During the summer many podcasts tend to slow production or even go on hiatus. I encounter this problem every summer and I’m always looking for a podcast to fill the void. While watching TWiT Live a couple weeks ago I heard Leo talk about Merlin Mann’s new podcast, You Look Nice Today, and I didn’t consider listening to it because I find much of Merlin Mann’s stuff a tad boring. Not until I saw You Look Nice Today in the top ten comedy section of iTunes did I decide to give it a listen.

From first listen I’ve fallen for this podcast. YLNT is simply three, very witty guys talking about nearly everything. It’s hard to put a pin on what they talk about but it’s nothing like any other podcast. For example, the guys were considering renting a store where they would sell Christmas trees, but only out of season would they sell the trees.

The podcast has no advertising, no gadget news, no movie news. It reminds me of the casual conversations I’ve had with friends late at night. This isn’t like any other podcast I’ve heard before and YLNT could easily take the place of a subscribe podcast.

You Look Nice Today

It’s been a while since Apple has refreshed their iPod line, but from popular Internet sources it will be soon. Before Apple releases the (supposed OS X based) iPod there are a few minor features I want to see.

Delete songs/podcasts/videos - The only way to get rid of a song/podcast/video on an iPod is to do it through your computer, but why not through your iPod? I tend to listen to podcasts once and then will delete them so I don’t confuse them with ones I haven’t [this might be from being OCD]. I have yet to own an iPod/MP3 player (other than the PSP) that has the ability to delete.

More specific sleep time - Right now the iPod allows you to set your sleep time for fifteen, thirty, forty-five, sixty, or ninety minutes, but why not more specific times? Falling asleep to a podcast is something I have come accustomed to, so setting the sleep timer for the duration of that podcast is what I want, no more or less. I could always set the timer for more, but the next song tends to be something that will wake me with an unwanted surprise.

On/Off switch - On the fifth generation iPod the only way to turn the iPod on/off is to hold down the play button, which seems simple enough. The only problem is that when your iPod freezes (which it seems to do a lot of) there is no way to turn it off until the battery drains. I want a switch that will cut the power to the iPod. This will make resetting and starting over much easier.

These minor features may seem picky, but they are something that would make an already great music player perfect.

What do you want to see in the new iPod? Leave your ideas in the comments.

I just wanted to thank Billy Reid from VeryTasteful.com for writing about R3FRESH. I reviewed Doogtoons Weekly Wrapup a few posts ago and if your interested in downloading the podcast go to the Doogtoons website or search for “Doogtoons” in iTunes.

They are also looking for a new name for the podcast. If you have any ideas head over to verytasteful and submit your idea. 

Podcasts have become the newest form of media on the Internet thanks to iTunes and websites like Odeo and Digg. What’s different about podcasting is that anyone can make them because of how simple they are (just a microphone and a computer). Doogtoons, the popular (and hilarious) online cartoon website that is responsible for Eli’s Dirty Jokes and the “Trapped in the Drive-Thru” music video, now have an audio podcast, Doogtoons Weekly Wrapup.

The podcast itself is loosely based on movies and current news, but for the most part it’s total (but structured) randomness. The podcast consists of Doug (a.k.a. Doog) Bresler, “Loser Brain” (Dougs brother), Trevor Algatt, and Billy Reid (verytasteful.com). What makes this show great is Billy Reid and his insanely funny voices and sense of humor. I am pretty strict when it comes to what’s funny and what’s not, but Billy Reid makes me bust out laughing every time.

Doogtoons Weekly Wrapup is a great new podcast that fans of older podcasts like Diggnation will love. Billy Reid has also created some great videos on his website and my favorite being the newest video “Lip Syncing to the Song.” Doogtoons Weekly Wrapup can be found at iTunes in the “Podcast” section.

“Brother Bear”

Podcasts, the alternative to radio and television, but at a completely free cost (for the most part). Here is a list of my favorite podcasts that I have to listen or watch:

1. Diggnation: Nothing is better than listening to two guys talk about the news (from Digg), especially when Kevin gives his very questionable* opinion.
2. This Week in Tech (TWiT): Leo Laporte does a very good tech podcast that is great to listen to if you are an insomniac. No offense to Leo, but his voice is like listening to a children’s book being read to you. What makes the show even better is John C. Dvorak (”dvorak.org/blog“) and his very different opinions on the tech industry.
3. Macbreak Weekly: Another podcast from the TWiT network, but this one is focused on the Mac side of the world. What makes this podcast great is Merlin Mann and his complete randomness during the cast.
4. Net@Nite: AND another podcast from TWiT.tv with Amber MacArthur (aye). The format of this podcast is much different than any podcast, think of it as The Tonight Show, but Tech related. Leo and Amber interview popular and new internet related peoples.
5. Totally Rad Show: A very new show with Alex Albrecht. Still questioning if I like it or not. Three guys review games and movies, unsure about the chemistry of the show.
6. Tikibar: Probably the best quality podcast I have ever seen. It is hard to describe, but it’s a great watch.
7. Ask a Ninja: The name explains it. I wonder how this guy gets through an airport.
8. Control Alt Chicken: Hilarious cooking show with Heather Stewart and Alex Albrecht. It’s like watching Food Network, but with people who don’t know how to cook.

All of these podcast can be found at their home website or in the podcast section of iTunes.