Listen Up

Over the past year, the world of podcasts has exploded, with hundreds of new shows emerging daily. Listening is free, downloads are quick, and regardless of your taste in audio, there's always something new to try. Here are some of the best.

1. NPR's Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me
The popular radio trivia show now has a free podcast version that you can listen to anywhere and anytime you like.

2. Ebert and Roeper
Get the lowdown on what movies to see from a pair of top critics whose show boils down surprisingly well to a 20-minute audiocast.

3. The President's Weekly Radio Address
This satirical take on the president's weekly radio announcement—offered by a humorous imposter—is brief but amusing.

4. Mother Jones Radio
Sharp commentary and reporting make this a news and analysis program worth listening to.

5. Slate Explainer Podcasts
Ever wonder about the economics of sports stadium beer prices, or about how scientists anticipate how long a volcanic eruption will last? This show takes on contemporary topics with concise explanations that generally last about three minutes.

6. CBS News Podcast - Andy Rooney
The curmudgeonly commentator from 60 Minutes shares entertaining nuggets of his wry wit and wisdom.

7. Discovery Channel News
Coverage on these podcasts ranges from the science of gambling to the anatomy of a snakebite.

8. Comedy Central's Motherload Web Shows
This cleverly rendered collection of short comic video podcasts touches on everything from dating to temp jobs.

9. KCRW Good Food
One segment of this delicious show might take listeners on a culinary audio tour of Florence, Italy, while the next offers tips on making marshmallow Peeps in your home kitchen.

10. American Public Media's Marketplace
With an eclectic offering of interesting, narrative business stories, this show is a welcome alternative to financial news focused on stock prices.