Self-driving cars and internet hackers: 9 podcasts helping to decode the world’s latest tech

Talking about technology can sometimes get…dull. And it shouldn’t even be dull! We are in the golden age of tech, with advancements in the field rapidly changing the world. Luckily, we have a list of tech podcasts both discussing the newest growth in technology and business and society’s evolution around it’s improvements.

How do we regulate social media without infringing on rights to free speech? How will self-driving cars be treated in court after an accident? How does one become a hacker for a living?

Whether you’re looking for podcasts all about the newest tech news or desperate to hear how technology is impacting (or will be impacting) our everyday lives, then this list is here for you! These podcasts are breaking everything down both for the expert and the novice. No matter what you’re looking for (we even have a little dose of true crime in this list), we think you’ll find it in these tech podcasts.

Land of the Giants

If you’re looking for a podcast telling you about big tech and how it’s affecting our society, then “Land of the Giants” may just be for you. Each season, host Peter Kafka covers the biggest innovations coming out of the world’s biggest tech companies: Amazon, Netflix, Google, Apple, and more. He explores the world-changing products, practices, and alterations to the norm that these big tech companies keep pumping into the world, and how all of this continues to change the companies themselves.

Recode Daily

From Recode and Vox Media Podcast Network, “Recode Daily” is absolutely where you should go to get daily updates on what’s new in technology. Every weekday, this podcast is guiding us through the most interesting and important business and tech news. Learn, first and foremost, what 5G is and why people don’t want it near airports, hear about the latest TikTok trends (and why they’re important), unwrap Spotify Wrapped, and so much more with “Recode Daily.”

Clockwise

“Clockwise” is four hosts (two regular, two guests) and four topics coming at you rapid-fire. Dan Moren, Mikah Sargent, and two guests discuss the current issues (well, debates) in tech, from what screen time is doing to our eyes and brains, to the dilemma of choice when it comes to streaming services, to discussions about messaging apps. Oh, also, each episode is closely watched to make sure it stays under 30 minutes. Talk about efficiency.

Darknet Diaries

This is true crime meets tech. “Darknet Diaries” is where you can find true stories about the dark and dangerous corners of the internet and technology. Hear about a rigged Puerto Rican election, the people who are hired to hack company systems, zero day brokers, the terrifying problem with Kik, as well as the greatest hacks in history, from Sony to LinkedIn. Seriously, “Darknet Diaries” is where you should be if you’re looking for stories about the most advanced criminals (and information on exactly how they did it).

Decoder with Nilay Patel

From The Verge, “Decoder with Nilay Patel” is a podcast where Verge Editor-in-Chief speaks with the playmakers exploring new frontiers in business and technology. Together, they talk about navigating the evolving technological landscape, the things keeping them up at night, and what sort of future they are working towards. Hear how Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg is racing to keep up with self-driving cars, how Logitech continues to lead us into our technological future, regulating social media, and more.

Accidental Tech Podcast

“Accidental Tech Podcast” is a two-hour deep dive into technology, Apple, and a whole lot more. Hosts Marco Arment, Casey Liss, and John Siracusa love nerding out over technology, but they also aren’t afraid give critiques. Definitely an Apple-centric podcast (though not Apple-exclusive), the three are able to break things down for novices and experts alike. They are talking tech outside of the tech bubble, discussing societal, cultural, political and economical impacts. Be sure to take a listen – they’ll make two hours fly by like it’s nothing.

Rocket

Finally, some women! There are way too many men in tech. “Rocket” is a RelayFM podcast getting really nerdy; we’re talking anything from tech to comics, movies, games, and books. Hosts Christina Warren, Brianna Wu, and Simone de Rochefort all have unique views and perspectives on the latest tech news, providing us with one of the smartest, funniest tech podcasts out there. Come for their narrations of the train-wrecks that were Theranos and even Anna Delvey, stay for excellent tech talk from three people deep within the industry.

This Week In Tech

“This Week In Tech” is guaranteed to keep you up to date on all of the latest tech news. Host Leo Laporte sits down with the top tech pundits from around the world to discuss the latest trends, innovations, and even scandals. From NASA’s James Webb Telescope to the Metaverse, all the way to BMW’s newest color-changing technology, while episodes are usually a hot two and a half hours, you’ll learn way more than you bargained for.

Reply All

“Reply All” is trying to define the internet. Ongoing since 2014, this podcast talks about human stories and technology, chatting about just trying to survive in the internet age. While sadly, hosts PJ Vogt and Sruthi Pinnamaneni have departed the show, there are plenty of past episodes (and current episodes) to check out. With over 200 episodes, each ranging from 30 to 60 minutes, you can hear all sort of stories from the world wide web.