8 Recently Launched Podcasts

New podcasts are popping up by the second these days, so this week I’m rounding up a handful of my recent favorites. For more recommendations—including notable history, music, comic book, and film podcasts—head to the archive. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to subscribe to mental_floss’ new podcast, too.

Talk Salad and Scrambled Eggs

Just when you thought Kevin Smith couldn’t fit another podcast into his schedule, he launches this Frasier-themed show with comedian Matt Mira. The duo plan to discuss every episode of the series, and, like most of Smith’s endeavors, it’s his passion for the subject that urges one to keep listening. 

Meanwhile in the Future

What would happen if Earth had a second moon? What if we didn’t need to sleep? So far I’m digging Gizmodo’s new podcast about what the not-too-distant future could look like.

The Giant Beastcast

Ardent gamers (and fans of the popular Giant Bombcast) may want to check out this new offering from the website’s New York-based staff. The guys cover video game news and happenings, like what went down at the recent Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3).

What’s the Point

I’m so intrigued by this podcast from Nate Silver’s FiveThirtyEight, in which guests talk about the interesting, and perhaps history-making, ways they use data. Silver introduces the show in the first episode, and the second features a chat with Neil deGrasse Tyson. 

The Big Podcast with Shaq

Yep, Shaquille O’Neal now hosts a podcast. The laid-back format includes sports-themed interviews (Rick Fox, Dan Patrick) and light chatter that may or may not include Shaq singing "Maneater" by Hall and Oates.

Breakdown

Loved Serial? Then you’re the target audience for Breakdown, a new true-crime podcast from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. In each episode, we learn a little more about a murder case in rural Georgia that may have resulted in an innocent man being sent to prison. It’s a compelling story, and those wanting to delve in further can learn more on the website (though you’ll have to subscribe).

The Late Show Podcast

My only complaint about Stephen Colbert’s podcast is that the episodes are too dang short. In each weekly nugget, we hear about the inner-workings of the new Late Show and what we might expect when it debuts in September. (If nothing else, tune in for Colbert’s hilarious fake ads.) 

The Beginning of the End

Presented by Detroit public radio station WDET, this show from Alex Trajano is off to an excellent start. Each episode deals with how, why, and when things end—relationships, careers, you name it—and how the endings also signaled new beginnings. It’s kind of like This American Life, if each story included something going terribly wrong. 

And if you wanna make your own... 

The WNYC Podcast Accelerator launched an open call for podcast pitches through July 15. One winner will get to produce a pilot with a WNYC producer.