Comment & Analysis
There has been a large increase in podcast content available especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, as we have adapted to the prevalence of consuming content digitally. From technology to football, fashion to gardening, there is a podcast on absolutely every subject you can think of. As an avid podcast listener, I have found myself listening to different topics daily. My personal podcast library includes a wide variety of subscriptions which I choose depending on my mood or activity. Technology and engineering podcasts in particular have piqued my interest, as well as consistently educating me and keeping me up to date with the world of STEM.
Here are five of my favourite engineering and technology podcasts.
Wired
Running time: 45-60 mins
‘Wired’ is a podcast that started in 2010 and is hosted by the editor of Wired magazine, James Temperton. This podcast discusses all things technology, science, business, and culture. As technology continues to change our everyday lives, this podcast discusses the impact it has on us and the way we have adapted our lives to rely so heavily on it. Although I have listened to this podcast for a few years now, I have personally found their content on Coronavirus interesting an informative. They have addressed topics such as the impact the pandemic has had on start up companies, the usage of the contact tracing app and the science behind Covid-19 with regular updates on scientific findings.
Members can benefit from this podcast as it is a good way to keep up to date with technology, business, and science news. They include lots of fun facts and have a good variety of topics. Episodes are released every Friday.
99% Invisible
Running time: 20-40 mins
‘99% invisible’ also began in 2010, started as a small radio show and has now grown to have over 400 million downloads. This show is produced and hosted by Roman Mars who is also the co-founder of Radiotopia. The name of this podcast is derived from a quote by American architect, Richard Buckminster Fuller who stated, "Ninety-nine percent of who you are is invisible and untouchable." This podcast brings to our attention unseen and unnoticed architecture and design that have shaped our world. It is a very difficult decision to make but two of my favourite episodes include episode 311, discussing the evolution off design in basketball uniform and episode 332, telling the story of a secret room found in a shopping centre by a group of artists.
This podcast is a great way to expand your knowledge of the evolution of design inclusive of everyday products we consume. It provides us hidden gems in architecture that we may now be interested in visiting one day. There are lots of interesting historical stories and anecdotes.
The Engineers Collective
Running time: 30-60 mins
In 2019 the New Civil Engineers (NCE) created the podcast ‘The Engineers Collective’ discussing the future of engineering. This podcast educates listeners on how engineering effects our everyday lives. The show is hosted by editor of NCE, Mark Hansford and deputy editor of NCE, Alexandra Wynne. It touches on important topics that can appeal to different audiences. It is relatable for both engineers and non-engineers as it gives us an insight into what the future may look like and how important the intervention of engineers is. As engineers it’s relatable for us to get an idea of what our job roles may look like in the future and what we need to be aware of in order to continue to run and maintain cities. Topics that have been covered that I have found interesting include updates on the Heathrow Airport Expansion project and the future of the rail industry.
This podcast is a great way to keep up to date with civil engineering affairs. It’s also a great way of educating new and young engineers who want to build a career, as it helps to provide a perspective into what the future of civil engineering may look like.
The Engineering Careers Coach
Running time: 20-50 mins
The Engineering Careers Coach podcast began in 2013 and is presented by the founder of The Engineering Management Institute, Anthony Fasano. This podcast won the award for ‘Top Career Podcast’ in 2019 and has been tackled very important topics including women in STEM navigating career challenges, how to network if you are an introverted engineer, tips, and tricks on having the correct mindset, and so much more. Many episodes feature special guest such as engineering graduates, qualified engineers, engineering consulting firms and more. The show is helpful for engineers at all levels, whether you are just starting your career or a competent engineer with years of experience. There are tips and trick that can help us all.
This podcast is a great way of getting an understanding of what engineering truly involves and hear personal experiences from qualified engineers. There is a lot that you can learn if you want to expand your career and tips on how to do so. The show touches on important diversity and inclusion topics which many people may struggle with when navigating a career in engineering.
Impulse to innovation
Running time: 30-60 mins
Impulse to Innovation is the IMechE’s very own podcast. I may of course seem bias however having worked closely on this podcast I can personally vouch for the informative and interesting content. Our host, Dr Helen Meese is a member of the Institution with years of knowledge and experience as an engineer. She spends time interviewing special guests and experts from many different fields and has even had the chance to welcome Robert Llewellyn from the popular show ‘Full Charged, where they discussed all things electric vehicles. The podcast was launched in August 2020 and has so far covered important topics including energy and sustainability, healthcare, electric vehicles and more! This podcast also involves a young member takeover where our young members discuss topics effecting new engineers such as the impact of the global pandemic.
This podcast has great content and information for engineers from all different sectors. It is a good way to gain engagement from members and reach the outer world through content and guests. The show is fairly new and has big plans for 2021 so keep up to date with the IMechE’s social media channels! Episodes are released the first Monday of every month.