Buzz
As someone who listens to many podcasts, many of which can be classified as 'nerdy,' I've come to realize the sheer level of specialized nerdiness in some of these shows. Here's a curated list of 15 cherished, deeply focused, and niche nerdy podcasts for you to enjoy.
1. The X-Files Files
Kumail Nanjiani's The X-Files Files offers an in-depth re-watch of The X-Files, with an ever-growing roster of guests and insightful analysis of the show. Whether you're a fan who's seen every episode or a complete newcomer, this podcast invites you to watch two episodes at a time while providing detailed commentary, often including historical context and production notes.
Kind of Nerd: The X-Files enthusiast.
Show Format: Two people chatting. (Usually Nanjiani and a local friend from Los Angeles; occasionally joined by The X-Files writers or other creators.)
Where to Begin: Episode 1, "Pilot," "Deep Throat" with Devin Faraci. It's helpful (though not required) if you've watched the first two episodes of The X-Files recently. The show is available on Netflix, so there's really no reason not to jump in.
How to Subscribe: Feral Audio or search for it in iTunes.
2. The Pen Addict
It might seem unbelievable that a podcast all about the love of pens could reach 132 episodes and still be going strong. But that's exactly why The Pen Addict is so great. I personally have pretty simple pen preferences (a Pilot "Dr. Grip" does the job), but hosts Brad Dowdy and Myke Hurley delve into the finer aspects of the writing experience. When the pen discussions slow down, they also talk about paper, ink, and even (gasp!) pencils.
Type of Nerd: Pen aficionado.
Show Format: Two guys having a conversation (about pens). Often joined by a guest.
Where to Start: "The Daily Carry," an episode where the hosts talk about the types of pens (and notebooks/paper) they carry on a daily basis. Much of the conversation also covers how they organize their notebooks, including their preferred notebook brands. Definitely worth a listen.
How to Subscribe: Relay FM or search in iTunes. (Also, be sure to visit Dowdy's detailed website.)
3. Naval History Podcast
Buckner F. Melton, Jr. is an expert in naval history with extensive qualifications. He's authored books on the subject, hosts a podcast (arguably the podcast) about it, and more. I'll quote from his podcast's "About" page:
After writing two volumes on naval history and struggling to find a good, accessible, up-to-date textbook on world naval history, I decided to write one myself. Around the same time, I thought creating a companion podcast could be an interesting project. The outcome is what you're now viewing.
This podcast is exceptional, primarily because it’s so specific. I believe that fans of naval history will love it, while those who aren't interested in the subject—well, they can look elsewhere on this list!
Type of Nerd: Naval history expert.
Show Format: Narration/lecture-style.
Where to Begin: Episode 1: An Introduction to Sea Power, where Melton highlights how seafaring has historically been a frontier for technological progress, long before innovations like electricity, cars, or computers captured our attention.
How to Subscribe: Naval History Podcast site.
4. The Internet History Podcast
Brian McCullough's Internet History Podcast explores the history of the Internet, beginning with Netscape and ending with the iPad. It's not a complete history of the Internet, but rather focuses on a specific period between these two points (so, yes, expect plenty of AOL and Prodigy talk). The podcast starts with McCullough reading from his book about the era, then quickly transitions into "supplementary" episodes featuring interviews with key figures from this time, like engineers from Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer, or people who worked for online services in the '90s. McCullough returns with chapter episodes (like a free audiobook released in parts) every few months.
Note: I met Brian earlier this year and appeared on his show twice for "analysis" episodes. That should give you a sense of just how nerdy this podcast is. I don’t get paid or compensated in any way for this, I just really enjoy it.
Type of Nerd: Internet history enthusiast (especially great for those into '90s Internet history).
Show Format: Varies. Sometimes it's McCullough reading chapters from his ongoing book, but the majority of episodes feature interviews with people who worked on early Internet projects.
Where to Begin: "She Gave the World a Billion AOL CDs - An Interview with Marketing Legend Jan Brandt." If you’ve ever wondered why those AOL CDs (and floppies) seemed to be everywhere, this is the episode for you.
How to Subscribe: Internet History Podcast site (with clear links to iTunes, Stitcher, and a simple RSS feed).
