6 Highly Addictive Tech Podcasts for IT/Tech Professionals in 2021
Well, it was not really a rags-to-riches storyline for podcasts but its stupendous popularity growth has been nothing short of impressive. From humble beginnings to becoming one of the most effective marketing channels, podcasts have come a long way over the past decade. Tech podcasts have gradually carved their way through the competition and become quite popular with the new generation of developers, tech enthusiasts, and IT professionals.
In 2010, nearly 25% of Americans said that they listened to at least one podcast that year [1]. Fast forward to 2020, around 20% of individuals have spent time listening to a podcast on a weekly basis [2].
Although podcasts have been around for a while, over the past few years, the number of podcasts that have been created and downloaded has skyrocketed.
A lot of companies particularly in the tech space have recognized the benefits and influence of podcasts. Current trends suggest that listeners from around the world believe that podcasts are a powerful marketing tool.
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Podcasting and Tech – A Match Made in Heaven?
Podcasting is great, and when we combine tech and podcasts together, there is a whole new world out there you probably didn’t know about.
If you are an IT/tech professional or simply a tech fanatic, staying on top of the latest trends will help you refine your skills and stay more relevant. Traditionally, books and conferences were primarily used to do that, but podcasts have emerged as an excellent way to sharpen your skills.
In addition, podcasts are also great tools for passive learning, such as while exercising, commuting, driving, and more. Today, there are millions of podcasts out there, which is why we have curated a list of some of the best tech podcasts we think you should not miss out on.
Top Tech Podcasts
1. Accidental Tech Podcast
Best for Hardcore techies
Accidental Tech Podcast (ATP) can be regarded as a true tech podcast marvel. The podcast is hosted by three experienced developers, which means that they have an in-depth understanding of a wide range of development-related topics.
The podcast has everything you would wish for! From casual tech jokes being thrown around friends to detailed coverage of the latest products. If you are intrigued with everything in the tech industry and programming languages, do not miss out on ATP.
Membership starts from $8 per month and $96 per year.
2. Analog(ue)
This podcast adds a unique twist to podcasting. It focuses on the human aspects of the digital age. One of the most consistent segments of this podcast is the weekly review of #relayyourfeels tweets from the previous week.
The podcast primarily focuses on how these cutting-edge devices can transform our lives for the better, and also for the worse.
If you are interested in knowing how you can integrate smart gadgets such as smartwatches into your daily routine, this podcast is for you.
Membership starts from $5 per month and $50 per year.
3. Back to Work
This one’s for you if you are into to-do lists. In this podcast, you will find an array of topics being discussed right from productivity, business tools, communication, and more.
The podcast will compel you to think about the meaning of your job, upgrade your productivity practices, and explore different business tools.
4. The Cloudcast
Best for: Cloud professionals and programmers
The name pretty much gives it away, doesn’t it? Yes, you are right! The Cloudcast covers all the hottest topics within the cloud computing industry, with a key focus on cloud programming.
This podcast has been around since 2011 and features interviews and updates from popular tech personalities.
Some of the most frequently discussed topics include machine learning, artificial intelligence, PaaS, SaaS, big data, and the Big 3 of cloud technology: Azure, Amazon Web Services, and GCP.
If you want to know more about SaaS, Paas, and IaaS, you can check out our blog: SaaS vs Paas vs IaaS: What is the Difference & Which Model is Best for Your Company?
5. This Week in Google
Best for Google enthusiasts
If you are really obsessed with Google, you can check out This Week in Google (TWIG). The podcast will usher you into the world of Google and the latest interests and developments around it.
The hosts, Jeff Jarvis, Leo Laporte, and Stacey Higginbotham talk about the latest cloud computing, Google news, controversies, gadgets, and Google’s competitors.
6. Technovation
Best for: Business leaders, tech evangelists, and innovators
Technovation is regarded as one of the best podcasts on the internet that predominantly focuses on C-Suite through leadership. The host, Peter High, who is also the author of Implementing World Class IT Strategy, interviews industry experts on the best practices for IT professionals and the latest industry trends.
Entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, women in technology, and leadership positions are some of the main topics that are often discussed in this podcast series.
Facebook’s Entry Into the Podcast Space
Facebook, one of the world’s leading social networking platforms, is all set to launch its podcast platform in mid-2021.
After initial reports back in April 2021 suggested that Facebook has been working on its podcast platform, Facebook put the rumors to rest by confirming that the podcasts are coming to the platform.
The social network platform has been delivering emails to multiple podcast creators to notify them about the podcast page that will go live on the 22nd of June 2021.
According to the email, Facebook users will now be able to listen to podcasts from Facebook pages and on a new “Podcast” tab. For individuals who run their podcasts on Spotify, Apple podcasts, and other platforms, they can set up an RSS feed to add the podcast on Facebook’s platform. Upon approval, the new episodes will be displayed there automatically.
Facebook is also offering a new feature which will be called “Clips”. It will enable podcast creators to promote their podcasts with a synopsis of their episode and share it across various social media platforms.
A lot of tech companies have become increasingly interested in podcasts due to their rising popularity. Earlier today, Apply started paid subscriptions on its Podcast application, as it is of the opinion that this move will accelerate the creation of original content.
Where Can You Listen to Tech Podcasts?
Nearly all leading tech podcasts are available on their websites. If you are at work or spending a lot of time on your desk, listening to podcasts from your browser is the easiest option.
However, if you are constantly moving around and mobile, you can listen to or download podcasts on your smartphone or mobile devices according to your convenience.
Here are some of the most popular smartphone applications you can use to listen to some of the best podcasts:
- iTunes
- Spotify
- Relay FM
- Google Podcasts
- Stitcher
- Pocket Casts
- Overcast
Why Tech Podcasts? – Why Not?
There is no denying the fact that podcasts are becoming popular each day. Do not believe us? Well, this will. Spotify’s podcast listening jumped from around 19% in 2019 to an impressive 25% in 2020 [3].
That number is projected to grow in 2021 due to a range of factors such as the availability of affordable electronics, cheaper data plans, and an increasing desire to learn stuff on the go.
Listening to podcasts is a great way to soak information and engage your brain. As mentioned above, it is an excellent medium for passive learning while you are driving, working out, running errands, etc.
Besides, the tech podcasts mentioned in this list provide their own share of benefits such as:
- Skill development
- You are on top of the latest tech trends, news, and updates
- You can mold your soft skills such as attention, focus, and multitasking
- Learn about a new tech-related field
- Regular updates on various tech conferences being held
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Feature Image Source: Image by rawpixel.com
Image 1 Source: Image by rawpixel.com
Image 2 Source: Image by Daniel Friesenecker from Pixabay
Source
[1] Horn. J (2019) “Podcast Developments Of The Decade” We Edit Podcasts [online] Available from: https://www.weeditpodcasts.com/podcast-developments-of-the-decade/ [accessed June 2021]
[2] [3] Todorov. G (2021) “69 Podcast Statistics to Boost Your Podcast Strategy In 2021” Semrush Blog [online] Available from: https://www.semrush.com/blog/podcast-stats/ [accessed June 2021]
