We’ve mentioned that we LOVE to learn new things and to listen to shows that challenge our thinking and provide intelligent discussion. And you guys loved Big Picture Science. We’ve found another podcast that does exactly that.

Overheard at National Geographic

This podcast just might make you the most interesting guest at dinner. It’s a weekly podcast in its second season. Exploring the ancient Maya Cave of the Jaguar God. The graffiti of Pompeii. Searching for alien life underground. Each week we’ll dive into one of the curiously delightful conversations we’ve overheard around National Geographic’s headquarters. You’ll be introduced to the explorers, photographers and scientists at the edges of our big, bizarre, and beautiful world.

Some of the recent topics in Season 2 of Overheard at National Geographic:

The Alien Underground

Half a mile below the surface of the earth, in a cave too hot to explore without an ice-packed suit, NASA scientist and Nat Geo explorer Penny Boston clambers around glassy crystals that are taller than telephone poles and wider than dinner tables. But it’s not The Crystal Cave’s grandeur she’s interested in—it’s what may be hibernating inside the crystals. Astrobiologists like Penny Boston scour the Earth’s most hostile environments for microorganisms, to see if they hold clues to what life might look like on other planets—maybe even planets in our solar system.

 Humpback Whale Song of the Summer

There’s a Humpback whale song sensation that’s sweeping the South Pacific. We’ll learn about the burgeoning study of “whale culture”—and why these super smart cetaceans may have a lot more in common with us than we’d ever imagined. 

 Evolution of a Little Liar

Most parents see lying as a cause for worry or reprimand. But some suggest that at young ages it could be a welcome sign of childhood development. We ask writer Yudhijit Bhattacharrjee and researcher Dr. Kang Lee: what does lying tell us about human cognition?

 This is only available on podcasts – you can listen online or subscribe through Spotify or Apple Podcasts (or of course one of our favorites ListenNotes).

We also love that they have transcriptions on their website because sometimes you want to share an interesting fact in an email or text.

We’d really love to hear what you think about this podcast! Let us know what you think and receive a free 1 year subscription to National Geographic magazine (or the digital version – your choice)! Drawing will be held November 22nd. Please only one entry per person.

AT C. Crane, we LOVE to learn new things and to listen to shows that challenge our thinking and provide intelligent discussion. Big Picture Science does exactly that . . . as uncovered by our friend Thomas Witherspoon at SWling.com

Some of the recent topics at Big Picture Science:

Skeptic Check: Brain Gain – Separating pseudo from science in cognitive enhancement.

Looking to boost your brainpower? Listen in.

 True Grit – We’re running out of sand.

Without sand, engineering would be stuck in the Middle Ages.  Wooden houses would line mud-packed streets, and Silicon Valley would be, well, just a valley.  Sand is the building material of modern cities, and we use more of this resource than any other except water and air.  Now we’re running out of it. 

 Granting Immunity – Microbes, fungi, and T-cells.

“Diversity or die” could be your new health mantra. Don’t boost your immune system, cultivate it! Like a garden, your body’s defenses benefit from species diversity.  Find out why multiple strains of microbes, engaged in a delicate ballet with your T-cells, join internal fungi in combatting disease.

Sci-Fi From the Future – Our future portrayed in film.

Are you ready to defer all your personal decision-making to machines?  Polls show that most Americans are uneasy about the unchecked growth of artificial intelligence. The possible misuse of genetic engineering also makes us anxious.

Here is some background on the Big Picture Science podcasts:

They also broadcast on the radio in various locations and times around the country and Canada and New Zealand  http://radio.seti.org/listening_options

Here are all the episodes:  http://radio.seti.org/episodes

Their blog has additional links and information if you want a little more background before deciding to listen to a particular episode.

We would love to hear from you if you listen to Podcasts. What topics and podcasts are your favorites?

In honor of Preparedness Month, if you answer this survey in the comments on our blog, you will be entered to win our CC Solar Observer Emergency Wind Up Radio. Drawing to be held 9/30. Please only one entry per person.

The first Friday of every month we will be featuring a new podcast that we’re listening to here at C. Crane. Our hopes are that we expose you to something new that you may have not heard of before and something you may enjoy. 

What we’re listening to — as recommended by one of our customers

The Today’s Homeowner Podcast Danny Lipford and Joe Truini discuss a variety of projects renovations. They have some call ins and some email questions that they answer. It’s real life challenges that most homeowners can relate to. Danny also has a television show. Their website has a lot of videos as well. They have a down to earth approach and an excellent way with their listeners along with tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your house. They get right into the show and don’t have a lot of discussion around unrelated topics.

Our new favorite podcast listening tool, makes it very easy to listen at your computer without having to download any apps or subscribe, but if you go to the website, it’s easy to subscribe and use your preferred app.

The weekly shows range in time 30 – 45 minutes and then they put out tips throughout the week that are one – two minutes.

Some of the recent topics:

Ep 28. Paint Plight & Repairing Chipped Baseboards
Tips: Cooling off on a Budget
Ep 27. DIY Privacy Wall & Pool Noodle Storage
Ep 26. Widening a Doorway & House Ventilation Strategies

Danny Lipford is America’s home improvement expert. Danny hosts the Emmy-nominated, nationally syndicated Today’s Homeowner TV and Radio Show as well as this podcast. 

Joe Truini is a seasoned contractor and an accomplished author. He is a handy guy, who’s always on the lookout for ways to make the job easier and more efficient.

If you already listen to this and are looking for something similar, here’s a curated list of some similar podcasts

We’re interested – do you prefer to listen to podcasts on your phone, your computer or some other device? Please tell us in the comments and you could win one of our new CC Buds Solo earbuds. Drawing to be held Friday August 23rd. Please only one entry per person.