The past few days I’ve been downloading streaming audio of lectures and talks given by interesting and intelligent people™, converting them to MP3 format and putting them on my iPod. The process is still a little slow — usually I stream the audio using RealPlayer and use Applescript and Wiretap to automatically capture to disk, then trim using Quicktime Pro and convert to MP3 using iTunes. However, I’m pleased with the end result.
I’m still looking for good sources of audio talks, and welcome suggestions & links. Here are the three I’ve most enjoyed so far:
- WGBH Forum Network: A large archive of free public lectures (some audio only, some audio + video), hosted by Boston’s public TV/Radio network. I’m especially enjoying the MIT series of talks by Nobel Prize winners.
- World Affairs Council of Northern California: Interesting talks on a wide variety of global topics. I often listen to this on my local public radio (KQED).
- National Press Club: The NPC holds luncheon talks by people ranging from Donald Rumsfeld to Wynton Marsalis. Archives hosted by National Public Radio.