Steve's Podcast Reviews

Caliphate  This podcast traces the path of ISIS recruitment. Very informative but gives good background to the Muslim cause and goals for ISIS. 4 out of 5 stars

I'm a big history buff especially for WWI. The king of history podcasts is Dan Carlin . His delivery is great while staying politically neutral. Many of his specific topics are multi episode, some taking up to 6 hours to complete.  I've listened to them all. Short (1-2 hour) podcast to get started on.  Prophets of Doom, #48  After the Protestant reformation, religion changed and everything was up for grabs.  American Peril, #49  The Spanish American War is discussed. Was the US the good guys or bad guys? To really get hooked on Dan Carlin. Blueprint for Armageddon , #50-55. Five episodes but you will give you a good understanding of WWI. My personal favorite Destroyer of the Worlds , #59.  How did the US become a nuclear power and the politics behind it. Lots of wow moments. In 2nd place, My History can beat up your Politics . Never boring and always informative.  Favorites Charleston 1860 and Secession. A little more complicated...

If you want something short and easy to listen to, tune into  NPR Planet Money . Not all of the financial topics will be of interest but you will find some gems. Favorites so far: Episode 729 "When Subaru came out".  This a great story and demonstrates what good management is capable of in business. Episode 863 "The 13th hole". This is an eye opener to charity events and the rich hiding money. Episode 454 "The Lollipop War". I thought the business of lollipops would be easy... Episode 853 "Peak Sand". Sand thieves, smuggling? Who would have thought. Who is the biggest importer of sand? Hint: Not the US Episode 864 "The Central Bankers".  Good listen for all you armchair economists. It gets a little complicated.

Snakes on the Plantation  is a story that starts easy and develops into something profound. This is a story of hidden racism. Listen and learn. Uncivil   The podcasts are about the Civil war. Everything you thought is probably wrong. The one to get started on, The song . The most entertaining, The Paper . The most thought provoking, The Spin . 5 out of 5 stars

This is my new blog reviewing my favorite podcasts. First off, the podcast that really got me started,  Serial season 1 The podcast follows the arrest, trial and conviction of Adnan Syed for the murder of his girlfriend, Hae Min Lee. Two things make a good podcast, a good story and a interesting narrator. Sarah Koenig is the host with a great radio voice and takes the audience through every detail of the case. Whether you agree or disagree with the outcome, you will be riveted on every episode. Serial season 2 is a bit more controversial but just as interesting. This tells the story of Bowe Bergdahl, an US army soldier who walked off his post in Afghanistan and was recovered 5 years later. This story was in the news and commented on by everybody including President Trump. Even if you have condemned this soldier, listen to podcast, it may make you think twice. There were a lot of moments in the story which made me pause and say, "Hmm, didn't know that". Serial season...