Podcasts! Library for your ears!

  It may have started when the first ipod came out. These "talk" shows became an option to subscribe to for a weekly discussion of some subject-- often with professionals in the field heading them up.
I got into the ipod game late-- around 2005 (when the ipod classic with video came out), but I soon discovered a world of science and news podcasts that changed my life. Here I am in 2012, and I have subscribed to hundreds of podcasts over the years-- I am still subscribed to around 30 weekly shows (some since 2005). These have kept me up to date on world issues, cutting edge technology, history, music, politics, and anything else I have ever had an interest in. I have started learning foreign languages through podcasts, I have traveled to different countries through podcasts, and my worldview has been broadened by listening to a wide-array of shows.
So what are these? I would hope that most everyone knows about these, but for those that do not, I hope I can create some motivation to find them.

First of all-- you don't need an ipod-- just a computer (and you have one). Many websites now have their own podcasts, but the best directory is in Itunes-- go to the store and search under the podcast directory.

Then what?

What are you interested in? There are millions of shows already made and shows being put up daily. Find a subject and subscribe-- or just download or stream one episode. These are not always professional produced (great audio quality and special effects), but usually the people that make them are motivated, disciplined in their subject, and at least coherent enough to record and edit an episode. There are videos on DIY projects, college courses (YES!), and interviews of famous people...and so many more!

Here is a short list of shows that I can promote for anyone to get a good grip on this world. Remember about being a global citizen? Remember when I mentioned in the past about being informed about your world? We can't always keep NPR on-- in fact, all NPR shows are in podcast form, and they make up a large part of my listening.

Podcast List (2012)

The Skeptic's Guide to the Universe:

    I have been subscribed since 2005 to this weekly science-based show talking about the news of the day, science myths, and skepticism. The show is headed by a neurologist and blogger that keeps the other members honest and on their toes.I think everyone needs to know the scientific method of inquiry and this show will give you prime examples of how it is done. 

http://www.theskepticsguide.org/

Common Sense and Hardcore History with Dan Carlin:

  Common Sense is my only politics show, and hearing it from the historical genius that is Dan Carlin is impressive. This man can cut through lies and scams better than anyone. His history shows have trumped any class (college and otherwise) I have ever taken on history. He talks in a way that makes things exciting and he makes you feel as if you are living history. I think everyone needs to listen to these for perspective on their time in the universe.

http://www.dancarlin.com/

Travel with Rick Steves:

  I have never left this country, but each week I do in an audio adventure with Rick Steves. Yes, he is the guy on PBS traveling to Europe through the back door. I loved his show, but the audio show gives you a deeper perspective with interviews from tour guides, chefs, and artists from all over the world. Rick has a heart of gold and he never stops promoting the beautiful places around the world. He gives practical advice and tricks to avoid problems traveling. I feel global after his shows.

http://www.ricksteves.com/

Reduced Shakespeare Company Podcast:

  I have been a professional actor since 2005, but I rarely act in performances (as they do not pay as well as music). Even so, I keep up with the acting world through the life of this famous acting company. Their shows are witty and the commentary they share gives insight into the business-- it is not easy. Any acting enthusiast should plug in to this show weekly to see how a famous and hard working company keeps working!

http://www.reducedshakespeare.com/

The Naked Scientists:

  The most informative science show for all of the gritty details. The say they are "naked" because there are no commercials (no show has these anyways), and they get into details. They are from Cambridge in the UK and the accent is comforting on the ears to say the least. There is a science experiment at the end of every show and questions are asked and answered in between their science news and explorations. This is well produced and all members are scientists with advanced degrees and specialties.

http://www.thenakedscientists.com/

NPR shows:

  National Public Radio has many great shows to subscribe to. I have actually had to cycle through them as I don't have enough waking hours to listen to all of them (and my ipod got to over capacity many times). I listen to shows on science, technology, The World, RadioLab, and Fresh Air. 

http://www.npr.org/

These shows listed above are just a tiny taste of what is out there. Any language and any subject can be explored through podcasts-- it is the best listening you can do. Subscribe and go running, go to the gym, or listen when you are doing something with your hands (I did yardwork for years and only remember these great shows). Keep busy but always keep informed. I want the world to be a better place. Find an interest and pursue it.

And if you can't find it, record yourself and make a podcast. It is actually very easy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hrBbczS9I0

Thank you!

The importance of the Global Citizen

How have things been? For you personally?
The world is not doing so well. I am sure the weather we have been experiencing is a telltale of what the future looks like, and on account of the mistakes humanity has made (and continues to make). Energy is more expensive now and we are all realizing what toll it has taken on our finances and our earth.
Decreased vacations? Closer to home jobs? Less food variety at the supermarket?

That is only the beginning.

What does it take to be a global citizen? A global citizen, to me, is one who puts off the local scene in order to take on the larger issues of the world. "Think globally, act locally." -- not the best slogan. Yes, we should all be doing things locally to help out our environment and conserve energy-- that is a given. We should also be looking at the world at large-- be part of a global network, learn other languages and see what your expertise can do to help others. The internet is a large help, but some people can venture further.

National Geographic reporters, world-wide philanthropists (probably rich), and a few celebrities decide to view the world as the bigger issue and all of a sudden we get to hear about it. I think the average person now has the ability to do similar work. Without the money there may be no trip involved, but continued blogging, social networking, and sites like http://www.couchsurfing.org/ make it easier to get in touch with anyone, anywhere.
So what do you do?

Honestly, what do you know how to do? Can someone benefit from it? Can you teach it? I am sure someone wants to know about it in a way that only you can explain it. You are that important.

What I am going to do...For one thing, I am going to change my mind from a local perspective to a global one. I am not looking at local schools with dwindling jobs but the chance to teach at schools in other countries-- but beyond that, I want to take part in a global online school. Take a listen to podcasts on Itunes-- the large universities are taking their classes online and even many classes are free. Information is available everywhere but people are still needed to disseminate the information. I see work to do.
I am also a composer, and soon this will be important in how I am able to take world problems and make them into pieces that can teach others. I may sound like an idealist, but everyone with any sense of worth is. This life is not long-- we all need to reach out as far as we can before we start reaching back in.

Does this apply to you? Yes. Do you have time? If you are young, you still need to explore your local environment. See what you can do to help and get a perspective. I have been around the state and I am still needed-- I just want to set my sites higher. I never looked too far beyond getting another gig or volunteering for another fundraiser. I have stayed busy, but I am preaching to the choir. I keep performing for the same people (for the most part) and the money is the same. Life is change-- I need that.

I will keep you all informed.

My changes will be well documented.

Thank you.