Finding a great developer podcast isn’t as easy as it used to be. There are literally hundreds these days, with new shows starting ever week and old ones giving their final farewell.
So if you’re on the hunt for a new podcast, where do you even start? After failing to decode iTunes’ terrible search function and reading all the “Ultimate Developer Podcasts” lists you can find, you might be as clueless as before.
iTunes and other lists give you too many options, most of which are mediocre and/or outdated. That’s why we curated this list.
This is not meant to be an exhaustive list. Our goal was to find only the best developer podcasts based great reviews, consistent publishing, and a clearly defined ideal listener.
We know there is no perfect podcast for every developer, so we provided additional information about each show to help you make a better decision. The podcasts are separated based on topic: Cloud, DevOps/Agile, Programming Languages, .NET, and General Developer Interests.
We also included the average length and frequency of shows. There are short daily podcasts, monthly 2-hour sagas, and everything in between.
Finally, we wanted to clearly state who this podcast is meant for. After talking with the podcast creators, audience members, and listening to the shows ourselves, we developed a “This Podcast is Perfect for” statement for each one. Whether you’re a young software engineer or a veteran Microsoft developer, we have a show for you.
After reading this article, you’ll be able to identify 4-5 podcasts you feel confident diving into.
Jump to a Section:
Hosts Andrew Connell and Chris Johnson started Microsoft Cloud Show to cater to the 10+ million IT professionals and developers focused on Microsoft products. The goal is to keep listeners up to date with the latest Microsoft cloud offerings. The show is also great if you’re just getting acquainted with the Microsoft cloud products like Azure and Office 365.
Robotic and rigid hosts can ruin a podcast, but you don’t have to worry about that with Microsoft Cloud Show. “They don’t try too hard to be faceless voices,” said Paul Schaeflein, a Microsoft MVP in Office Development and long-time listener. “Their interests, hobbies and events in their lives are discussed, like you would with any friend.”
Developers and IT professionals looking to keep abreast of everything going on in the Microsoft cloud ecosystem.
Weekly
30-60 minutes
Bonus Episode: “We love our recent Episode 200 where we asked our fantastic listeners and supporters of the show why they love our podcast. It was awesome and really funny how passionate our listeners are!” – Chris Johnson
CloudcastCloudcast started 6 years ago when Brian Gracely and Aaron Delp wanted to learn more about cloud technologies they didn’t have access to in their day jobs. “We’d call smart people and promise to put them on the internet,” said Gracely.
310 episodes later, Cloudcast features some of the smartest people in the cloud ecosystem, including CEOs, developers, venture capitalists, and startup founders. According to Gracely, 30 companies previously featured on Cloudcast have been acquired.
Anyone who is curious about cloud computing technology and how it’s going to reshape their job, the IT industry, and most business industries around them.
Weekly
30-40 minutes
Cloud Computing PodcastCloud Computing Podcast is a product of Cloud Technology Partners. Host David Linthicum provides listeners with practical advice around cloud adoption and the use of cloud technology. The podcast covers news, reviews, and advice from expert guests on being successful in cloud computing.
Anyone who is engaged with moving their enterprise to the cloud, including CIOs, project leaders, ops managers, etc.
Weekly
20-30 minutes
Episode 124 | Microsoft Azure is Racing to Meet AWS at the Top
DevOps CafeHosts Damon Edwards and John Willis used to have long phone calls to discuss the DevOps movement that was emerging around them. It was John’s idea to begin recording the phone calls, and that inspired the duo to do long-form interviews with fascinating people in the industry.
The show has become an indispensable resource for the DevOps community. One iTunes reviewer wrote: “If you’re in IT and don’t subscribe to this podcast, you’re not really in IT.”
Even though they don’t post as frequently as some other podcasts, there are a over 80 hours of interviews to listen through.
People who want to get deep with famous – and not yet famous – people who are pushing the DevOps movement forward.
Monthly
60 minutes
Arrested DevOpsArrested DevOps is show that focuses on putting DevOps into action every day. Hosts Matt Stratton, Trevor Hess, and Bridget Kromhout interview guests from around the DevOps community about implementing DevOps practices in your organization.
Ed Anderson, a longtime listener of the ArrestedDevOps podcast, says his favorite aspect of the show is the, “frank and balanced discussion about where devops meets the road.”
Developers and IT professionals who need actionable advice on implementing DevOps best practices into their team or organization.
Weekly
60 minutes
Agile for HumansWhen Ryan Ripley read Kent Beck’s book, Extreme Programming Explained: Embrace Change back in 2001, he decided to dedicate himself to the practice of agile development. That’s when he started the Agile for Humans blog, and later, the podcast. According to Ripley, his mission is to, “help people with their issues, questions, concerns, and fears about using agile practices and methodologies.”
Agile for Humans focuses on the the execution of agile methodologies such as scrum, lean, XP, and kanban. Ripley interviews guests each week to tease out the insights and best practices from the agile world.
Developers and IT professionals who want a better understanding of the various agile methodologies.
