Appendix to “Astronomy Cast: Evaluation of a Podcast Audience’s Content
Needs and Listening Habits.”
Graphs
Graph 1: The age distribution of Astronomy Cast listener survey
respondents. The average age is 40 ± 10 years and a mode of 31 years.
(PodTeaching_PGay_Graph1.jpg)
250
Number of Responses (N)
225
200
175
150
125
100
75
50
25
0
under 13-17 18-21 22-25 26-29 30-33 34-37 38-41 42-45 46-49 50-53 54-57 58-61 62-65 66-69
13
over
70
Age (years)
Graph 2: The income distribution of Astronomy Cast listener survey
respondents. The total sample (N = 1843) is shown in red, and the
sample of US respondents (N = 1122) is shown in blue.
(PodTeaching_PGay_Graph2.jpg)
40
35
Worldwide
U.S.
Percentage
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
$0-$15,000
$15,001-$30,000
$30,001-$45,000
$45,001-$60,000
Income (US$)
$60,001-$90,000
$90,001 or more
Tables
Table 1: Change in listener attitude toward astronomy content after
listening to podcasts containing astronomy related content. We consider
the first three categories passive content acquires and the last three
categories active content acquirers.
Option
% Before %After Change
I knew how to spell astronomy
1.1
0.4
-0.7
I thought it was neat when I was a kid
2.9
0.1
-2.7
I will pay attention if it crops up in
something I already read/watch/listen to20.8
7.1
-13.7
I actively seek and read/watch/listen
to stories about astronomy
56.7
70.0
13.3
I am an amateur astronomer and/or go
to local astronomy club meetings
16.7
20.1
3.5
I am a professional astronomer or
astronomy major in college
1.9
2.2
0.3
Table 2: A list of all podcasts listed by more than 20 people in the Astronomy Cast listener survey as
being regularly listened to. Listeners could listen up to 10 shows and no one listed the same show more
than once. (For numbers and percentages of responses, see the appendix).
Podcast Name
Avg Length # Hosts
Topic
Presentation
(hh:mm)
60 Second Science (Scientific American)
< 0:05
1
Science & Medicine
Lecture
ABC NewsRadio: StarStuff (Australia)
0:15 - 0:30
1
Science & Medicine
News
ABC Radio National: All in the Mind 0:15 - 0:30
1
Science & Medicine
Interviews
ABC Radio National: Ockham's Razor 0:05 - 0:15
1
Science & Medicine
Interviews
ABC Radio National: The Science Show
0:45 - 1:00
1
Science & Medicine
News
APM: A Prairie Home Companion
News from Lake Woebegon
0:05 - 0:15
1
Comedy
Talk Show
Archaeology Channel
0:05 - 0:15
1
Science & Medicine
News
Ask a Ninja
< 0:05
1
Comedy
Video
Astronomy 161
0:30 - 0:45
1
Science & Medicine
Lecture
Astronomy a Go-Go!
