Oh cool! I kept meaning to do a search for a podcast thread or create one! Medusa... looks like you have a few I need to check out! I too listen to several from NPR.
I try not to watch too much news cuz it's just so annoying but
listening doesn't seem to bother me quite so much!
News
Anderson Cooper 360
MSNBC Morning Joe
MSNBC Rachel Maddow
Humor and/or Interview
Here's The Thing with Alec Baldwin <-- he's grown on me some
Death, Sex and Money <-- is an interview-style podcast hosted by Anna Sale that discusses the big questions "often left out of polite conversation
The Tobolowky Files <-- annoying BING! dude from Groundhog Day He's had some interesting adventures! He's a great story teller and his voice alone makes me smile
Educational
Naked Scientists <-- BBC and there a dozens for different fields of study.
Discovery <-- BBC again ... science stuff
Invisibilia <-- kinda new, 2015 "explores the intangible forces that shape human behavior—things like ideas, beliefs, assumptions and emotions."
I usually listen to podcasts as I'm winding down or headed off to sleep. My brain doesn't always shut off so listening to something benign ... emotionally neutral (?) lol ... helps me to go to sleep. <-- ya can't listen and think as the same time.
Sleep
Stories From The Boarder of Sleep <-- stories
Atmosphonic - Sounds To Help You Relax and Sleep <-- just discovered this one. I like their files
Waves and
Afternoon Thunderstorm