Over the Thanksgiving break I’ve had the chance to catch up on a few things. I’ve been diligently completing client work, trying to start a few of my own side projects, and have also begun preparing for some big changes in the coming year.

During my ‘free time’, I have rekindled the old flame that is my iPod Mini. I know, I know, the Mini, I am so 3 months ago. Instead of selling it for $45 on eBay, I have decided to have a look through my podcast feeds and start listening to the stuff that’s been sitting in iTunes for a while. So I began weeding through my subscriptions, keeping the ones I liked and discarding the ones that talked too much about cats. After I separated the good from the down right horrible, I had a nice collection centered around web standards, design and usability. Although none quite compare to Tiki Bar TV, I have listed some of my favorites below.

Web Design Podcast (boagworld.com)

This podcast is “for those involved in designing, developing and running websites”. The Web Design Podcast is one of my favorites because although not always on the bleeding edge of technology, it provides a great perspective on web standards and usability that is useful for both the novice and experienced web authors. The shows are well thought out and the blog helps to answer any questions you might have. Apart from putting up with the occasional crack on Americans, Paul Boag and Marcus Lillington provide a great podcast chalk-full of valuable web information.

The Web 2.0 Show

If you are a Web 2.0 junky and can’t get enough of your favorite buzz words, then this show is for you. As the name implies, it’s all about the ‘New Web’ – using existing technologies in a fresh and user-centric way. I have listened to 3 episodes and must say that overall I find this podcast informative although admittedly hard to listen to at times. It might just be me, but this podcast seems like it needs a shot in the arm. One of the co-hosts, Josh Owens, sounds like he swallowed a bottle of vicodin and killed a 40 oz. just before hitting the record button. This is Web 2.0 people, you are obliged to be excited! However I mean no disrespect as the information is good, the interviews are better, it’s just the presentation needs some work. Like I said, it might just be me so I’ll let you be the judge.

Web Essentials 2005

Although this gathering of extremely influential web developers has been over for almost two months now, the presentations are still available for those of us that couldn’t make it to Australia for the event. These podcasts are an absolute must have for anyone that is serious about designing with web standards. With featured speakers such as Eric Meyer, Jeffrey Veen, Kelly Goto, and a keynote by Molly Holzschlag, you truly are listening to standards royalty. This will be one to keep going back to for information, insight and inspiration.

Bonus Material

There are a few other podcasts that I would like to recommend. Although not all are dedicated to the subject of web design and development, they have been useful to me along the way.

43 Folders – No-nonsense personal productivity at it’s finest. A humorous look at simple ways to make your life better.

BusinessWeek – Technology and You – Tech tips from Steve Wildstrom that help people understand and use technology to enhance their jobs and lives.

BlueWave Media Cafe -
“A podcast about surviving and succeeding in marketing your small business.” Although not the longest podcast available, there is some good information about small business and creative ways to market yourself and your business.

Entrepreneur’s Journey by Yaro Starak -
A young person’s perspective on entrepreneurship. The podcast is great, however some of the real gems lie in his blog. Make sure to check out both of them.

So that’s it, some of the many podcasts that I am listening to right now. I would love to hear your feedback on any or all of these, along with others that you are currently enjoying.

I began weeding through my subscriptions, keeping the ones I liked and discarding the ones that talked too much about cats. After I separated the good from the down right horrible, I had a nice collection centered around web standards, design and usability.