6 Podcasts For Engineers in Marketing

Tech Industry Trends
These podcasts, intended for a general audience, provide a solid bird’s eye view of the latest trends in big tech.

Hard Fork
Hard Fork is a weekly podcast from The New York Times that expertly balances the latest in tech news with engaging interviews. Hosted by NYT’s Kevin Roose (you might recall him as the guy Bing’s chatbot tried to convince to leave his wife) and Platformer’s Casey Newton, the podcast offers a perfect mix of insightful commentary and light-hearted banter. It’s a weekly must-listen that makes even the most technical topics feel approachable and fun.

404 Media Podcast
404 Media is a unique, worker-owned independent outlet founded by seasoned tech journalists. Their podcast delves into the darker corners of the tech world with exceptional investigative journalism. Expect exposés on corporate exploitation and in-depth analyses of the internet’s seedier sides. If Hard Fork is like The Daily Show, 404 Media is more akin to Last Week Tonight—it might not cover the biggest headlines, but it reveals what’s happening behind the scenes.

The Ezra Klein Show
While The Ezra Klein Show isn’t strictly a tech podcast, its recent episodes exploring the AI hype cycle make it essential listening – for instance, his conversation last April with Wharton professor Ethan Mollick. Ezra Klein brings in thought leaders from various fields to discuss their areas of expertise, offering a well-rounded perspective that’s especially valuable for understanding the broader implications of these rapid technological advancements. His critical, balanced approach is a refreshing counterpoint to the often unbridled enthusiasm surrounding new tech.

Developer Trends
These podcasts, intended for developers, explore the state of the art in software development.

Syntax.fm
Web development is a fast-moving field, with new frameworks, standards, and security concerns emerging constantly. Syntax.fm tackles this head-on, releasing episodes three times a week—a monumental effort by hosts Scott Tolinski and Wes Bos. The podcast features a variety of formats, including “Hasty Treats” (bite-sized dives into specific topics), “Potluck” (Q&A sessions), and “Supper Club” (guest interviews). Scott and Wes are not just skilled developers; they’re also engaging hosts who make complex topics accessible and enjoyable.

Changelog
The Changelog podcast family, which includes The Changelog, Go Time, JS Party, and Practical AI, covers a wide range of software engineering topics beyond just web development. The interviews are probing and thoughtful, offering more depth than many other developer-focused shows.

localfirst.fm
For those interested in the cutting-edge paradigm of local-first software development, localfirst.fm is a gem. Host Johannes Schickling brings together developers to discuss innovative solutions in this emerging field. While it’s a niche topic, the podcast provides deep insights into a fascinating and potentially transformative approach to software development. It’s also, from a marketing perspective, fascinating to hear how developers make the case for a new paradigm to other developers.

Navigating the ever-changing world of technology is a journey through dense wilderness, but it is crucial to keep learning and challenging our perspectives and depth of understanding. These podcasts are like little waystations along the path—whether through light-hearted discussions, investigative journalism, or deep dives into niche topics, they help us not miss the forest for the trees. So plug in, listen up, and venture forward.