Weekly
30-60 minutes
Episode 74 | The Past, Present, and Future of Scrum
Javascript JabberJavascript Jabber is a show from Devchat.tv, a media company that develops resources and education for programmers. Host Charles Max Wood started Javascript Jabber back in 2012, just as the language’s popularity began to surge.
The show features a panel of Javascript professionals as they discuss front end development, the future of Javascript, careers, and frameworks.
“The show will help [developers and IT professionals] rocket forward into more and more complex systems in a variety of fields,” said Wood.
Both new and experienced developers who want to listen in on a well-rounded discussion of JavaScript and Web Development.
2-3 per week
30-60 minutes
Episode 124 | The Origins of Javascript with Brendon Eich
Podcast.__.init__(‘Python’)After years of being a developer, Tobias Macey was fed up that there wasn’t a good podcast about Python. So, like the good developer he is, he decided to create one.
Now after 124 episodes, Macey has created a catalog of great conversations where guests discuss the Python-based applications they have built. Podcast.__.init focuses on the technical details of writing in Python and is valuable for anyone building an application of their own.
People interested in diving deep into the python weeds.
Weekly
30-60 minutes
Talk Python to MeMichael Kennedy, host of Talk Python to Me, was also frustrated by the lack of Python podcasts back in 2015. He decided to start his own show too, on the exact same day Macey launched Podcast.__.init__. This odd coincidence has brought us two awesome Python podcasts that compliment each other as well as stand on their own.
If Podcast.__.init__ teaches you to create better Python applications, then Talk Python to Me shows you how those applications are used in the real world. Kennedy interviews a wide range of guests from the finance, engineering, and software worlds, and also dedicates airtime to helping young programmers prepare for a Python-focused career.
“He’s a joy to listen to as a moderator—such a friendly and charismatic guy,” said Dan Bader, Founder and Chief Python Nut of Dan Bader Python Training. “He’s a skilled interviewer and editor as well and that’s why I think his show is one of the best tech podcasts around.”
People who want to hear about “the human-side of Python,” according to Kennedy. “The show takes you beyond just the API and docs to the creators and practitioners of many of the most popular projects in Python.”
Weekly
60 minutes
Bonus Episodes: “Getting your first dev job as a Python developer” (part 1 and part 2). “I think this episode has helped many people getting into the ecosystem,” said Kennedy.
Ruby RoguesRuby Rogues is another show from Devchat.tv and host Charles Max Wood. It’s a panel-style show where a group of Ruby pros discuss a variety of topics related to their favorite language. The goal of the show is to help Ruby developers advanced their career and skills through enlightening conversations.
Ruby developers who want to sit in on expert conversations about topics relating to development, careers, and code.
2-3 per week
30-60 minutes
Episode 60 | SOLID with Jim Weirich
SQL Server Pain Relief: Office HoursWhen Brent Ozar used to give presentations about SQL servers, he constantly received a barrage of trouble shooting questions from audience members.
“We figured – why not just do a podcast where we take anyone’s question at any time? ” asked Ozar.
And just like that, SQL Server Pain Relief: Office Hours was born. Listen in as the pros at Brent Ozar Unlimited diagnose server woes from real customers. It’s a detailed, no BS conversation that genuinely helps you get better at managing SQL servers.
People who need to up their SQL Server skills, or who are facing a specific SQL server problem.
Weekly
30 minutes
Any of them. Go on iTunes and search for a particular problem you’re having with your SQL Server right now. Chances are SQL Server Pain Relief will have a remedy.
.NET Rocks.NET Rocks is one of the OG developer podcasts out there. The duo of Carl Franklin and Richard Campbell have recorded over 1,400 shows to date. The weekly podcast discusses all things Microsoft .NET, from high-level introductory information to the most granular details.
Franklin and Campbell have over 50 years of combined experience in the software industry and a few dozen years with Microsoft specifically. There are no better people to learn from about the past, present, and future of .NET than these guys.
.NET developers and aspiring .NET developers who want to build a well-rounded understanding of the .NET ecosystem.
Weekly
40-60 minutes
Episode 1439 | Serverless Azure with Jeff Hollan
Channel 9 by MicrosoftChannel 9 is a media site run by Microsoft and their team of developers and evangelists. The site includes all kinds of content, including video, how-to’s, and product reviews from around the Microsoft ecosystem.
The Channel 9 Podcast is a good way to keep up with what’s going on with Microsoft technology. The episodes are very short and include interviews with Microsoft pros who discuss the projects they’re currently working on.
Microsoft developers and enthusiasts who want an inside window into the latest Microsoft tech.
Multiple episodes daily
10-30 minutes
Since each episode is rather time-sensitive, start with the most recent episode and keep up with the show on a regular basis.
MS Dev ShowAccording the their iTunes description, MS Dev Show is “THE podcast for Microsoft developers”. In each episode, hosts Jason Young and Carl Schweitzer interview guests about a broad topic like “Security”, “Fluid Design”, or “Software Quality and Performance”. The format breeds interesting conversations that include high level insights as well as actionable takeaways.