0:45 - 1:00
1
Education
Lecture
Astronomy Cast
0:15 - 0:30
2
Science & Medicine
Discussion
Astronomy Magazine Podcast
0:05 - 0:15
1
Science & Medicine
News
Bad Astronomy: Q & BA Vodcast
0:05 - 0:15
1
Science & Medicine
Lecture
BBC NewsPod
0:30 - 0:45
1
News & Politics
News
BBC World Service: Digital Planet
0:15 - 0:30
1
Technology
News
BBC: From Our Own Correspondent
0:15 - 0:30
1
News & Politics
News
BBC: In Our Time
0:30 - 0:45
4
Society & Culture
Panel
BBC: Mark Kermode Film Reviews
0:15 - 0:30
2
TV & Film
Reviews
BBC: The Naked Scientists
0:45 - 1:00
1
Science & Medicine
Interviews
Berkeley Groks Science
0:30 - 0:45
2
Science & Medicine
Interviews
CBC Radio: Quirks and Quarks
0:45 - 1:00
1
Science & Medicine
Interviews
CNET: Buzz Out Loud
0:30 - 0:45
2
Technology
News
Cranky Geeks
0:30 - 0:45
1
Tech News
Panel
Dan Carlin's Hardcore History
0:45 - 1:00
1
History
Lecture
Democracy Now
0:45 - 1:00
1
News & Politics
News
Diggnation
0:45 - 1:00
2
Tech News
News
DL.TV
0:30 - 0:45
1
Tech News
News
Dogma Free America
0:45 - 1:00
2
Other
Interviews
Dr Karl on Triple J
0:30 - 0:45
1
Science & Medicine
Discussion
Escape Pod
FreeThought Radio
Futures in Biotech
GeekBrief
Grammar Girl
Guardian Unlimited: Science Weekly
Infidel Guy
KCRW: Left, Right & Center
Logically Critical
MacBreak Weekly
MacCast
MSNBC: Meet the Press
Mysterious Universe
NASA
NASA: Hidden Universe
NASA/ESA: HubbleCast
NASA: JPL
NASACast
NASACast Video
National Geographic
Nature
Net @ Nite
New Scientist
New York Times: Science Times
NOVA
NOVA Science Now
NPR
NPR: Car Talk
NPR: Fresh Air
NPR: Radio Lab
NPR: Science Friday
NPR: This American Life
NPR: Wait, wait... Don't tell me!
Planetary Radio
Point of Inquiry
PseudoPod
QuackCast
Real Time with Bill Maher
0:30 0:45 0:45 < 0:05
0:05 0:15 1:00 0:15 0:30 1:00 0:45 0:45 0:45 varies
< 0:05
< 0:05
< 0:05
< 0:05
< 0:05
varies
0:15 0:45 0:15 0:15 < 0:05
< 0:05
varies
0:45 0:30 0:45 1:45 0:45 0:45 0:15 0:30 0:15 0:15 0:45 -
0:45
1:00
1:00
0:15
0:30
1:15
0:30
0:45
1:15
1:00
1:00
1:00
0:30
1:00
0:30
0:30
1:00
0:45
1:00
2:00
1:00
1:00
0:30
0:45
0:30
0:30
1:00
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
4
1
4
1
1
1
varies
varies
varies
varies
varies
varies
varies
1
2
1
1
1
1
varies
2
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
Literature
Other
Science & Medicine
Gadgets
Language Courses
Science & Medicine
Other
News & Politics
Science & Medicine
Tech News
Tech News
News & Politics
Science & Medicine
varies
Science & Medicine
Science & Medicine
Science & Medicine
Science & Medicine
Science & Medicine
varies
Science & Medicine
Tech News
Science & Medicine
Science & Medicine
Science & Medicine
Science & Medicine
varies
Performing Arts
Society & Culture
Science & Medicine
Science & Medicine
Society & Culture
News
Science & Medicine
Science & Medicine
Literature
Science & Medicine
News & Politics
Commentary
Discussion
News
Video
Lecture
News
Discussion
Discussion
Discussion
Discussion
News & Reviews
Interviews
Discussion
varies
Video
Video
News
News
Video
varies
Interviews
News
News
Lecture
News
News
varies
Interviews
Interviews
Discussion
Interviews
Talk Show
Game show
Interviews
Interviews
Magazine
Discussion
Talk Show
Science @ NASA
< 0:05
Science Magazine Podcast
0:30 - 0:45
Science Talk
0:15 - 0:30
Security Now
0:45 - 1:00
SETI: Are We Alone?
