Although we all have access to Google, we'd like to include here a list and brief summary of helpful resources that have taught us, challenged us and made us smarter. 

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Podcasts: 

 

For those that have a long commute to work, walk a dog every day or enjoy spending thirty minutes on a treadmill, listening to a podcast is a great way to learn and be inspired.  Here are ten of our favorites:

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EconTalk - A weekly interview-style podcast hosted by Russ Roberts of the Hoover Institution featuring economists, writers and thinkers.  Roberts is a brilliant and humble scholar who brings his thoughtful approach to each conversation.  He leans libertarian and is also an Orthodox Jew, so his ideological perspective is unique but always gracious. Check out Roberts' wonderful book about Adam Smith's Theory of Moral Sentiments, titled How Adam Smith Can Change Your Life, which can really change your life.

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Philosophize This - An accessible and funny history of philosophy, from the ancient Greeks to modern times.  The host, Stephen West, is brilliant, entertaining and cogent in his presentation.  I was shocked to discover that he's not a middle-aged Ivy League professor but a millennial who's never studied philosophy in a formal setting.

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Lawfare Podcast - Benjamin Wittes hosts a podcast that focuses on the intersection between law, government and national security.  Wittes is now hyperfocused on the legal questions raised during the course of the Trump Administration, and brings the brightest legal minds to comments on these matters.  Check out their blog, too.

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How I Built This - host Guy Raz interviews entrepreneurs that started some of the most successful companies and brands that you've surely heard of.  You'll hear their interesting origin stories and get a sense for the common traits and characteristics that these founders share.

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Fresh Air - Terry Gross, perhaps the greatest American interviewer (most prepared, most engaging and best questions), interviews writers, thinkers, artists and politicians.

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The Daily - a daily podcast from the New York Times that delves deep into one or two of the main news stories from that day's paper.

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Conversations with Tyler - an interview-style podcast with economist and philosopher Tyler Cowan of George Mason University.  Not all the guests are super interesting, but those that are make for an entertaining conversation.  Cowan is undoubtedly one of the brightest and most insightful scholars alive today.

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The Ezra Klein Show - Ezra Klein is one of the brightest young thinkers in America, and hosts an interview-style show about politics, economics and culture.  Klein thinks deeply, carefully and honestly about big ideas, and his genuine curiosity and enthusiasm is contagious.  

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We the People - A constitution-themed podcast featuring lectures, debates and conversations about the constitution from a non-partisan perspective.  This is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the incredible document that created the American system of government.

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Marketplace with Kai Ryssdal - A daily news show focused on business and economics, many of which touch on politics as well.  Kai Ryssdal is an enthusiastic host.  This is a great place to learn about macro-economic trends as well as deep dives into companies, industries and ideas.  Little known fact:  Ryssdal wakes up at 3:45 A.M. every day to run(!).