- August 3, 2026 favourites
A couple of years ago, I wrote about some podcast recs. It's been a while, so I thought I would provide an updated list. Not just some surface-level recs, but the podcasts that I actually listen to regularly. Some of these aren't sexy or cool, but at least I actually listen to them.
1. World Report
I listen to World Report pretty much every day. It allows me to keep a pulse on Canadian and international news without a huge time commitment. If there's a particular story that I'm interested in, then I can follow up. Each episode is ten minutes long, and I typically tune in during my drive to work or while I'm getting ready.
2. Front Burner
This is also peak driving-to-work listening. Once I run through that day's World Report, this is queued up next.
The episodes dive much deeper into a single story, which nicely complements the quick news updates from World Report.
3. Freakonomics Radio
I finished the Freakonomics book a couple of weeks ago, and I've been enjoying the podcast. They discuss topics that I find more engaging than the book but still apply that same economic mindset. It's been fun looking at everyday issues through that lens.
This is a good listen when I'm on a long walk or drive. So far, I've liked "Is America's Obesity Epidemic For Real?", "What Would the World Look Like if Economists Were in Charge?", "How Can We Break Our Addiction to Contempt?", and "Is the U.S. Really Less Corrupt Than China?"
4. Acquired
This is another recommendation that I came across recently. I'm only partway through the "Meta" episode, but I enjoy these really beefy episodes.
They go deep into the backgrounds of founders and the decisions that shaped some of today's biggest companies. Learning about their humble beginnings has been surprisingly inspiring.
5. Climbing Gold
My obsession with Alex Honnold peaked about a year ago. I have deep respect and admiration for his stoicism and mindset. He was actually one of the key individuals who inspired me to focus on more plant-based eating. I've watched interviews and documentaries, and of course, listened to this podcast.
My favourite episode is the interview with Jimmy Chin, whom I also have a lot of respect for. Their rugged grit and can-do attitude are incredibly inspiring.
As a non-climber, I listen to this podcast to learn about a world I'm completely unfamiliar with. Honnold's accomplishments are impressive from the outside, but the true awe comes from the pain, sweat, and perseverance it took to get there.
6. Dalton + Michael / Y Combinator Startup Podcast
I was a huge fan of Dalton and Michael when they first started their podcast at YC. I've looked to them as a North Star when I'm in difficult situations. Their episodes have helped me a lot to cut through the noise and provide clear, mature advice.
My favourite episodes are "How to Deal with Setbacks", "How Future Billionaires Get Shit Done", "Most Important Lifestyle Habits of Successful Founders", "The Cult of Conformity in Silicon Valley", "The Student's Guide to Becoming a Successful Startup Founder", "How to Make the Most of Your 20s", and "This Is What Young Founders Should Focus On". Another recommendation not from Dalton + Michael, but from the YC podcast, is "How to Build the Future: Sam Altman".
Since Dalton Caldwell and Michael Seibel have moved on from YC, they've continued the podcast on a separate network. It's still the same old Dalton and Michael, but they also get to talk about more technical problems. The energy has stayed the same, and so has my listening activity.
7. 6ix Inning Stretch
I come from a family of Jays fans, and I genuinely used to watch every single game. I don't think I've watched a game in a while, to be honest, but I used to listen to 6ix Inning Stretch if my favourite players were being interviewed.
8. Materialism: A Material Science Podcast
This has been another fave for a while. Dr. Sparks talks about Materials Science concepts that are genuinely interesting. Even as an MSE major, I have to say it's not always engaging and fun. I love hearing about the non-conventional ways and industries that MSE concepts are applied.