0:45 - 1:00
Skepticality
0:45 - 1:00
Skeptoid
0:05 - 0:15
Slacker Astronomy
0:05 - 0:15
Slackerpedia Galactica
0:30 - 0:45
Slate Daily Podcast
0:05 - 0:15
Slice of SciFi
0:30 - 0:45
StarDate
< 0:05
STScI: Sky Watch
< 0:05
TEDTalks
0:15 - 0:30
The Economist Podcast
0:05 - 0:15
The Jodcast
0:30 - 0:45
The Onion Radio
< 0:05
The Skeptic's Guide to the Universe 1:15 - 1:30
This Week in Science
0:45 - 1:00
This Week in Tech
1:00 - 1:15
Tiki Bar TV (video)
< 0:05
TWiT: The Daily Giz Wiz
0:05 - 0:15
Universe Today
0:05 - 0:15
Windows Weekly
0:45 - 1:00
1
1
1
2
1
2
1
2
3
1
2
1
2
N/A
2
4
1
6
2
4
varies
2
1
1
Science & Medicine
Science & Medicine
Science & Medicine
Tech News
Science & Medicine
Science & Medicine
Science & Medicine
Science & Medicine
Science & Medicine
News & Politics
TV & Film
Science & Medicine
Science & Medicine
Education
News & Politics
Science & Medicine
Comedy
Science & Medicine
Science & Medicine
Tech News
Comedy
Tech News
Science & Medicine
Tech News
News
News
Interviews
Discussion
Discussion
Talk Show
Lecture
Discussion
News
News
Reviews
Lecture
News
Lecture
Magazine
News
News Parody
Panel
News
Panel
Video
Reviews
Lecture
Lecture
Table 3: 10 podcasts most frequently listed as "favourite podcast" by respondents to the Astronomy Cast
listener survey.
Podcast Name
Avg Length # Hosts Topic
Presentation
N
(hh:mm)
Astronomy Cast
0:15 - 0:30
2
Science & Medicine
Discussion
689
The Skeptic's Guide to the Universe
1:15 - 1:30
6Science & Medicine Panel 200
Universe Today
0:05 - 0:15
1
Science & Medicine
Interviews
70
This Week in Tech
1:00 - 1:15
4
Tech News
Panel
48
None
45
BBC: In Our Time
1:30 - 1:45
4
Society & Culture
Panel
32
All
24
This American Life
0:45 - 1:00
1
Society & Culture
Talk Show
22
NPR: Wait, wait... Don't tell me!
Mysterious Universe
0:45 - 1:00
21
0:45 - 1:00
1
Science & Medicine
Table 4: 10 podcasts most frequently listed as "favourite science podcast"
Cast listener survey
Podcast Name
Avg Length # Hosts Topic
(hh:mm)
Astronomy Cast
0:15 - 0:30
2
Science & Medicine
The Skeptic's Guide to the Universe
1:15 - 1:30
Universe Today
0:05 - 0:15
1
Science & Medicine
NPR: Science Friday
1:45 - 2:00
1
Science & Medicine
Science Talk
0:15 - 0:30
1
Science & Medicine
CBC Radio: Quirks & Quarks
0:45 - 1:00
1
Science & Medicine
ABC Radio National Science Show 0:45 - 1:00
1
Science & Medicine
BBC: The Naked Scientists
0:45 - 1:00
1
Science & Medicine
This Week in Science
0:45 - 1:00
2
Science & Medicine
None
SETI: Are We Alone?
0:45 - 1:00
1
Science & Medicine
Astronomy Magazine Podcast
0:05 - 0:15
1
Science & Medicine
Table
Rank
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
1
News
Discussion
Game show
20
by respondents to the Astronomy
Presentation
N
Discussion
1244
6Science & Medicine
Interviews
87
Interviews
43
Interviews
34
Interviews
33
News
32
Interviews
31
News
30
24
Discussion
18
News
18
Panel 130
5: Top 25 podcasts in iTunes in Sept 12, 2007.
