PODCAST-O-RAMA

Like millions of people around the world, I own a iPod (iPod Touch to be exact) and besides being able to listen to music (and watch movies depending on what you own), there is a wonderful thing out there known as Podcasts. Now I'm not exactly describing a new thing here as Podcasts have been around for quite a few years, but what I do want to do is highlight to you that they are a wonderful tool in making your hobby that little bit better. For a start they are a useful thing to listen to while painting because you don't get distracted by them like you would do listening to music or watching the telly. Secondly, they are a welcome break from Internet Forums where you can get tainted by the views of Internet Warriors getting carried away by the latest army book and how rubbish/over the top it is.

So what Podcasts should you be listening too?

Well it depends on what games you play as well as your personal preferences. I play a variety of games, so I listen to a variety of Podcasts but I don't listen to many US Podcasts. That is quite simply because I tend to find with most US Podcasts that the guys doing them are a bit too 'chatty'. There's nothing wrong with this but I prefer the hosts getting stuck into the topic of the show, rather than chatting about some random rubbish. A good example is the guys who do 'D6 Generation' as they like to have a good natter about random stuff before going on about any hobby related things. You best bet is to download some shows and decide yourself!

So what do I listen to?

A bit of everything too be honest, but here is a quick rundown in no particular order.....

PODHAMMER - Generally regarded as 'the' Warhammer Fantasy Podcast this is a very good show packed with lots of good info and humour. It has had a bit of a 'blip' due to personal issues with the Host but it is still very, very good. Just don't listen if you are easily offended as it's a bunch of Australian guys and they don't pull the punches!

40K RADIO - This is generally regarded as 'the' 40K Podcast and is the most slick presentation wise out of all the ones I listen too. US guys hosting so they can natter a bit but it's still a good show. Only bugbear is that their Codex Overview can be a bit boring due to the guys stating the obvious!

BAD DICE - A Warhammer PC hosted by two guys from Northern England and is mostly about UK Tournaments (The hosts are some of the best players in the UK). A good show with loads of advice and tips but international listeners may struggle with the accent.

HEELANHAMMER - Another UK WFB PC but is a bit more general and not as tournament focused as Podhammer or Bad Dice. Lots of good tips and advice and well worth listening to.

WORLDS END RADIO - Another Australian PC and covers all GW games and the hobby in general. Can be a bit hit and miss due to this.

BOOSTED DAMAGE - About Warmachine and Hordes in the UK and it's really good. I'm getting into Hordemachine a lot more now and this is a cracking PC to listen to. Can be very tournament based but still good!

GUTS N GEARS - Another PC about Warmachine and Hordes in the UK but is a bit more general. The hosts seem to have the ear of a lot of people as they have even received a letter from Matt Wilson (The game creator I think). Can be a bit poor due to the quality and the hosts do get very excited but still a good show.

And that is generally what I listen to on a regular basis. I'm no way saying that these are the only ones you should listen to but they are well worth it if you have never heard of them. If there's any shows you think I should be listening to, please leave a comment!