The Double-Speed Life: Podcasts, Audiobooks, and the Art of Listening
In the quiet moments of cycling to the office, chopping vegetables for dinner, or folding a week's worth of laundry, my mind is rarely idle. These are the pockets of time when podcasts and audiobooks weave their way into my life. Played at double speed, they transform the mundane into the productive, filling otherwise wasted minutes with insights, debates, and ideas. They are not just tools for efficiency; they are windows into deeper thinking and richer conversations. For me, they are also a defense against a world often dominated by mediocrity and unoriginality—a reminder that excellence, wit, and intellectual curiosity are alive and well.
Below, I share the podcasts I regularly listen to—each unique, each offering something valuable, and each reflecting the personalities of their hosts. These programs have become essential listening for me, shaping my understanding of the world, challenging my perspectives, and, in some cases, simply entertaining me during long stretches on the road.
The All-In Podcast
Started: 2020
Hosts: David Sacks, Jason Calacanis, Chamath Palihapitiya, and David Friedberg
Why It’s Good: A no-holds-barred discussion on tech, politics, and economics from Silicon Valley heavyweights.
Recent News: David Sacks' involvement with Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign has stirred debate about tech's role in politics.
Few podcasts capture the zeitgeist of Silicon Valley like The All-In Podcast. Hosted by four venture capitalists—David Sacks, Jason Calacanis, Chamath Palihapitiya, and David Friedberg—it offers a blend of insider tech gossip, sharp economic analysis, and irreverent humor. The podcast began during the COVID-19 lockdown as a way for friends to stay connected, but it quickly gained a cult following among tech enthusiasts and investors.
Each host brings a distinct flavor: Sacks, a PayPal Mafia member, offers sharp political insights and venture capital expertise; Calacanis, an early Uber investor, injects energy and street smarts; Palihapitiya, a former Facebook executive, combines big-picture thinking with bluntness; and Friedberg, a data scientist turned entrepreneur, often dives into technical and scientific issues. The group has hosted notable guests, including Tesla’s Elon Musk and former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. Recent episodes have seen Sacks grapple with his role in Trump’s campaign, a move that has divided listeners but underscored his prominence in political circles. The dynamic interplay of personalities and timely topics makes this a must-listen for anyone navigating the intersections of technology, business, and society.
EconTalk
Started: 2006
Host: Russ Roberts
Why It’s Good: Thoughtful conversations on economics, philosophy, and the human condition with an intellectual, yet accessible tone.
Recent Guests: Nobel laureates like Paul Romer and celebrated authors like Michael Lewis.
If you ever wondered what economics might sound like over a coffee table discussion, EconTalk is the answer. Hosted by Russ Roberts, a Hoover Institution fellow, the podcast has been running for nearly two decades, tackling topics as diverse as behavioral economics, free-market principles, and the ethics of AI. Roberts has a knack for making economics human, weaving in philosophy, psychology, and even poetry to illuminate big ideas.
Unlike the rapid-fire debates of some shows, EconTalk thrives on depth and nuance. Roberts asks probing questions, often challenging his guests to defend their assumptions. Notable episodes have featured Michael Lewis dissecting the 2008 financial crisis and Paul Romer discussing innovation and economic growth. It’s a podcast that values intellectual rigor without the arrogance—perfect for those who appreciate thoughtfulness in a world of hot takes.
The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg
Started: 2017
Host: Jonah Goldberg
Why It’s Good: A conservative yet idiosyncratic take on politics, culture, and history, blending humor and sharp commentary.
Recent Topics: The state of conservatism in America, media polarization, and the rise of illiberalism.
Jonah Goldberg’s The Remnant is a refreshing antidote to the hyper-partisan shouting matches that dominate political discourse. Goldberg, a senior editor at The Dispatch and author of Liberal Fascism, approaches politics with a mix of intellectual conservatism and self-deprecating humor. He’s unafraid to critique his own side, which makes the podcast stand out in a polarized media landscape.
Goldberg frequently hosts political scholars, journalists, and public intellectuals. Recent guests include David French on the future of American democracy and Yuval Levin on institutional decay. The show delves into the deeper currents shaping our society, from the decline of civic institutions to the challenges of maintaining free speech in the digital age. For anyone tired of binary thinking, The Remnant offers a more nuanced perspective.
The Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe
Started: 2005
Hosts: Steven Novella and the SGU "Rogues"
Why It’s Good: A deep dive into critical thinking, science news, and debunking pseudoscience.
Recent Topics: The psychology of conspiracy theories, AI in healthcare, and the ethics of gene editing.
For fans of science and skepticism, The Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe is a staple. Hosted by neurologist Steven Novella and a panel of “rogues,” the show aims to promote scientific literacy and critical thinking. Each episode tackles recent science news, explores historical misconceptions, and debunks pseudoscientific claims, from homeopathy to UFO sightings.
What sets SGU apart is its ability to balance rigor with entertainment. The hosts often discuss listener-submitted questions, play science trivia games, and highlight "Science or Fiction" segments. In an era where misinformation spreads like wildfire, The Skeptics’ Guide is a bastion of reason—and a reminder that skepticism is as much about curiosity as it is about doubt.
Listen to The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe
The Good Bad Billionaire
Started: 2023
Host: BBC
Why It’s Good: A fresh exploration of wealth, power, and morality through the lens of billionaires’ lives.
Recent Episodes: Profiles of Elon Musk, Oprah Winfrey, and Warren Buffett.
Newer to the podcast scene, The Good Bad Billionaire from the BBC examines the lives of the world’s richest individuals, probing whether their impact on society is ultimately good or bad. Each episode offers a detailed portrait, blending biography with broader questions about the morality of wealth and power.
What makes this podcast interesting is its willingness to explore complexity. Elon Musk’s ambitions are weighed against his controversial decisions; Oprah Winfrey’s philanthropy is contrasted with critiques of her influence. The show doesn’t settle for simple narratives, making it an engaging listen for anyone curious about the forces shaping our economic and cultural landscape.
Listen to The Good Bad Billionaire
Why I Listen and Why You Should Too
These podcasts have become more than background noise for me. They’re tools for understanding the world, challenging my biases, and occasionally, just making me laugh. Whether it’s the bold bets discussed on The All-In Podcast, the thoughtful economic debates on EconTalk, or the skeptical lens applied to science on SGU, each offers something unique.
Listening on double speed, I manage to absorb more in less time—a small victory in a world that always feels one step ahead. And if you’re curious to explore these for yourself, here’s an affiliate link to get started with your own listening journey (no pressure, just me trying to fund my coffee habit). Happy listening—and thinking.