a lot of it is meta-talk... smart people talking about the fact that they're going to teach someone, _not_ teaching the postcast-listener stuff (besides perhaps the knowledge that some X and Y module exists?).

I think I'm just asking too much here... because creating instructional content takes _time_... to organize, think about, record, review, etc. Hm, maybe instead of complaining, I'll have a go at it...

Do it, and post here.

the Talk Python series is actually a great way for Python programmers to discover authors and libraries you wouldn't organically come across on HN or GitHub browsing. I highly recommend it to intermediate python programmers to expand their knowledge scope.

I don't think the audio-only format lends itself to programming instruction, but they can be good for exposing someone to high-level concepts, new developments in the field, or discussions and debates on programming practices.

If you're looking for something less technical and into finance, the Better Off podcast with Jill Schlesinger is interesting. She covers various financial instruments and how you might combine them, pros / cons, etc. They also have viewer call ins every week which are nice to make the advice immediately pragmatic. After listening to a few episodes I feel more equipped to approach finances like I'd approach a programming project knowing about different languages, standard libs, popular packages, etc.

http://betteroffpodcast.com/

I second Talking Machines. The O'Reilly Data Show is really good too. The Threatpost Podcast isn't bad, but the episodes are kinda hit or miss. If a hack was something stupid there is only so much you can say. "Hospitals are running XP and they got hacked" isn't going to be interesting no matter what you throw at it.

Apologies for off-topic question, but which Android app do you use? My favorite app (Overcast) is only available on iOS and I cannot recommend it to friends on Android-based devices.

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