Why do I grab most of my news via Podcasts? I have a three-year-old. So as most parents can empathize, you really don't have much time at home since you are faithfully trying to answer every "why" question about the world in general. So truly, the only time I have to catch up with any type of news is in the 30 minute drives to and from work.

Gadget Setup - iPod Nano

My rig is a green eight gig iPod Nano Video that I plug into my car stereo using a Griffin Technology Roadtrip with SmartScan ($100). In the DC area, I’ve pinpointed 91.7 on the FM dial as the best FM setting to transmit from the iPod to the stereo. The Roadtrip comes with a slew of adapters for every type of iPod including the iPhone. I also use this iPod when I run so it also serves as a conduit for my Nike+ setup which I’ll talk about in another post. So to motivate me while on a run, the iPod is loaded with some techno but it’s mostly used for podcasts, photos and golf and gardening instructional videos – interesting combo I know. So here are my faves:

Pardon the Interruption (PTI)

For years, I’ve always loved reading columns penned by Washington Post and primary PTI commentators Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser. In addition to delivering the latest sports news, they’re able to wrap it in witty and at times acerbic commentary as they playfully banter back and forth. Great chemistry which provides great entertainment. A nice thing about the show – not sure if it’s intentional or not -- is both Wilbon and Kornheiser take numerous breaks which allow other sportswriters around the country to participate, keeping the show fresh and allowing you to anticipate either Wilbon or Kornheiser’s return. Highly recommended if you’re a sports junkie. 30 minutes. http://espnradio.espn.go.com/espnradio/podcast/index

This Week in Tech (TWiT)

If you want a different take on the weekly technology news you may read off of CNET, Digg, Wired, et al., check out TWiT. In addition to tech heavy pundits like Leo Laporte, John C. Dvorak, Robert Heron and Patrick Norton who serve as regulars, TWiT consistently features tech VIPs such as Kevin Rose (digg), Jason Calacanis (mahalo) and Steve Wozniak (Apple) to name a few. A bit long however at 2 hours but highly recommended for those who want the tech news with insightful commentary. http://twit.tv/

CNET’s Loaded

I admit that do have a small crush on host Natalie del Conte but really, she delivers more of the hip and cultural tech news which focuses more on consumer releases and social media in about five minutes. Recommended if you want a quick dose of tech news delivered in timely and stylish fashion. http://cnettv.cnet.com/

CrankyGeeks

I’m obviously a John C. Dvorak fan despite the fact I disagree with pretty much everything he’s written. CrankGeeks certainly caters to his pompous and disagreeable disposition and does a great job inviting plenty of guests that fit the same mold. Editorial director for PCMag, Sebastian Rupley certainly serves well as the co-crank as they invite mostly other tech pundits to rehash the week’s tech news. If TWiT is the light side to tech commentary, CrankyGeeks is the dark and lives up to its reputation. Recommended if you have time – 30 minutes – but I still would place TWiT before this podcast. http://www.crankygeeks.com/

Meet the Press

This show obviously is much much different since Tim Russert passed away but still provides me with insightful commentary on top political stories of the week, in particular, the election. I’m still contemplating on whether I leave this show on the rotation since I’m still (re)warming to Tom Brokaw but for sure I’ll keep it on until after Nov 4. You all probably seen an episode on Sunday so it speaks for itself. 43 minutes. feed://podcast.msnbc.com/audio/podcast/MSNBC-MTP.xml

BBC Podcasts

I use to live in England and have always enjoyed British journalism. It must be the accents! Truly, I firmly believe in plugging into a news service outside of the United States since much of the reporting is coming from a different – read non US – perspective. I don’t have a particular favovite BBC podcast channel but tend to listen to the World Report. Highly recommended to grab news that is a fresh alternative from CNN’s continual Britney Spears watch. http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/podcasts/directory/