Audio Podcast Directory - Podcasts with only audio episodes
Librivox: Age of Innocence, The by Wharton, EdithJoin Now to Follow
In an era before the advent of electric lights, telephones or motor vehicles, there exists a small cluster of aristocratic "old revolutionary stock" families that rule New York's social life. Under the rules of this society, "being things" is better than "doing things" and reputation and outward appearances come at the exclusion of everything else. In this Gilded Age, when America’s expansion and increased industrialism produce a group of newly wealthy robber barons and financiers, the patient, time-honored values of the old ruling class, and century, are giving way to the expediencies of the new. Caught at this cusp, a triangle of lovers, who must choose between the expectations of family and society, and the deepest yearnings of the heart. Newly engaged couple, Newland Archer, a young lawyer, and May Welland, a society debutante, are part of the old world, where the "right people" follow the "correct rules" and marry into "acceptable families." The arrival from Europe of May’s cousin, the Countess Ellen Olenska, complicates their union, as Ellen’s mysterious past threatens to cast a shadow of scandal over the newly betrothed couple. Newland Archer, at first critical of Ellen's bohemian lifestyle, and her seemingly wilful ignorance of the rules and customs of his Old New York, is soon captivated by Ellen's warmth, spirit, and her generous and loving heart. Will he cast off the life for which he's been groomed, or sacrifice happiness for duty and the greater good of the social order? (Summary by Brenda Dayne)
By LibriVox
Librivox: Swiss Family Robinson, The (Version 2) by Wyss, Johann DavidJoin Now to Follow
First published in 1812, The Swiss Family Robinson may sometimes seem old-fashioned to modern readers, especially the family’s attitude toward wildlife (if it moves, shoot it). However, it’s a truly exciting adventure and a timeless story of warm and loving family life. As the narrator says: “It was written... for the instruction and amusement of my children... Children are, on the whole, very much alike everywhere, and you four lads fairly represent multitudes... It will make me happy to think that my simple narrative may lead some of these to observe how blessed are the results of patient continuance in well-doing, what benefits arise from the thoughtful application of knowledge and science, and how good and pleasant a thing it is when brethren dwell together in unity, under the eye of parental love.” Written by Swiss pastor Johann David Wyss and edited by his son Johann Rudolf Wyss (this edition lists J.R. as the author), the novel was intended to teach his four sons about family values, good husbandry, the uses of the natural world, and self-reliance. It’s fun to think of the long-ago author reading his own books of natural history and creating this novel to share his interests with his boys. (summary by Kara)
By LibriVox
"Heart of Darkness" Audiobook (Audio book)Join Now to Follow
"Heart of Darkness" was first published in 1902. In this novella, Joseph Conrad explores morality and human nature. This audiobook is performed by David Kirkwood and narrated by Tom Franks and co-produced by LoudLit.org and LiteralSystems. Each episode is approximately 20-30 minutes in length. The text is available under the "Lyrics" tag. Text provided at Project Gutenberg (www.gutenberg.org). This recording was made possible by the generous support of Gordon W. Draper. Also available via podcast from LiteralSystems and LoudLit.org: "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens, "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne and "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain.
By Joesph Conrad performed by David Kirkwood and narrated by Tom Franks
Completely BurnsJoin Now to Follow
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns - over 300 poems have been recorded by actors from all generations. Visit bbc.co.uk/robertburns for more from Robert Burns.
By BBC Radio Scotland
The Digested Read podcastJoin Now to Follow
A podcast version of John Crace's wickedly satirical Guardian column, lampooning the literary style of leading authors by summarising their books in five minutes
By guardian.co.uk
Kara's Free AudiobooksJoin Now to Follow
A podcast of public-domain audio books for kids, read by Kara Shallenberg. New chapters will appear on Mondays. We've finished The Road to Oz, A Little Princess, The Secret Garden, Heidi, Our Island Story, an anthology of poetry for children, a children's history of the Middle Ages, More William, This Country of Ours Part 1, Helen's Babies, and The Book of Art for Young People, and When Mother Lets Us Cook. Next we had The Adventures of Sally, by P. G. Wodehouse and then The Story of Mankind -- an excellent history book for kids, read as a duet with my friend Michelle Crandall, and then one of my all-time favorite books in the whole wide world: The Swiss Family Robinson. Then we had Part 2 of "This Country of Ours", Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Part 3 of "This Country of Ours", and then "Through the Looking-Glass". Oh, and then the rest of Part 3 of This Country of Ours... which I somehow forgot to post earlier :) Next is Grammar-Land, which I just LOVED recording! Enjoy! Send questions and comments to kara@nyip.net. All of my recorded books can be found at http://kayray.org/my-recordings/
By Kara Shallenberg
CBeebies on the Go: up to 6 yearsJoin Now to Follow
Designed to take children on imaginative journeys to magical and familiar places, from trips to the seaside, family holidays, or long car journeys. CBeebies Radio can help turn those miles into smiles!
By CBeebies
Desert Island Discs Archive: 1951-1955Join Now to Follow
Castaways choose eight records, a book and a luxury to take with them to the mythical desert island. Full listings can be found on the Desert Island Discs website. Archive episodes are broadcast on Radio 4 Extra, Wednesdays 10.00 and Sundays 10.00.
By BBC Radio 4
The Big IdeasJoin Now to Follow
Every month, a group of academics, columnists and philosophers dissect a phrase that's become an intellectual cliché in order to analyse its true meaning
By guardian.co.uk
Professor Brian Cox: Meet the AuthorJoin Now to Follow
Professor Brian Cox, OBE, the presenter of the hugely popular BBC2 series Wonders of the Solar System, appeared at the Apple Store in Covent Garden on 17th November 2010 to talk about his book, which accompanied the series. Professor Cox was interviewed with BBC Radio 6 Music DJ Shaun Keaveny.
By Apple Inc.
