Over the weekend, I attended Public Media Camp and really learned about all the things that public media groups like NPR and PBS offer. For whatever reason, despite the fact that I have a lot of friends that are die-hard NPR fan, it’s really never anything that I got into.
I’ve dabbled with “This American Life” but that’s it.
So… what shows would you recommend to a NPR newbie?
Oatmeal Stout - Justin Thorp's blog 
I mainly listen on the weekends at work. Weekend Edition, CarTalk, Wait Wait Dont Tell Me, and What Do You Know? The NPR News Quiz.
The only NPR show that I listen to that is worth while is Car talk! http://www.cartalk.com/
I’d start with the 7AM Hourly newscast. It’s just a quick update every morning and I really like that. Story of the Day is are also usually short and really interested – a good primer.
Others I recommend:
All Song Considered, Pop Culture Podcast, Radio Diaries, This American Life.
Hi Justin. I was there too. Do you go to Jill Foster’s & Andy Carvin’s DC Media Makers at NPR headquarters? 4th Wednesday of every month.
Sorry we missed each other at PMC!
* Wait Wait, Don’t Tell Me
* Science Friday
* Car Talk (funny even if you don’t have a car)
* This American Life
* Radio Lab
This American Life and Planet Money are my faves, if I had more time I’d do some Science Friday too.
You’ve gotten some great ideas already – can’t argue with Wait Wait, Science Friday, or CarTalk. But how about some of these (some are NPR some are PRI):
Says You (www.saysyou.net) – word games and humor
On The Media (onthemedia.org) – media “criticism and analysis” – but done in an intelligent, balanced way
Fresh Air – interview show
Glad you will be taking your news in a smooth, calming voice. “This American Life” is excellent. “Market Place” is one of the most well-rounded business/economics shows out there. Browse the archives of “Fresh Air” (www.npr.org/freshair) and find interviews with people you find interesting. NPR does some great things with music – lots of new music samples, concerts – good place for Indy Rock. http://www.npr.org/music
All Songs Considered. This is how I keep up with new music and discover music I haven’t heard.