Podcast Name
# Hosts Host(s)
Producer
60-second Psych
1
Christie Nicholson
Scientific American
Science Friday
1
Ira Flatow
NPR
Radio Lab
2
Jay Abrumrad & Robert Krulwich
WNYC
BrainStuff: The HowStuffWorks Podcast
1
Marshall Brain
HowStuffWorks
Wild Chronicles
1
Boyd Matson
National Geographic
Science Talk
1
Steve Mirsky
Scientific American
Hidden Universe HD
N/A
NASA
Hubblecast HD
1
Dr. Joe Liske
ESA/NASA
60-second Science
1
Karen Hopkin
Scientific American
NPR: Hmmm…. Krulwich on Science
1
Robert Krulwich
NPR
The Skeptic's Guide to the Universe 1
Dr. Steven Novella
NESS
NPR: Environment
1
Varies
NPR
NOVA | PBS
1
Varies
WGBH
HD NASA's JPL
N/A
NASA
Green.tv
N/A
green.tv
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Science Times
NASACast Video
The Naked Scientists
Food Science
Astronomy Cast
TERRA: The Nature of our World
Quirks & Quarks - Segmented Show
Skepticality
Nature Podcast
National Geographic World Talk
1
1
1
2
1
2
1
1
David Corcoran
N/A
Dr. Chris Smith
Dr. Kiki
Fraser Cain & Dr. Pamela Gay
Varies 1-2 filmmakers
Bob McDonald
Derek Colanduno & Swoopy
Chris Smith
Patty Kim
New York Times
NASA
Cambridge University
ON Networks
Astronomy Cast
Montana State University
CBC Radio One
Skeptic Magazine
Nature
National Geographic
Appendix A
Below is the complete list of questions asked in the Astronomy Cast
listener survey. Unless otherwise noted, the options listed below were
provided as either drop down menu options or in single selection radiobutton style inputs.
Question 1: “What is your gender?” (Responses: 2255)
Option
N
%
Male
2055
91.1%
Female
190
8.4%
Question 2: “How old are you?” (Responses: 2255) Respondents were given
drop down menu that started at “Under 13 years old”, then gave single
year options (e.g. 13, 14, 15, etc) up to age 70, and ended with the
option “Over 70 years old.” The average response age was 40.14 ± 10.79
yr, with a mode age of 30 years.
Age
N
%
under 13
2
0.1
13-17
58
2.6
18-21
78
3.5
22-25
182
8.1
26-29
207
9.2
30-33
235
10.4
34-37
229
10.2
38-41
208
9.2
42-45
220
9.8
46-49
200
8.9
50-53
197
8.8
54-57
156
6.9
58-61
116
5.2
62-65
81
3.6
66-69
32
1.4
70 and over
52
2.3
Question 3: “What is your primary occupation? / What occupation are you
studying for?” (Responses: 2252)
Option
N
%
Student
168
7.6
Academia
46
2.1
Advertising
22
1.0
Agriculture
6
0.3
Business
102
4.6
Communications
42
1.9
Computers
505 22.8
Education (K-12)
86
3.9
Education (College)
46
2.1
Entertainment
46
2.1
Finance
53
2.4
Government
88
4.0
Health/Medical
120
5.4
Law/Law Enforcement
34
1.5
Manufacturing
96
4.3
Marketing
37
1.7
Military
26
1.2
Research and Development108 4.89
Retail
41
1.9
Science
Service Industry
Other
88
101
359
4.0
4.6
16.2
Question 4: “What is your highest level of education?” (Responses:
2154)
Option
N
%
Student (K-12)
68
3.2
Undergraduate Student
223 10.4
Graduate Student
117
5.4
No High School Degree
/ Not a Student
44
2.0
High School Degree
334 15.5
Bachelors Degree
710 33.0
Graduate/
Professional Degree
658 30.6
Question 5: “What is your household income?” (Responses: 1843 worldwide, 1122 U.S.)
