Wednesday, April 30, 2008

I heart public radio — by Guest Mom Allysha

http://www.thefader.com/ys_assets/0003/8005/yellowradio_main.jpg

I am in love with public radio, it's true. I like to know what's going on. I like to hear thoughtful commentary and analysis. I'm not quite a political junkie, but I have my days. I have been known to argue with the radio on certain topics. (Who are you talking to, Mom? What is "ridiculous"?) And because it's good to know a few things about a few things I am going to share with you some of my favorite public radio shows.

Lest you think it's all serious on the public radio circuit, I will direct you first to
WNYC's Soundcheck. The host, John Schaefer, who knows all things music (really, he covers every kind of music out there), did a show on those secret song-loves you may have, that are actually kind of embarrassing. John's embarrassing song? Ice Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice. Now admit it — you groove a little bit if ever you hear that music play, don't you? You can listen to the show here.

And now, without further ado, I present to you the following:


Morning Edition & All Things Considered — If you're at all familiar with NPR, you know at least one of these shows, they bookend the day with basic and informative news coverage and good stories.


The Diane Rehm Show — While she covers all kinds of topics during the week, on Friday Diane gathers two panels of news experts for each hour of her show, one covering national news, and the other covering international news. Really fascinating.


Market Place — Accessible business news. Believe me, I know. I majored in English.


The Writer's Almanac — Garrison Keillor, of the wonderful radio voice, gives some historical background on the day's date, and then reads a poem. Good stuff.


On the Media — A program that a news junkie would love. News and criticism about the media and how it reports the news.


This American Life — What has become the quintessential radio documentary series. More often than not, it will keep you in your car long after you've pulled into the driveway.


Radio Lab — They only do something like 5 programs a year, but they are really cool and available for pod cast. Seriously. Definitely worth a listen.


Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me! — Once you've informed yourself, then yes, this is the NPR news quiz. I'm not joking. It's really funny. And I have been known to clean my bathroom while shouting out the answers to the "listener limerick challenge" and the like. I know. Go and say it. I am kind of a nerd. But an informed kind of nerd.


Of course, this is not even a smidgen of what is offered by public radio. There is a veritable feast of information available to you on your radio or through the web. If you haven't already, you should really check it out.

fab image via fader

Labels:

add to kirtsy

20 Comments:

Blogger meg said...

i heart YOU guest mom! was just listening to moby on soundcheck and loving it. i am totally with you..i love NPR too. i remember my parents listening to npr when i was little and i thought, what a snore. now i can't get enough of it.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 2:42:00 PM EDT  
Blogger Sarah said...

I too love public radio. I have had a lot of times where I get completely enthralled in the program. I like it a lot better then watching television news that is for sure.

I consider myself a conservative but still listen to public radio (which tends to veer towards the left). I hope that public radio continues to be funded and kept on the air. Here's a shout out to WBFO, my local Buffalo public radio station.

You rock guest mommy.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 2:43:00 PM EDT  
Blogger Mumsy said...

I heard that same Soundcheck episode and I was rolling with laughter.

I just heard Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me For the first time this past Sunday. HILARIOUS. (On the way to church, actually...I didn't want to go inside. I just wanted to listen to the rest of the show.)

I have subscribed to so many NPR broadcasts on my iPod and I never get around to listening to all of them.

We love Radio Lab, too.

I love NPR. (And I'm proud to be a fellow nerd.)

Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 3:34:00 PM EDT  
Blogger Nicole said...

I love npr because it keeps the tv off for me and the kids. I feel informed, but I also feel like our brains are not turning to mush. It is just recently that my three year old has started commenting on what is on the radio. Like the time he starting chanting with Obama's "Yes we can" speech. At the end he threw his hands in the air and yelled "Change the world!" I wish I had a camera.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 5:11:00 PM EDT  
Blogger mere said...

