In the recent years, podcasting has been gaining momentum and today we have a multitude of podcasts for almost every topic, including my favorite (and yours, I hope), GNU/Linux. Instead of listening to the same song over and over, why not educate yourself about the latest in open source technology?
If you like what you’re reading, go on - cause here’s a list of my favorite podcasts, along with a short description. Some of them are recorded by normal Linux users, and others have some hard-core Linux hackers on board - what all these shows have in common though, is that they’re both fun and interesting.
Klaatu, the show-host of TBA, has been a Mac user for a long time. While this may not be a show for most newbie users, Klaatu’s Bad Apples provides a wealth of information about Linux on, and compared to the Macintosh OS X, with some focus on Slackware and Fedora. The new season started just a while ago.
What makes it special: Klaatu does the show alone, but somehow still manages to keep it dynamic and interesting. Also, the podcast features some cool sci-fi music which I enjoy listening to.
Dan Lynch and Fabian Aleksandar Scherschel are two Linux users who produce an interesting and funny Linux show each week. That’s why Linux Outlaws is mostly focused on new distros releases, bashing Microsoft and miscellaneous news, so check it out if you want to hear some cool comments and rants (while laughing until you piss your pants (check the rhyme)).
What makes it special: Just like the Linux Action Show (more on that later in the post), the audio quality is phenomenal (I believe both hosts have some experience in audio production). Dan and Fab’s jokes never get old, the atmosphere is laid-back, and it’s always interesting to hear a podcast made by an international crew.
“HEEEEEEEEY, BRIAN! “
The LAS is a fast-paced, informative and engaging (gosh, I hope I used that adjective right) podcast done by Chris and Brian of Jupiter Broadcasting (fame). The release “cycle” of each season is bi-weekly. The hosts always produce a hi-quality show with lots of interesting topics, news and reviews (the reviews are very well done). It is a podcast for both new users and experienced Linux nerds alike.
What makes it special: Don’t be surprised if you first think the show is recorded after smoking ridiculous amounts of crack. Just a little warning.
The Linux Link Tech Show, or TLLTS
TLLTS is recorded live by a group of experienced Linux users, based in the USA. It is the oldest Linux podcast I know of. Normally, the shows are very long, and the ‘frame’ is pretty lose, but Pat, Dann, Allan and Linc do a very entertaining show each week. The most interesting shows are probably the interviews: the TLLTS crew has interviewed a whole lot of famous (and infamous) people of the open-source world.
What makes it special: The show is, quite surprisingly very engaging, as it has an extremely ‘natural’ feeling to it - the show is recorded live, there are always glitches or dead air, but that’s what makes it fun, really. TLLTS’ Dann keeps a list of other Linux podcasts.
The Distrowatch Weekly is basically an ‘audio-book’ version of the Distrowatch Weekly Newsletter. DW Weekly is always well written, so it’s also pretty good in audio form.
“DistroWatch.com, the popular Linux distribution news and information site, publishes a weekly news and commentary section. Russ Wenner reads Ladislav Bodnar’s content, and adds a little of his own. “
What makes it special: Distrowatch.com’s featured stories are something no-one should miss, especially if you want to hear cool interviews or find out something new about GNU/Linux’ history or architecture. So why not listen to it?
That’s about it. Do you have any GNU/Linux podcasts you’d like to share with us? Please comment!
On a side note, I also do a GNU/Linux podcast (in English) with a friend from Lithuania.
September 1st, 2008 at 17:54
I didn’t even know there were podcasts about Linux… I guess I should have realised that there were!
Great list, great post. Many thanks, Gary.
September 2nd, 2008 at 05:32
Hey man, thanks for the kind words and linking to our site! Glad you enjoy the show!
-Chris
September 2nd, 2008 at 06:52
Though I haven’t listened in a long time due to a change in working arrangements, TLLTS is a great show and is singlehandedly responsible for me lasting at one job as long as I did. The work was mind numbingly boring (data entry) but with the podcast blasting away on my headphones it was not a problem.
September 2nd, 2008 at 14:53
Thanks for posting this list. I was only aware of a couple of these. I am, however, still mourning the demise of LUG Radio.
September 2nd, 2008 at 16:00
I used to listen to a couple of podcasts, but then i tuned out for a minute.
The first linux podcast i came across i think was called TLS, The Linux Show, which lasted for a while.
The other one’s i listened to were TLLTS, LUG Radio, LottaLinuxLinks, Sourcetrunk, and BSDTalk.
Each had there own flava about them which caught my attention and made then informative and interesting to download and listen to.
Example:
LottaLinuxLinks: Southern accent, records while driving.
Sourcetrunk: Somewhere from Europe Accent, and choice of beers.
LUG Radio: These guys were just a bunch of funny guys with british accents (LOL). But they are of the net now
ETC………..
September 3rd, 2008 at 23:12
Got to agree with you - the Linux Action Showwwwwwww (lol) is great! Even though I’m in London, the Linux Action Show beats Lug Radio hands down
October 9th, 2008 at 12:42
I liked how LAS spent the last episode trying to claw their way out of vicious flaming they got after their previous comments about the necessity of proprietary software.
I think they are a bit boring. Maybe it is just me being Danish, but they seem a bit overwrought compared to the news and the discussion they serve. You and Peter are much better there - the enthusiasm feels more real with you than with them.
November 13th, 2008 at 00:07
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