Top 10 Tech Podcasts for Graduates in 2024

Welcome to the big leagues! You’ve got your degree—or maybe you’ve just celebrated finishing a bootcamp—and now you’re ready to take on the tech world.

But let’s face it, the leap from student to industry pro can be more like a catapult. And what better way to smooth that transition than with killer tech podcasts curated specifically for sharp minds like yours?

Podcasts are often misunderstood by people in tech. What good will a podcast do when your work is inherently visual? That’s a mindset I have seen far too often.

These podcasts aren’t here to help you learn coding syntax but to make you an intrinsically better coder or a developer. They are practical tools that help bridge the gap between dry textbook theories and the real-world tech hustle.

Given the small user base, finding a “good podcast” to safely and successfully invest your time into is usually difficult. So, I’ve done the legwork for you and lined up a mix of podcasts that dive into everything from coding puzzles that’ll stretch your brain to candid chats with tech mavens who’ve been where you stand.

Let’s tune in.

Top 10 Podcasts for Graduates

1. Grumpy Old Geeks

• Podcast Name and Host(s): Hosted by Jason DeFillippo and Brian Schulmeister, both tech veterans with decades of experience in website development and digital strategy.
• Overview of the Podcast: “Grumpy Old Geeks” discusses cybersecurity, Internet privacy, and the tech industry, with a critical and often humorous take on trends and fads.
• Why It’s Perfect for Graduates: The hosts’ blunt and entertaining take on the intricacies of the tech world helps graduates understand the reality of the industry beyond academic theories.
• Availability: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
• Frequency of Episodes: Twice a week.

“Grumpy Old Geeks” is where experience meets irreverence. Hosts Jason DeFillippo and Brian Schulmeister don’t hold back as they dissect the week’s tech news with a healthy dose of cynicism and humour that only veterans can deliver.

What sets them apart is their refusal to sugarcoat the truths of the tech world, making this podcast perfect for graduates who appreciate a side of realism with their insights.

2. Lex Fridman Podcast

• Podcast Name and Host(s): Hosted by Lex Fridman, a researcher at MIT known for his work in human-centred artificial intelligence.
• Overview of the Podcast: The podcast explores topics in AI, deep learning, and human behaviour through conversations with experts and thought leaders.
• Why It’s Perfect for Graduates: It dives deep into complex subjects, perfect for graduates wanting to understand the cutting-edge developments in AI and machine learning.
• Availability: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
• Frequency of Episodes: Weekly.

The “Lex Fridman Podcast” stands out through its unique blend of deep philosophical discussions and cutting-edge tech insights.

Lex Fridman navigates complex topics such as artificial intelligence and human consciousness with a thoughtful calmness, inviting us into profound conversations with some of the brightest minds in tech and academia.

3. Darknet Diaries

• Podcast Name and Host(s): Created and hosted by Jack Rhysider, a seasoned security architect.
• Overview of the Podcast: True stories from the dark side of the Internet, focusing on hackers, breaches, and cybersecurity.
• Why It’s Perfect for Graduates: Offers a real-world glimpse into security threats, helping graduates understand cybersecurity in practice.
• Availability: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
• Frequency of Episodes: Bi-weekly.

“Darknet Diaries” offers a thrilling peek behind the curtain of the digital underworld. Host Jack Rhysider expertly crafts tales of cybercrime and tech intrigue that are as engaging as any detective novel.

It’s the go-to podcast for graduates fascinated by the intersection of technology and security, providing real-world cybercrime stories that are meticulously researched and masterfully presented.

4. Waveform: The MKBHD Podcast

• Podcast Name and Host(s): Hosted by Marques Brownlee, a renowned tech reviewer on YouTube.
• Overview of the Podcast: Discusses consumer electronics, interviews tech leaders, and breaks down complex tech topics.
• Why It’s Perfect for Graduates: Provides a detailed look at the latest technologies, making it ideal for tech enthusiasts looking to stay ahead in the industry.
• Availability: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
• Frequency of Episodes: Weekly.

Marques Brownlee, or MKBHD, brings his signature clarity and enthusiasm from his YouTube channel to “Waveform,” discussing the latest in consumer tech with a relatable and engaging style.

What sets “Waveform” apart is Marques’ ability to break down complex tech into understandable segments, making cutting-edge technology accessible and exciting for everyone, especially tech enthusiasts looking to stay ahead of the curve.

5. The Real Python Podcast

• Podcast Name and Host(s): Hosted by Christopher Bailey, a seasoned Python developer and writer.
• Overview of the Podcast: Focuses on Python programming, its nuances, and its application in professional settings.
• Why It’s Perfect for Graduates: Enhances understanding of Python, from basic programming to advanced data science applications.
• Availability: Spotify, Apple Podcasts.
• Frequency of Episodes: Weekly.

