While I’m talking about podcasts, this makes a good opportunity to flag up some of the better ones out there.

Astronomy Cast
Length: 30 mins
No prior knowledge is assumed in this weekly tour of the universe. Episodes are normally themed – for example, focusing on a particular planet. Presented by Fraser Cain and Pamela Gay.

Naked Scientists
Length: 1 hour
Dr Chris Smith, who until recently presented the Nature podcast, heads up this general science show from Cambridge. A strong emphasis is placed on answering listners’ questions, but recent scientific news is also addressed. The weekly ‘kitchen science’ section suggests experiments you can try at home.

Nature Podcast
Length: 30 mins
New regular presenters Adam Rutherford and Kerri Smith interview lead scientists behind the week’s biggest Nature papers. New slot ‘The Podium’ offers a space for individuals to air their opinions. Nature Editor-in-Chief Phil Campbell launched the series by describing how the journal handles opinion in its weekly Editorial.

Science on Guardian Unlimited
Length: 30 mins
Alok Jha heads up a cast of Guardian journalists in one of the most polished shows around (Queen guitarist Brian May provides the links). The chatty, jokey format is aimed at the general public. Contains mildly irksome sound effects.

The Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe
Length: 1 hour
Dr Steven Novella and guests fly the flag for rational thinking, in this barnstorming riposte of the pseudoscientific. If you only listen to one podcast (other than Nature’s, of course) then make it this one. You will not be disappointed.

Science Talk from Scientific American
Length: 30 mins
Steve Mirsky is a gifted interviewer and effortlessly gets the best out of the world’s top researchers. In a regular feature, Steve offers four scientific headlines, and invites the reader to identify which one is ‘totally bogus’.

You can subscribe to all these podcasts through iTunes, or from the websites listed above. All are weekly and free to download.

Anyone got further recommendations?