It’s time to look at my favorite podcasts for 2026. While some podcasts are perennial mainstays (thus a lot of repeats from 2024 and 2025), others I either stopped listening to, went dormant, or are new additions. Since I usually listen to podcasts while working, I need something to fill time.
Code Switch
Podcast: https://ww.npr.org/podcasts/510312/codeswitch
Code Switch is an NPR podcast that focuses on American society’s treatment of people of color. Given current events under Trump, there’s no shortage of material for them to report about.
Cory Doctorow
Podcast: https://craphound.com/podcast/
Cory Doctorow is a writer, podcaster, and blogger who covers problems with the modern tech industry. Famously, Doctorow coined the term “ensh*ttification” (i.e., “platform decay” for a more G-rated phrase) for how tech platforms, from streaming services to social media, decline in usability over time in the name of maximizing profit.
It’s Been a Minute
Podcast: https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510317/its-been-a-minute
“It’s Been a Minute” is an NPR podcast that covers a range of topics that affect people of color. Some of the topics overlap with those of “Code Switch,” though it’s more focused on popular culture, from the state of Broadway to how TV depicts poorer people.
The Linux Experiment
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/linux-open-source-news/id1663611710
“The Linux Experiment” is mainly a YouTube video series, but it also offers an audio-only version as a standard downloadable podcast. It discusses the creator’s thoughts on the latest Linux and open source news.
On the Media
Podcast: https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/otm
“On the Media” is a weekly public radio program produced by WNYC in New York. The podcast covers issues about American media, including journalism, corporate media, how the press covers certain topics (such as racism), etc.
Tech Won’t Save Us
Podcast: https://www.techwontsave.us/episodes
“Tech Won’t Save Us” is a podcast by Paris Marx about the state of technology, and how it affects the general public. Topics include Silicon Valley’s ties to the Trump administration, the problems with artificial intelligence (AI), interviews with various people in the tech industry, and so on.
The Vergecast
Podcast: https://www.theverge.com/the-vergecast
“The Vergecast” is the podcast for The Verge, a tech news site, which recently switched to daily updates, though keeps its longer weekly roundup episodes. As such, it discusses current tech news, though lately that’s been a heavy focus on AI.
“Vergecast” is also not a fan of the Trump administration’s FCC (for good reason), to the point the weekly roundup podcast has a segment called “Brendan Carr is a Dummy.” Carr is Trump’s FCC head, who, like the rest of the Trump administration, is what one expects.