The MS Dev Show also hosts the annual THAT Conference, a summer camp for geeks where developers discuss mobile, web, and cloud technologies.
Microsoft Developers who view their work as more of a lifestyle than a job.
Weekly
60-90 minutes
Round-up of THAT Conferences Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3
Developer Things is a podcast from Stackify that covers a wide range of developer topics. Each week, host Matt Watson talks DevOps, app performance, cloud computing, and more with a featured guest from the IT world.
Just like the Stackify blog, Developer Things is chock full of expert insights while staying light and fun in tone. This is a great general interest podcast for developers of all experience levels.
Development managers, architects, developers, and testers who work in DevOps, QA, or CI/CD. On top of that, anyone who wants to stay up to date with software development trends and insights.
40 minutes
Episode 1: What is Stackify? Application Performance, Retrace, and More with Jason Taylor
/dev/hell is a free-wielding conversation between two friends that love to complain about their lives in “development hell”. This podcast provides quirky, off-topic, and uncensored commentary on the life of a developer.
Hosts Ed Finkler and Chris Hartjes seem to have a lot of fun doing this show, and you’re going to have fun listening to it. However the duo isn’t afraid to tackle hard conversations. They dedicate a lot of time to raising awareness for mental health issues in the development community.
“If you like a mix of technology, comedy, and two really quirky people with great chemistry, /dev/hell is for you.” – Chris Hartjes
Varies between weekly and monthly
60 minutes
Hartjes says his favorite episode is the one where Ed talked about his mental health issues. “It was the spark that got him speaking about them at conferences, leading to the creation of his non-profit Open Sourcing Mental Illness.”
HanselminutesScott Hanselman has been working, teaching, writing, and speaking in the developer community for a long time. He started Hanselminutes in 2006, and today he is over 600 episodes deep. Each episode dives into the experiences and insights of developers from across the technology spectrum, from smart cities to machine learning.
“Lovers of NPR-style interview shows who also enjoy inclusive technical conversations,” said Hanselman
Weekly
30 minutes
Coding Blocks.NetCoding Blocks was created by Allen Underwood, Joe Zack, and Michael Outlaw, three friends who have been professional developers for years. Their show covers a wide range of software design topics, including design patterns, software architecture, coding for performance, object oriented programming, database design, and plenty more.
The show is essentially a round table discussion between the three hosts, who have plenty of experience and personality to keep the show interesting. It’s one of the most highly reviewed developer podcasts on iTunes, so they are definitely doing something right.
Full stack web and database/software engineers who enjoy light hearted-yet-informative discussions about programming.
Every other week
1-2 hours
Programming ThrowdownProgramming Throwdown offers a 101-level look at the world of software engineering. Hosts Jason Gauci and Patrick Wheeler started the show because they wanted to teach people about programming and software engineering without quitting their day jobs.
Today Programming Throwdown is the most popular developer podcast in the world with over 18,000 monthly active listeners. Conversations range from specific programming languages to the application of software around the world. This is a great show for all developers despite your experience level.
Future software engineers who want to better understand the industry and the developer’s toolbox.
Monthly
1-2 hours
Episode 69 | Puzzle Games with Mark Engelberg
“My favorite episode is the one with Mark Engelberg where he walks us through his programs that automatically create puzzles,” said Gauci. “People think of engineers as solving problems, but it’s also about creating things that the world has never seen before.”
The ChangelogThe Changelog is a weekly show about open source technologies and the brilliant people behind them. The show began in 2009 when hosts Adam Stacoviak and Jerod Santo thought it’d be cool to keep up with new open source developments by interviewing the people behind the code.
Guests include software engineers, hackers, leaders, and innovators from around the world. The show covers all programming languages, platforms, and communities. And if you can’t get enough Changelog from the podcast itself, you can sign up for their weekly companion newsletter.
Developers from all platforms and communities who are interested in open source technology.
Weekly
60-90 minutes
Developer on FireDeveloper on Fire is unlike any other developer podcast out there. Instead of focusing on just the business or technology, host David Rael makes it a point to feature the person behind the entity.
Rael drew inspiration from the popular podcast “Entrepreneur on Fire”. Each episode of Developer on Fire is a mix of lessons for life, career, entrepreneurship, and programming.
If your focus is on becoming a better person, and not just a better developer, then this show is for you.
Developers who want to be “more engaged, more connected, more inspired,” said Rael. “The intent is to inspire developers and help enable them to punch fear in the face and live the lives they want to live.”
2-3 Episodes per Week
30-60 minutes
RunAs RadioRichard Campbell is a busy man. Along with being co-host on .NET Rocks, Campbell has his own podcast called RunAs Radio.
“I started RunAs back in 2007 because I wanted to listen to a great podcast for IT Pros that focused on Microsoft technology,” said Campbell. “When I couldn’t find one, I decided to make it. I’ve published every Wednesday since, now for more than ten years.”
IT Professionals working with Microsoft products. The show also helps people connect with the IT community. “Being in IT can be a lonely business. RunAs Radio acts as a conduit to the community of IT professionals,” said Campbell.
Weekly
30 minutes
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