5. Hello Internet
On Hello Internet, C.G.P. Grey and Brady Haran chat about a wide variety of topics, which is what makes the show so enjoyable. Both are professional YouTube creators, a job that's pretty unconventional. While the podcast isn't specifically about YouTube, it delves into their individual interests—Haran's fascination with plane crashes, Grey's thoughts on education, robots, and Kindle typography, and even the time Haran had a barn owl in his house. It's an intelligent, humorous exchange between two people who contribute to a unique corner of the Internet. For me, this was the standout new podcast of 2014.
Type of Nerd: YouTube producer/plane crash enthusiast.
Show Format: Two guys talking.
Where to Start: You could begin with the first episode,
How to Subscribe: Hello Internet site or check out the Hello Internet YouTube channel (note: the YouTube channel lags behind the audio episodes, but it includes some extra content!).
6. Oh No, Ross and Carrie!
Oh No, Ross and Carrie! is an investigative podcast where the hosts dive into fringe science, spirituality, and the paranormal (...so you don't have to). Ever been curious about reiki or wondered if dowsing actually works? This is the show for you.
Type of Nerd: Skeptic enthusiast.
Show Format: Two hosts recount their experiences. (Occasionally featuring guests or field recordings.)
Where to Begin: Ross and Carrie Try Oil Pulling. It's as disgusting as it is fascinating.
How to Subscribe: Visit the Oh No, Ross and Carrie page on Maximum Fun.
7. Random Trek
Podcasting: the final frontier. This is the domain of Scott McNulty (and his guests). Their mission? To watch Star Trek episodes, find fresh jokes, and boldly go where no podcast has ventured before.
Basically, they select a random Trek episode (from any series or season) and dive into discussion. It's really fun.
Type of Nerd: Star Trek aficionado.
Show Format: The host and a guest chat about Trek.
Best Starting Point: "Indiscretion" (DS9) with John Siracusa. It's especially intriguing because Siracusa isn't all that into Star Trek (he's more of a Star Wars fan), but he's game to explore. Plus, it's amusing when he says "Cardassians" like "Kardashians."
How to Subscribe: Visit the Random Trek site.
8. The Golden Horseshoe Review
Now, I’m not exactly a Disney park enthusiast. I’ve visited the Florida parks a few times, but that’s about it. What really fascinates me is hearing others talk about it—especially the experts who've seen it all and have strong opinions about everything. That’s the vibe on The Golden Horseshoe Review. Hosts Alex Pasco, Greg Maletic, and Louie Mantia are true Disney Pros in my book.
Kind of Nerd: Disney park enthusiast. (As someone who's not exactly a Disney park expert, I'm not entirely sure if the term "theme park" is the correct one—seasoned fans often say "Disney park"—but I'm going with it here.)
Show Format: Panel-style discussions.
Best Episode to Start: Episode 43: Alex and Cabel in Tokyo, Part 1. What’s the deal with Tokyo Disneyland? And its strange new hotel? Plus, the merchandise? Oh, and can people actually wait in line like they’re supposed to? Let the professionals fill you in. (With special guest Cabel Sasser!)
How to Subscribe: Find it on iTunes.
9. Slate's Serial Spoiler Specials
Sometimes, a podcast becomes so influential that it creates a universe of spin-offs. Serial is one such podcast. On Slate's Serial Spoiler Specials, Slate writers dive deep into the episodes of Serial. It’s fascinating when media professionals discuss the media itself, because the conversation isn’t just about Serial's content, but also about the production and journalistic processes behind it. Given that Serial deals with a real-life crime, there’s a lot to explore in terms of investigative journalism. Be warned: it’s full of spoilers by design.
If you’re into this, you might also enjoy Serial Serial from The A.V. Club.
Kind of Nerd: Obsessed with the Serial podcast.
Format of Show: Panel discussion style.
Start Here: Serial Ep. 5: Slate's Spoiler Special. For further insight, check out Rabia Chaudry's blog.
Subscribe Here: Slate's Serial Spoiler Specials on iTunes.
10. HowSound
In HowSound, Rob Rosenthal takes listeners behind the scenes of radio journalism, revealing the intricacies of the production process. This can involve discussions on journalistic ethics or diving into the technical aspects, like how to record audio or edit a story for clarity. As a fellow public radio enthusiast, I find it absolutely captivating to see how radio stories come together.
If you're serious about creating radio or podcasts, it's essential to check out Transom.org.
Kind of Nerd: (Public) radio production geek.
Format of Show: Interview/critique.
