I listen to several podcasts regularly, and as we move into 2021 I wanted to compile my favorite podcasts from last year. Podcasts are ideal for a busy person because you can listen while driving, washing the dishes, doing yard work, etc. They’re also perfect for someone who loves learning. No matter what your interests are, it’s likely you can find a podcast to help you improve and learn. Let’s jump in.
#5 — MACROVoices, with Erik Townsend
MacroVoices is a podcast focused on analyzing big picture trends and events and how they affect financial markets around the world. I found it on Twitter and started listening early in 2020.
Erik had discovered the significance of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes the disease we now know as COVID-19, and he was telling everyone it was destined to become a pandemic. As I listened and did research myself, I was convinced he was correct. I started preparing in late January.
Over time though, as I listened more and more, Erik soured for me. He seemed increasingly arrogant and “conspiracy theorist-ish” (<– not a word), so I stopped listening. But for the time before COVID-19, God used MacroVoices to help me prepare our family.
#4 — The Bible Project, with Tim Mackie and Jon Collins
You may recognize The Bible Project from their Youtube channel where they publish excellent illustrated videos summarizing books of the Bible.
In their podcast, Tim and Jon dive deep into specific themes in Scripture, and they’ve produced some extremely helpful series. The most helpful for me were:
- Character of God — 14 episodes
- God — 22 episodes, from 2018-2019
- Son of Man — 9 episodes, from 2019
I’m currently listening to their series on The Family of God, and it’s been excellent.
#3 — The Investor’s Podcast Network, with Preston Pysh and Stig Broderson
I started listening to TIP several years ago, and Preston and Stig jump-started my learning in investing. They explain even complex topics simply enough for me to understand. They also interview many of the best thinkers in the macro-investing space today.
They started out reviewing and sharing key concepts from books recommended by the world’s billionaires; these were books various billionaires identified as influential in their lives/careers.
I’ve especially enjoyed the recent series on Bitcoin fundamentals. It’s reinforced my understanding of Bitcoin, helping me distill my last two years of learning about the subject and the potential impact Bitcoin can have on our global monetary networks/systems.
I especially appreciate the humility Preston and Stig exhibit, in direct contrast to someone like Erik Townsend from MacroVoices. They are down-to-earth, humble, and they love learning (as do I).
#2 — The Happy Rant, with Ted Kluck, Barnabas Piper, and Ronnie Martin
Alright, this one’s a fun one. And, it’s not going to be for everyone. I don’t know about you, but I can’t learn all the time. I need some time to decompress, relax, and enjoy some laughs. This podcast affords that for me.
Now, there will be some inside jokes in nearly every “Ep”, and “Big T” and “Big R” often “suss out” some edgy topics (including Mark “Drisky” Driscoll’s historical overly authoritarian pastoral ministry, why hipster reformed young dudes act the way they do, etc.) with some probing “questchs” but it’s all in the spirit of good humor. They don’t take themselves too seriously. Barnabas “Pipe” Piper adds in that serious and sometimes pessimistic vibe, which I appreciate. The Christian life is one of balance after all, right?
#1 — The Briefing, with Albert Mohler
Alright, this podcast is my favorite for many reasons, but here are three:
- Solidly Biblical perspective (worldview)
- Analyses of current societal trends
- A philosophical/intellectual approach to interpreting current events
Dr. Albert Mohler is the President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. He’s an intellectual christian, absolutely brilliant, well-read and well-versed in all things history, and he’s articulate.
I respect his opinions on all subject matter, as I know he has a heart that loves Christ, Scripture, and one that is committed to teaching a Biblical understanding of the world — a Biblical worldview.
Conclusion
So there you have it! These are the podcasts I most enjoyed, and that most impacted me, in 2020. I hope you’re helped by these. Even if you don’t find any of them interesting, there are many more healthy podcasts out there! Go check out Apple’s Podcast app, or the Stitcher app (or any number of other apps). You’ll find something you like.