“The Real Python Podcast” is not just another coding podcast; it delves into the intricacies of Python programming with a focus on practical applications and professional development.

Host Christopher Bailey brings a fresh perspective to each episode, exploring Python-related topics and projects that help listeners transition from learning Python to using Python effectively in a professional setting.

6. CodeStory

• Podcast Name and Host(s): Hosted by Noah Labhart, a tech leader and startup founder.
• Overview of the Podcast: Tech leaders recount their process of building great software and making technology decisions.
• Why It’s Perfect for Graduates: Offers firsthand insights into the software development lifecycle and decision-making in startups.
• Availability: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
• Frequency of Episodes: Bi-weekly.

“CodeStory” is an oasis for tech graduates keen on the human stories behind code.

Host Noah Labhart interviews tech leaders about the emotional journey of building software, offering insights that go beyond code to the heart of tech entrepreneurship. Each episode is a narrative journey into building a tech product, providing both inspiration and practical advice.

7. IoT Podcast: Over the Air

• Podcast Name and Host(s): IoT industry leaders host this informative and future-focused podcast.
• Overview of the Podcast: Focuses on Internet of Things technology, industry trends, and innovations.
• Why It’s Perfect for Graduates: Helps listeners understand the expanding world of IoT, a crucial part of modern tech ecosystems.
• Availability: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
• Frequency of Episodes: Weekly.

Focusing on Internet of Things (IoT) and emerging tech, “Over the Air” is perfect for graduates looking to connect their broad tech knowledge with specific applications.

The podcast shines in its ability to make the complexities of IoT technology accessible and engaging, exploring how these technologies are reshaping the world around us.

8. Accidental Tech Podcast

• Podcast Name and Host(s): Hosted by Marco Arment, Casey Liss, and John Siracusa, three developers and tech enthusiasts.
• Overview of the Podcast: Discussions about contemporary technology, programming, and trends.
• Why It’s Perfect for Graduates: Great for developers looking to connect programming with day-to-day tech usage and industry trends.
• Availability: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
• Frequency of Episodes: Weekly.

“Accidental Tech Podcast” features a trio of developers discussing tech in an unusually open-ended format that allows for spontaneous and deep dives into topics that matter.

The podcast excels in translating developer-speak into layman’s terms and is peppered with personal anecdotes and jokes, making it as entertaining as it is educational.

9. a16z

• Podcast Name and Host(s): Produced by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), a well-known Silicon Valley venture capital firm.
• Overview of the Podcast: Covers a broad range of topics in tech, including news, trends, and interviews with industry leaders.
• Why It’s Perfect for Graduates: Provides a comprehensive view of how technology intersects with business and culture, offering strategic insights.
• Availability: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
• Frequency of Episodes: Multiple times a week

From the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, a16z podcast brings you high-level discussions about technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

It’s geared towards graduates who are interested in the intersection of technology and business, and those considering startups or venture capital careers.

10. Unchained by Laura Shin

• Podcast Name and Host(s): Hosted by Laura Shin, a former Senior Editor at Forbes and a crypto/blockchain journalist.
• Overview of the Podcast: Focuses on how cryptocurrency and blockchain are changing the tech industry.
• Why It’s Perfect for Graduates: Offers in-depth discussions on blockchain technology and its implications, essential for anyone interested in fintech.
• Availability: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
• Frequency of Episodes: Weekly.

Unchained is a must for tech grads curious about blockchain and cryptocurrency. Laura Shin, a senior editor at Forbes, interviews pioneers in the blockchain industry, providing amazing insights into this ever-changing dynamic field.

My Criteria for Selecting Tech Podcasts for Graduates

Selecting the right tech podcasts as a recent graduate isn’t just about hitting play on the most popular or high-tech show you find. Instead, it’s about identifying those that truly align with your journey from academia into the professional realm.

Here’s what I usually look at for my students:

1. Depth of Content: You’re past the basics, so the podcasts on your playlist should challenge and expand your understanding.
2. Real-World Applications: Theories and concepts are great, but how do they apply in the real world? Podcasts that discuss case studies, practical applications, and industry innovations provide a bridge between your academic knowledge and professional expectations.
3. Insider Insights: There’s no substitute for experience.
4. Continued Learning and Certification: As tech evolves, so must your skills. Podcasts that keep you abreast of the latest certifications, courses, and educational tools ensure you continue to grow your capabilities and stay competitive in the job market.