Option
World Wide
U.S. Only
N
%
N
%
$0-$15,000
142
7.7
65
5.8
$15,001-$30,000
202 11.0
106
9.5
$30,001-$45,000
253 13.7
145
12.9
$45,001-$60,000
281 15.3
159
14.2
$60,001-$90,000
383 20.8
234
20.9
$90,001 or more
582 31.6
413
36.8
Question 6: “What country do you live in?” (Responses: 2240)
Option
N
%
Argentina
4 0.18
Australia
167 7.46
Austria
7 0.31
Belgium
14 0.63
Bolivia
1 0.04
Brazil
11 0.49
Bulgaria
1 0.04
Cameroon
1 0.04
Canada
155 6.92
China
1 0.04
Colombia
3 0.13
Costa Rica
1 0.04
Croatia (Hrvatska)
1 0.04
Denmark
6 0.27
Dominican Republic
2 0.09
Estonia
2 0.09
Ethiopia
1 0.04
Finland
9 0.40
France
7 0.31
Germany
24 1.07
Greece
4 0.18
Greenland
1 0.04
Guam
2 0.09
Honduras
1 0.04
Hong Kong
1 0.04
Hungary
3 0.13
Iceland
1 0.04
India
11 0.49
Indonesia
1 0.04
Iran (Islamic Republic of)1 0.04
Ireland
17 0.76
Israel
7 0.31
Italy
2 0.09
Japan
9 0.40
Korea, Republic of
1 0.04
Latvia
2 0.09
Lithuania
1 0.04
Macedonia, The Former
Yugoslav Republic of
1 0.04
Malaysia
2 0.09
Mexico
11 0.49
Namibia
1 0.04
Netherlands
31 1.38
Netherlands Antilles
1 0.04
New Zealand
31 1.38
Norway
5 0.22
Pakistan
1 0.04
Philippines
1 0.04
Poland
2 0.09
Portugal
5 0.22
Puerto Rico
1 0.04
Romania
5 0.22
Russian Federation
3 0.13
Singapore
3 0.13
Slovakia (Slovak Republic)2 0.09
Slovenia
1 0.04
South Africa
22 0.98
Spain
17 0.76
Sri Lanka
1 0.04
Sweden
16 0.71
Switzerland
3 0.13
Taiwan, Province of China 1 0.04
Thailand
3 0.13
Trinidad and Tobago
1 0.04
Turkey
2 0.09
Uganda
1 0.04
Ukraine
1 0.04
United Arab Emirates
1 0.04
United Kingdom
242 10.80
United States
1310 58.48
Venezuela
1 0.04
Yugoslavia
1 0.04
Question 7: “If you are from the United States or Canada, what state or
province do you live in?” (Responses: 1465)
Option
N
%
Alabma
8 0.55
Alaska
10 0.68
Alberta
18 1.23
Arizona
21 1.43
Arkansas
5 0.34
British Columbia
38 2.59
California
182 12.42
Colorado
42 2.87
Connecticut
20 1.37
Delaware
3
District of Columbia
4
Florida
57
Georgia
26
Hawaii
11
Idaho
10
Illinois
67
Indiana
20
Iowa
13
Kansas
12
Kentucky
10
Louisiana
8
Maine
8
Manitoba
6
Maryland
25
Massachusetts
28
Michigan
45
Minnesota
34
Mississippi
4
Missouri
32
Montana
1
Nebraska
5
Nevada
7
New Brunswick
3
New Hampshire
9
New Jersey
36
New Mexico
17
New York
69
Newfoundland and Labrador 1
North Carolina
37
North Dakota
1
Nova Scotia
4
Ohio
35
Oklahoma
8
Ontario
64
Oregon
34
Pennsylvania
48
Prince Edward Island
1
Quebec
17
Rhode Island
1
Saskatchewan
2
South Carolina
9
South Dakota
2
Tennessee
15
Texas
83
Utah
20
Vermont
6
Virginia
33
Washington
48
West Virginia
3
Wisconsin
23
Wyoming
3
0.20
0.27
3.89
1.77
0.75
0.68
4.57
1.37
0.89
0.82
0.68
0.55
0.55
0.41
1.71
1.91
3.07
2.32
0.27
2.18
0.07
0.34
0.48
0.20
0.61
2.46
1.16
4.71
0.07
2.53
0.07
0.27
2.39
0.55
4.37
2.32
3.28
0.07
1.16
0.07
0.14
0.61
0.14
1.02
5.67
1.37
0.41
2.25
3.28
0.20
1.57
0.20
Question 8: “Do you, or does someone in your household, own a home
computer?” (Responses: 2243)
Option
N
%
Have
2236 99.7
Don't Have
7
0.3
Question 9: “Does your home have a high-speed Internet connection?”
