Podcasts are an incredible tool for learning, but one thing we find podcasts do well is to provide an engaging platform to take in topics that may, well, lacklustre and turn them into easy-to-follow and somewhat entertaining concepts. For example, how do you make tabular data modelling a riveting ‘must read', or governance and compliance the book you bring on beach vacations - you just can’t! However, when these topics are covered on podcasts, shared with context, and with real-life stories, these concepts that once felt daunting become things we want to spend time with. So, we’ve rounded up a list of seven podcasts that do all of the above; they cover complex topics, are well-produced, and encourage learning with room for question and self-revelation.
So, without further ado, here’s our geeked-out list of ‘must know’ podcasts, as it stands today.
Lex Fridman’s biweekly podcast explores topics ranging from artificial intelligence to philosophy and ethics. With guests that include leading researchers, technologists, government representatives, and thinkers, the show goes into the notion of ethics in security and governance, as well as implications of AI in modern society. You’ll definitely want to tune in for thought-provoking discussions on the intersection of technology and human behavior.
Kyle Polich’s Data Skeptic podcast examines data science topics with an emphasis on critical thinking and scientific methods. Episodes often touch on machine learning, AI, and fraud detection—key areas for security experts. You’ll find its focus on applying data-driven approaches to uncovering threats and vulnerabilities quite interesting.
The Layer 8 Podcast, now in its fifth season, features engaging conversations with social engineers and OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) investigators who share their real-world stories and techniques. Hosted by the Layer 8 Conference, the show explores topics like covert social engineering, OSINT methodologies, and ethical considerations in investigations. You’ll gain valuable insights into attacker tactics, social engineering exploits, and investigative strategies, making this a highly relevant resource for understanding the human and technical aspects of threat intelligence.
TED Radio Hour, produced by NPR and hosted by Manoush Zomorodi, explores some of the most profound and pressing questions of our time with the help of renowned thinkers and TED speakers. Each episode weaves together TED Talks and original interviews, offering fresh perspectives on topics ranging from technology and science to self-perception and societal change. You’ll find value in the show’s ability to contextualize technological advancements and ethical dilemmas, helping you think more broadly about the impact of innovation on society and security.