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    Summer 2025: our Podcasts Picks to Challenge Big Tech

    Summer 2025: our Podcasts Picks to Challenge Big Tech

    Hey folks, it’s been a while! As summer approaches and many of us start our vacations (hopefully traveling in sustainable ways), we thought it was the perfect time to share a small list of some of our team’s members favorite podcasts. Just like our 2024 summer reading list aimed to challenge big tech narratives, this collection of audio content will hopefully keep your mind engaged during those long train rides, beach walks, or mountain hikes.

    What Are Podcasts?

    Before getting into our recommendations, let’s briefly explain what podcasts are, for those who might be new to this. If you already know, feel free to skip this part and review the list down below.

    Podcasts are episodic audio programs that you can download and listen to on demand. Think of them as on-demand radio shows that cover virtually any topic imaginable. They’re typically distributed through RSS feeds, which is a simple, open technology that allows content creators to publish directly to their audience and in an ideal world without depending on proprietary platforms. You might notice that instead of linking to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or other proprietary platforms, we’re providing direct RSS feeds and official websites when possible. This isn’t an oversight, but a deliberate choice that aligns with our values around digital rights.

    In addition, when you consume content through platforms like Spotify or YouTube, you’re not just listening to what you chose. Basically you’re experiencing what their algorithms decided you should hear. Algorithmic bias occurs when these recommendation systems prioritize content based on engagement metrics, advertiser preferences, or the platform’s business objectives rather than what’s genuinely valuable or diverse. This creates echo chambers and can suppress innovative or critical voices that don’t fit the platform’s commercial model. In other words, we <3 RSS and avoid big tech podcast platforms like Antifa members avoid big shopping malls.

    Here is why RSS feeds rocks:

    • You receive content directly from creators without algorithmic interference;
    • No platform can decide what you see or hear;
    • Your listening habits aren’t tracked for advertising purposes;
    • Content creators maintain control over their distribution.

    Using RSS feeds and open-source podcast applications makes you less dependent on big tech companies who routinely kill services when they don’t generate massive profits. Remember Google Podcasts? Google shut it down in April 2024, forcing users to migrate to YouTube Music. This is a perfect example of how platform dependence can disrupt our digital life.

    Anyway, enough of preaching to the choir. Here are our 10 podcast picks for this summer. Note that these podcasts are presented in no particular order, and all are in English language.

    Summer 2025 Podcast List

    1. Tech Won’t Save Us

    A left-wing podcast that challenges Silicon Valley’s narrative about technology as humanity’s savior. Paris Marx brings on experts to critically examine how tech companies shape our world, often with harmful consequences. Every Thursday, this show cuts through tech industry PR to reveal the political and social impacts of technological decisions. Perfect for anyone who’s skeptical of the “move fast and break things” mentality that dominates tech culture.

    2. FLOSS Weekly (Now on Hackaday)

    • Hosts: Jonathan Bennett and rotating co-hosts
    • Website: hackaday.com/tag/floss-weekly
    • RSS Feed: Search for “FLOSS Weekly” on Hackaday
    • Technical Level: Intermediate to Advanced

    Originally launched in 2006, FLOSS Weekly explores Free/Libre and Open Source Software through interviews with developers and project leaders. After 17 years on the TWiT network, the show found a new home at Hackaday in 2024. Each episode features the people behind the software that powers our digital world—from Linux distributions to programming languages to security tools. Essential listening for anyone interested in how open source software gets built and maintained.

    3. Darknet Diaries

    Think Black Mirror, but as a podcast and less sensational. Jack Rhysider investigates true stories from the dark side of the internet including hackers, data breaches, cyber crime, and digital espionage. Each monthly episode reads like a thriller novel but is grounded in meticulous research and interviews with the people involved. The production quality is exceptional, and Rhysider’s storytelling makes complex technical subjects accessible to general audiences.

    4. This Week in Tech (TWiT)

    Leo Laporte’s flagship show covers general tech news with insightful analysis from a rotating panel of tech journalists and experts. Running since 2005, TWiT has established itself as essential listening for staying current with technology trends. While not explicitly anti-big-tech, the show features diverse perspectives and doesn’t shy away from critical analysis of major tech companies.

    5. Cory Doctorow’s Podcast

    Science fiction author and digital rights activist Cory Doctorow reads from his stories, essays, and speeches in short regular chunks. Doctorow is one of the most articulate critics of surveillance capitalism, DRM, and platform monopolies. His podcast features everything from sci-fi stories that explore technological futures to policy analysis that explains how we can build better digital systems. A unique voice that bridges creative storytelling with sharp political analysis.

    6. Cyberpunk Librarian

    “High tech, low budget” perfectly captures this show’s ethos. Daniel Messer discusses library technology, FOSS solutions, and cyberpunk culture from a librarian’s perspective. While the show hasn’t posted new episodes recently, the archive is worth exploring for anyone interested in information science, digital preservation, or implementing open source solutions in institutional settings.

    7. Nextcloud Podcast

    • Website: nextcloud.com/blog/podcast
    • RSS Feed: N/A direct download available from the link above
    • Technical Level: Intermediate

    Curated by the team behind Nextcloud, this podcast explores topics around cloud computing, privacy, and digital sovereignty. Episodes feature interviews with developers, users, and advocates of open source cloud solutions. Perfect for anyone interested in reducing dependence on Google Drive, Dropbox, and other proprietary cloud services.

    8. The Missing Cryptoqueen (BBC)

    More like an audiobook than a traditional podcast, this gripping investigative series tells the fascinating story of Dr. Ruja Ignatova, who convinced millions to join her cryptocurrency revolution with OneCoin, then vanished with billions of dollars. Jamie Bartlett’s meticulous investigation explores one of the biggest financial frauds in history—a story of greed, deception, and how ordinary people got caught up in an extraordinary con. The mystery is ongoing, making this essential listening for understanding how modern financial scams operate.

    9. The Bellingcat Podcast

    From the renowned investigative journalism collective, this podcast goes deep into specific investigations that use open source intelligence techniques. Bellingcat’s work exposing war crimes, tracking disinformation, and investigating authoritarian regimes represents some of the most important journalism of our time. The podcast format allows for detailed exploration of their methodologies and findings.

    10. Podcast Collection

    Like digging for vinyl records, but for podcasts and other audio content! The Internet Archive hosts thousands of podcast episodes and series, including many that are no longer available elsewhere. This is where you can discover forgotten gems, explore the early history of podcasting, or find alternative voices that didn’t make it onto major platforms. Perfect for podcast archaeologists and digital culture enthusiasts.

    Note: All podcast feeds and websites were verified at the time of publication. If you encounter broken links or have suggestions for updates, please reach out via our Mastodon profile.

    To listen to these podcasts using RSS feeds, we recommend downloading apps from F-Droid, the open source Android app store that does not spy on you.

    • AntennaPod: Feature-rich podcast player with excellent RSS support;
    • Podverse: Cross-platform app with podcast chapters and clipping features;
    • Escapepod: Simple, lightweight podcast and music player.

    For iOS users, consider apps like Overcast or Castro that support manual RSS feed addition.

    We know there are many more excellent podcasts out there that challenge conventional thinking and promote digital freedom. What are your favorites? Share your recommendations by commenting on our Mastodon profile. We’d love to add them to our list and discover new shows together. That’s what the internet is about no?

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