Place to Start: #17 - Krulwich on Gorilla Cage Drama. Robert Krulwich, a key figure from Radiolab, is behind countless stories on radio. In this episode, Rob and Robert dive into a Radiolab segment about gorilla enclosures, bringing their knack for storytelling to life.
Subscribe Here: HowSound's page on PRX.
11. How Rude!
I'll admit it: I'm not a huge How Rude! listener. Yes, I grew up watching Full House and can still picture Uncle Jesse and the whole gang dancing to "Kokomo." Yes, Bob Saget still leaves me scratching my head. But here's the thing: There's an entire podcast dedicated to Full House, and while I may not be fully immersed in it, they definitely should CUT IT OUT. (Get it?)
Kind of Nerd: Full House enthusiast. (Yes, the classic TV sitcom.)
Format of Show: Two guys chatting, frequently joined by a guest.
Place to Start: Ep. 1: Unaired Pilot / Our Very First Show.
Subscribe Here: How Rude! on iTunes (or Libsyn).
12. The Walking Deadcast
Alright, here's another TV podcast, but this one's different because it often features actual stars from the show. The Walking Deadcast is pretty much exactly what you'd expect: recap, deep dive, and general appreciation for the series. Hosts Jason Cabassi and Karen Koppett are dedicated Walking Dead fans who keep you updated on all the Walking Dead news you could ever need.
Kind of Nerd: The Walking Dead fan.
Format of Show: Panel discussions, occasionally featuring guests or even stars from The Walking Dead.
Place to Start: If you're new to the podcast but keep up with the show, I recommend starting with the latest episode, 164: "Coda" (S5E8). After that, dive into the archives and explore your favorite episodes. (The one featuring Eugene (Josh McDermitt) is particularly enjoyable, especially the segment on Eugene's "resting [redacted] face.")
Subscribe Here: Walking Deadcast Subscribe page (it'll guide you to iTunes).
13. When You Hear This Sound
From mental_floss writer Rob Lammle comes When You Hear This Sound, a podcast dedicated to the nostalgic read-along vinyl records many of us enjoyed back in the day. Rob gives us a detailed intro to each record, followed by the record itself. Heads up: while the quality of the records varies, they mostly have a delightfully retro feel. Whether that hits the right note for you is up to you!
Kind of Nerd: Read-along vinyl record book enthusiast. (Yes, I know—those words don't seem to make much sense when put together for too long.)
Format of Show: Host plus a vinyl record.
Place to Start: Definitely Episode 13 - Christmas in the Stars, which features the Star Wars Christmas Album (!!!)
Subscribe Here: When You Hear This Sound site.
14. The Ragged Antique Phonograph Program
On The Ragged Antique Phonograph Program, you’ll get a chance to hear something rare—old 78-rpm records and wax cylinders played live on WFMU. These are sounds you can’t find anywhere else, unless you happen to be a collector with access to old playback equipment. (For those not in the know, a "78" refers to an old 78-rpm record.)
Kind of Nerd: Fan of late 19th and early 20th-century recordings.
Format of Show: Host + guest + vintage music.
Place to Start: Check out the Frank Crumit special from September 29, 2009, featuring Ian Gibbs. (Also worth a listen is this episode full of early wax cylinder recordings.)
Subscribe Here: You can find it on iTunes or visit WFMU's podcast central page.
15. Song Exploder
I am absolutely a fan of Song Exploder. In this show, host Hrishikesh Hirway sits down with musicians to explore how they crafted their songs. Sometimes they dive into the technical aspects of the recording process (like how layering tracks creates a particular vibe), and other times, they talk about the songwriting itself, like in the lively, hilarious episode with Hutch Harris from The Thermals). A standout feature of this show is how Hirway seamlessly integrates the music into the conversation, with production quality that’s uncommon in podcasts.
Kind of Nerd: Enthusiast of music production.
Format of Show: A blend of interview and music, often interwoven. The typical format features the song, followed by an interview that includes key segments of the song, and sometimes the song again. This method is great for those who may not be familiar with the track before listening, as it highlights specific details in the music.
Place to Start: Begin with the first episode and feel free to jump around later. Start with Episode 1: The Postal Service, where Jimmy Tamborello from The Postal Service talks about how he and Ben Gibbard managed to create "The District Sleeps Alone Tonight" in 2002, despite being in different cities. The best part is hearing about Jenny Lewis's backing vocals and the happy accident that led to the loop.
