I’ve been evangelizing podcasts and vidcasts (video podcasts) to everyone who will listen. So, I figure it is time I provide a quick, simple list of my current favorites. You’ll note that the lists are heavy on tech and comedy. This is largely because these “vertical markets” appeal most to early adopters. I have not seen any really valuable, innovative political, news or sports ‘casts. In short, I can find better sources for these topics through traditional media outlets. Over time, I’ll revisit this list from time to time and update it. Until then, if you check out only one item on this list, make it “Ask A Ninja” [iTunes] [Website].

My Top 10 Podcasts
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01) This Week In Tech (TWIT) [iTunes] [Website]

If you loved TechTV’s “The Screensavers” (TSS) before G4TV cannibalized it and shat out “Attack of the Show”, you’ll love TWIT. In fact, TWIT is better than TSS because it is more focused, audio and portable. I listen every week without fail.

02) The Onion Radio News [iTunes] [Website]

If you are a fan of this snarky, faux tabloid, you’ll love this snarly, faux newscast with your host Doyle Redland.

03) DiggNation [iTunes] [Website]

Available in both podcast/vidcast formats, DiggNation is a relevant, yet irreverent look at the week’s top stories from the social news site digg.com. Slashdot is dead to me.

04) Massively Online Gamer [iTunes] [Website]

I’ve played every major MMORPG out with the exception of EVE and SWG. These guys have as well and they are not shy with their opinions. So far, the show is brilliant. Let’s see if the boys can keep it up.

05) MacCast [iTunes] [Website]

Last year, I drank the Macintosh kool-aid and I could not be happier. The MacCast keeps you current on the latest Apple Mac news.

06) Infected [iTunes] [Website]

Another TechTV alum, Martin Sergeant is one twisted mofo. In short, this podcast is sick and wrong. Basically, Martin sits around his kitchen, drinking with friends Gator and Joey and rambles semi-coherently. The fake commercials are priceless goofery.

07) The Circuit [iTunes] [Website]

The only poker podcast worth your time. Mike “the Mouth” Matusow can be grating, but that is his schtick. The interviews with world class poker pros is the ace in the hole.

08) Hometown Tales [iTunes] [Website]

Ghosts, Lake Monsters, The Jersey Devil, Conspiracy Theories. Hometown Tales is a couple of guys who report odd tales from around the country. If your town has a local legend, it will likely end up here. Good, clean fun.

09) Scientific American [iTunes] [Website]

Feed your head. At least one member of this list is erudite and not too geeky.

10) The President’s Weekly Podcast [iTunes] [Website]

Not the real thing, but sadly close the mark anyway. Listen, cringe and chuckle.

My Top 10 Vidcasts (Video Podcasts)
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01) Ask A Ninja [iTunes] [Website]

I wish I had thought of this. All eleven episodes so far are brilliant. Short and funny every time. Perfect for a brain break in the middle of the day.

02) Digital Life TV [iTunes] [Website]

Patrick Norton, also of TechTV, does his TSS thang. It is consistently good.

03) Strongbad Email [iTunes] [Website]

A longtime web favorite has finally come to iTunes. If you do not know Strongbad, you have NO geek street cred. NONE. It looks like these guys are posting everything from the beginning, which is good.

04) Joe Cartoon [iTunes] [Website]

Another web chestnut, Joe Cartoon is one of the first Flash Cartoon hits. “Frog in a Microwave”, now in vidcast form.

05) Photoshop TV [iTunes] [Website]

Great tips and tricks from Scott Kelby and the folks at the National Association of Photoshop Professionals.

06) MacBreak [iTunes] [Website]

Leo LaPorte, TWIT host and TechTV alum, focuses his attention on the Apple world. Good stuff for the Macintosh set.

07) Hak 5 [iTunes] [Website]

Hardcore, hardware and software hacks. interesting tech primers, even if you never crack a case.

08) Gidut [iTunes] [Website]

Good basic level hardware and networking how-tos. If you are just starting out, this is the place to learn.

09) Izzy Video [iTunes] [Website]

Great digital video tutorials for the prosumer level user.

20) Moron Life (Sketch Comedy) [iTunes] [Website]

Goofy troupe comedy in the Monty Python, Kids in The Hall tradition.

Not iTunes Friendly Feeds
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01) Systm [feed]

Hardware hacking and gene real tech how-to from the boys and girls of Revision 3. They really need to get this on iTunes.

‘Casts I want to see …
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The following ‘casts do not exist as far as I know. If you know of something that fits the bill, leave me a link in the comments.

01) News Askew/Silent Bob Speaks
Who does not want to hear the occasional riff from Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes. They sort of do this on the Clerks 2 site, but it needs to be more formalized.

02) An unbiased take on “the news”
Politicians generally suck. On Radio & TV, everyone leans right or left and it shows. Someone needs to use the web to just tell it like it is. Let’s have a real “no spin” zone.

03) Alternative Energy News
Someone please start consolidating news on alternative energy research, development and implementation. This issue is important and we need to raise awareness.

04) Human Rights Watch
Like alternative energy, Amnesty International or a similar organization needs to create a weekly news resource to raise awareness.

05) Natural Sciences Impact
Invasive species, depleted oceans, global warming. The human footprint on the earth needs a central reporting source.

Last week, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a hearing on the “Broadcast Flag” and “Audio Flag,” a set of proposals by the MPAA and RIAA that would stifle innovation by giving content holders a veto over new technologies and existing user rights.

But Senator Stevens, the 82-year old committee chairman from Alaska, surprised the audience by announcing that his daughter had bought him an iPod. Suddenly, Stevens had a much greater understanding of the many ways innovative technology can create choice for consumers. Content industry representatives at the hearing found themselves answering much tougher questions than they typically receive.

That’s why we think all Senators ought to join Stevens’ esteemed company as iPod owners. Rather than wait for every Senator’s daughter, we’re taking matters into our own hands and buying a video iPod for the campaigns of Senators who work on legislation affecting technology. Plus, we’re going to pre-load each one with examples of the cultural richness made possible by sharing and collaboration - public domain content, Creative Commons content, and audio messages about the importance of balanced copyright policy. It will be engraved with the words “listen to the people.” And it will arrive at each Senator’s campaign office with a letter of explanation and a list of all the people who helped pay for it.

IPac - Your Senator Needs an iPod

Power to the people! I donated and I strongly suggest you do as well.