I LOVE public radio. I remember being so bored in the car whenever I drove somewhere with just my dad, but now I totally understand! I became a new member this year and was soooo glad to finally pledge my allegiance to something I truly could not live without. (the Dave Sedaris tickets didn't hurt) My baby is only 15 months, but I'm sure she's start the "what are you yelling at mom" someday soon...

Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 5:37:00 PM EDT  
Blogger Lauren said...

I, too, am an NPR addict, and am lucky to live in Minnesota where our stations are amazing.

Hooray for Prairie Home Companion!

Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 6:11:00 PM EDT  
Blogger Damaris @Kitchen Corners said...

My favorite show in the whole world is Hidden Kitchens. Have you heard it? you have to! I am an aspiring radio documentarian. I blog about what goes in in my kitchen which includes food related things and radio related things since it's where I do most of my listening. I have some links you might like. www.kitchencorners.blogspot.com
oh...and if you LOVE NPR you should check out PRX

Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 7:04:00 PM EDT  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

We love "Car Talk" on Saturday mornings. Makes me laugh.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 9:52:00 PM EDT  
Blogger Bess said...

I love cleaning and listening to 'Wait Wait Don't Tell Me'. Oh and 'Car Talk' makes me laugh too.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 10:07:00 PM EDT  
Blogger kristi lou said...

Yep, yep. Here! Here! I couldn't agree with you all more!!!

Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 11:44:00 PM EDT  
Blogger Allysha said...

Hey, Damaris. Thanks for the tip!
Ahhh, all you public radio fans, you make me happy!

Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 11:59:00 PM EDT  
Blogger Petit Elefant said...

It's so hard to choose a favorite among NPR because they're all so amazing. Isn't public radio the best? Ira Glass takes me back to the days of my parents listening to old radio shows in the driveway. And Car Talk is hi-larious. The best.
Thanks for this highlight.

Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 1:19:00 AM EDT  
Blogger Jessica said...

I love my public radio too. I love a lot of the same NPR shows, and our local station has some really well produced and informative shows too. So lucky to have such a great public service available to us. Don't forget to donate to NPR & PBS!

Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 8:33:00 AM EDT  
Blogger Gabrielle of Design Mom said...

I too am a big NPR fan! If I'm in the car, then I'm listening to NPR.

And if I'm out of town and can't find the right station, I get a little despondent.

Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 12:18:00 PM EDT  
Blogger Lori said...

Don't forget Car Talk!! I'm not into cars, but those guys make me want to be.

Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 1:47:00 PM EDT  
Blogger Mamatini said...

Yep, we're an NPR family, too! My oldest daughter learned the word "issue" from NPR when she was two. Aside from the daily news programs, I love This American Life, The Splendid Table, and ... oh, who am I kidding, I love it all.

Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 6:18:00 PM EDT  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

My husband and I love Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me. My husband especially is a huge NPR fan.

Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 6:24:00 PM EDT  
Blogger Unknown said...

Oh thank you, thank you! I podcast many of those that you mentioned (love, love Radio Lab and This American Life, and Wait, Wait), but I'll have to try out some of the others.

Saturday, May 3, 2008 at 8:56:00 PM EDT  
Blogger Sarah Starr Alleman Smith said...

We have Radio Lab date nights. :)
Loving your posts.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at 2:05:00 PM EDT  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Although I live in Great Britain; I have to say that I love public radio too!
I love Car Talk, Whad'Ya Know? and Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me because of their witty humor.
Talk of the Nation is brilliant for informed debate and discussions - Midmorning and Midday from Minnesota Public Radio are also superb at this.

Speaking of Faith, On the Media and Only A Game are fantastic at in-depth reporting in three of my favorite subjects - religion, media and sports.

And of course, weekends are not complete without A Prairie Home Companion and the dulcet tones of Garrison Keillor.

These are just a handful of my favorite radio programs!

Since I discovered Public Radio a year or so ago in Chicago and Milwaukee; I have been hooked on it (even across the Atlantic in England!)
Now, I cannot live without Public Radio!

Sunday, February 8, 2009 at 9:10:00 AM EST  

Post a Comment

<< Home