In today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape, staying updated and continuously learning can be daunting, especially for beginners.
Whether commuting, exercising, or relaxing, tuning into a tech podcast can turn passive moments into opportunities for active learning.
This list is tailored not as a definitive top 10 of 2024—such a task would be unrealistic due to the subjective nature of knowledge and personal taste—but as a thoughtful selection aimed at beginners.
While it could easily extend to a top 25, I’ve focused on podcasts that are particularly important for beginners who might have a “speciality” yet.
As such, it is good for beginners to branch out a little. Experts usually focus on podcasts related to them but as a beginner it would be ideal for you to learn about various things before understanding your niche and hobbies.
That’s how I accidentally stumbled onto a homelabs podcasted and started my DIY self hosted journey at home.
Another PSA, this isn’t just a top 10 list. I have included an 11th, yet another tech podcast, as a bonus.
1. The WAN Show
- Hosts: Linus Sebastian and Luke Lafreniere
- Overview: This podcast covers various tech topics, from the latest PC hardware to new tech developments and industry insights.
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: The hosts’ lively discussions make complex topics more approachable and entertaining.
- Where to Listen: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
- Frequency: Weekly
Hosted by Linus Sebastian and Luke Lafreniere, The WAN Show is your weekly ticket to the inner workings of the tech industry. From cutting-edge PC hardware to the latest tech developments, these guys cover it all with a side of geeky humour.
My favourite part about The WAN Show (and the LTT channel) is that Linus has never shied away from bashing a tech company for its wrongdoings.
Tune in for their lively discussions and stay for the occasional tech rant—it’s like having a beer with your tech-savvy friends who can’t stop talking about computers.
2. ThinkComputers Weekly Tech Podcast
- Hosts: Bob Buskirk and Ryan Kerschner
- Overview: Focuses on reviews and discussions about the latest computer hardware.
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: Great for those interested in building or upgrading PCs, with practical advice.
- Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
- Frequency: Weekly
Whether you’re planning to build your dream rig or just love keeping up with the latest GPUs on the market, this podcast is your go-to guide for all things hardware. They break down tech specs in a way that even your grandma would find digestible.
Although you might not become a fan if you don’t want to get into the fundamentals of tech. If you’re here only to get the latest to stay on top of new inventions, you can watch this one sparingly.
3. Intego Mac Podcast
- Hosts: Kirk McElhearn and Josh Long
- Overview: Specifically tailored for iOS users, covering security news, tips, and tricks for Apple enthusiasts.
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: Helps new Mac users understand security and get the most out of their devices.
- Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
- Frequency: Weekly
An absolute must for Mac users! The Intego Mac Podcast, led by Kirk McElhearn and Josh Long, focuses exclusively on all things Apple.
From detailed security advice to tips on getting the most out of your devices, this podcast ensures your Apple ecosystem is both safe and optimised. It’s perfect for newbies who want to become power users without getting lost in the technical jargon.
4. This Week in Tech
- Host: Leo Laporte
- Overview: Roundtable discussion covering the latest news in tech.
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: Provides a broad overview of tech, helping listeners stay informed about the latest trends.
- Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
- Frequency: Weekly
Join Leo Laporte and his rotating panel of tech experts every week for This Week in Tech, a master class in the latest tech trends and debates. Leo’s engaging storytelling and the team’s insights make complex topics accessible and entertaining. If technology had a news show, this would be it—informative, essential, and impossible to miss.
This Week in Tech (or TWIT) also has a few sub-podcasts on specific areas of tech. My favourite one is Security Now which is geared towards cybersecurity and system security.
5. Spark with Nora Young
- Host: Nora Young
- Overview: Explores how technology, innovation, and design affect our lives.
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: Focuses on the impact of tech in everyday life, not just the tech itself.
- Where to Listen: CBC Website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify
- Frequency: Weekly
Nora Young will keep you updated about tech, no ifs ands or buts about it. From how AI is changing our work habits to the impact of wearable tech, Nora asks the questions you didn’t even know you had. It’s smart, insightful, and might just spark your next big idea.
6. Clockwise
- Hosts: Dan Moren and Mikah Sargent
- Overview: A fast-paced discussion of four tech topics in 30 minutes.
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: The concise format makes it easy to digest multiple topics quickly.
- Where to Listen: Relay FM, Apple Podcasts, Spotify
- Frequency: Weekly
One of my favourite podcasts and an absolute delight to listen. Quick and to the point, Clockwise is a podcast for those who want their tech news fast.
Dan Moren and Mikah Sargent, along with two guests, discuss four tech topics in just 30 minutes. It’s a rapid-fire round table that’s as informative as it is concise—perfect for tech lovers short on time but big on curiosity.
7. Back to Work
- Hosts: Merlin Mann and Dan Benjamin
- Overview: Focuses on productivity, communication, tools, and constraints in the workplace.
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: Offers practical advice on navigating modern work life with technology.
- Where to Listen: Official Website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify
- Frequency: Weekly
Trust me, the name of this podcast is not indicative of its quality. You’ll actually feel like you’re back at home, learning what you want to learn.
Merlin Mann and Dan Benjamin dive into the challenges and realities of modern work life in Back to Work. Covering everything from productivity hacks to the philosophy behind effective work, this podcast is ideal for anyone looking to navigate their career path with tech at their side. Listen in, and you might just find a better way to tackle Monday mornings.
8. Tech Swamp
- Hosts: App Association team
- Overview: Covers news and trends in tech policy and regulatory landscape.
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: Provides insights into how tech policy affects developers and consumers.
- Where to Listen: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
- Frequency: Monthly
Hosted by the App Association team, Tech Swamp tackles the tech policy landscape. If you’ve ever wondered how legislation affects your apps or the privacy implications of new tech laws, this is your guide. Its policy talk was interesting—no jargon, just clear explanations and lively discussions.
It is frankly a crime for this podcast to be monthly. You’d be surprised how interesting the red tape gets once you start understanding the fundamentals.
9. Waveform: The MKBHD Podcast
- Host: Marques Brownlee
- Overview: Discusses gadgets, tech news, and new technologies with guest appearances from tech professionals.
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: Offers an in-depth look at the latest gadgets and technology trends in an accessible format.
- Where to Listen: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
- Frequency: Weekly
Marques Brownlee brings his YouTube charm to the podcasting world with Waveform. Discussing everything from new gadgets to tech industry news, Marques offers insights with the same clarity and enthusiasm that has made his YouTube channel a hit. It’s like having a friend who’s always got the latest tech scoop.
10. Ted Tech
- Host: Various speakers
- Overview: Brings ideas from the leading edges of tech.
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: Provides inspirational talks that can broaden a newbie’s understanding of what technology can achieve.
- Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
- Frequency: Varies
If you’re looking for inspiration, Ted Tech is where you’ll find it. Featuring talks from some of the brightest minds in the tech industry, this podcast expands your horizons and challenges your perceptions of what technology can achieve. Each episode is a journey into the future of tech, guided by visionaries and innovators.
Bonus: Smashing Security
- Hosts: Graham Cluley and Carole Theriault
- Overview: Discusses cybersecurity news and issues.
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: Breaks complex security topics into understandable discussions.
- Where to Listen: Spotify, Apple Podcasts
- Frequency: Weekly
If you have ever wondered how people listen to podcasts “for fun,” look no further than smashing security.
Join cybersecurity experts Graham Cluley and Carole Theriault as they unravel the latest cyber threats and security news. Smashing Security is informative with a healthy dose of British wit, making even the most complex security topics both understandable and enjoyable. Perfect for staying informed and amused, without the panic.
