Today we talk about Podcasts for Energy Professionals! They are like the smart friends you call up whenever you want some advice or to get a new perspective. We choose 10 podcasts we think you energy people will like.
What’s So Great About Podcasts?
In an age of instant messaging, Snapchat, 140-character tweets, the podcast represents in some way a return to a traditional, more human medium – using conversation and storytelling. When I’m tired of reading or staring at a screen but I still feel like some intellectual stimulation, I switch on a podcast. They turn long commutes and tedious house chores into productive time that I even look forward to.
There are some really nice energy podcasts out there perfect for the energy professional. They’ll keep you clued up on industry news and debates, giving you good insights to share with your clients and colleagues. Combine these with other podcasts on your favourite topics of interest (e.g. economy, society, technology, work productivity tips..) and you’ll get a broader perspective to motivate you in your work, and life.
Here’s our selection of ten podcasts to inspire and entertain you.
10 Podcasts to Inspire You (by theme)
ENERGY:
1. The Energy Gang
This is the ultimate energy podcast. By GreenTech Media, it dives into the technological, political, and market forces driving energy and environmental issues. The weekly, 40-minute episodes discuss everything from cleantech, renewables and utility news to climate change. Hosts are energy futurist Jigar Shah, energy policy expert Katherine Hamilton and Greentech Editor Stephen Lacey.
2. Direct Current
When I saw the U.S. Department of Energy has its own podcast, first reaction was “dull”. But after reading a nice review by The Verge I decided to give it a try. And it’s refreshingly well done, so looking forward to some more episodes in this series.
3. Platts Energy Spotlight
If you’re stuck for time, these short 5-10 minute podcasts will give you the latest energy market news, from S&P Global Platts, which is an independent provider of information and benchmark prices for the commodities and energy markets.
4. Behind the Meter
This is the podcast brought to us by Energy Manager Today, which will be a familiar publication to many energy managers. The episodes feature interviews and conversations with commercial and industrial energy managers and energy industry experts.
CLIMATE CHANGE:
5. The Biggest Story in the World
This is a great 12-episode series on climate change produced by the Guardian as part of its #KeepItInTheGround campaign, hosted by former editor-in-chief Alan Rusbridger. It’s from 2015 but still relevant and worth a listen.
TECHNOLOGY:
6. The WIRED podcast
The people at wired.co.uk do a weekly podcast on a whole host of tech topics to satisfy your nerdiest desires, such as solar planes and Pokémon Go.
ECONOMY:
7. Planet Money
Planet Money is a popular podcast about the economy. It covers some interesting topics relevant for people working on energy issues. Recent episodes cover oil, fracking and Brexit.
CITIES:
8. The Urbanist
Coming from Monocle magazine, this is a podcast on making better cities, through new technology, state-of-the-art subways or compact apartments.
CAREERS:
9. Back to Work
Hosts Dan and Merlin take us through an entertaining rambling on productivity, communication, work, barriers, constraints and tools, like home automation.
SOCIETY:
10. Freakonomics
Host Stephen Dubner explores the “hidden side of everything” – from cheating and crime to parenting and sports – chatting with social scientists, entrepreneurs and Nobel laureates.
Hope you enjoy this selection. The U.S. dominates the podcast scene. Be nice to see some more energy podcasts coming from Europe like The biggest story in the world.
Which ones did we miss? Share with us your go-to podcasts by tweeting us or commenting in our LinkedIn Group.
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