(Responses: 2244)
Option
N
%
Have
2129 94.9
Don't Have
115
5.1
Question 10: “Do you, or does someone in your household, own a portable
MP3 player?” (Responses: 2240)
Option
N
%
Have
1924 85.9
Don't Have
316 14.1
Question 11: “Do you, or does someone in your household, own a video
game player?” (Responses: 2233)
Option
N
%
Have
1172 52.5
Don't Have
1061 47.5
Question 12: “Do you, or does someone in your household, own a DVD
player?” (Responses: 2231)
Option
N
%
Have
2146 96.2
Don't Have
85
3.8
Question 13: “Do you, or does someone in your household, own a DVR
recorder?” (Responses: 2231)
Option
N
%
Have
1242 55.7
Don't Have
989 44.3
Question 14: “Do you, or does someone in your household, own a cell
phone?” (Responses: 2223)
Option
N
%
Have
2102 94.6
Don't Have
121
5.4
Question 15: “Do you, or does someone in your household, own or lease a
car?” (Responses: 2227)
Option
N
%
Have
1905 85.5
Don't Have
322 14.5
Question 16: “Do you, or does someone in your household, subscribe to
satellite radio?” (Responses: 2235)
Option
N
%
Have
289 12.9
Don't Have
1946 87.1
Question 17: How do you typically download Podcasts? (Responses: 2170)
Option
N
%
Manually
632 29.1
iTunes
1330 61.3
Other Catcher 208
9.6
Question 18: How do you typically listen to Podcasts? (Responses: 2171)
Option
N
%
Work / School 199 9.17
Home Computer 729 33.58
MP3 Plyaer
1243 57.25
Question 19: How many Podcasts do you listen to? (Responses: 2065) They
were given a drop down box with values ranging from 0 to 99, and “over
99”. No one selected “over 99”.
Average Number of Podcasts: 13.11 ± 10.53
Mode: 1 podcast
Question 20: "What weekly/daily Podcasts have you listened to for more
than 3 weeks? (Up to 10, or 10 favorites)" (Responses: 1876) 1876
people listed a total of 2,227 podcasts. We list only those written in
by 20 or more people. A complete list is available upon request.
Podcast Name
N
%
60 Second Science (Scientific American)
107
5.7
ABC NewsRadio: StarStuff (Australia)
57
3.0
ABC Radio National: All in the Mind (Australia)
21
1.1
ABC Radio National: Ockham's Razor (Australia)
25
1.3
ABC Radio National: The Science Show (Australia)
95
5.0
APM: A Prairie Home Companion News from Lake Woebegon30 1.6
Archaeology Channel
24
1.3
Ask a Ninja
31
1.7
Astronomy 161
20
1.1
Astronomy a Go-Go!
44
2.3
Astronomy Cast
1503 80.1
Astronomy Magazine Podcast
41
2.2
Bad Astronomy: Q & BA Vodcast
34
1.8
BBC NewsPod
20
1.1
BBC World Service: Digital Planet
24
1.3
BBC: From Our Own Correspondent
23
1.1
BBC: In Our Time
101
5.4
BBC: Mark Kermode Film Reviews
28
1.5
BBC: The Naked Scientists
126
6.7
Berkeley Groks Science
45
2.4
CBC Radio: Quirks and Quarks
142
7.7
CNET: Buzz Out Loud
63
3.4
Cranky Geeks
46
2.5
Dan Carlin's Hardcore History
25
1.3
Democracy Now
28
1.5
Diggnation
57
3.0
DL.TV
36
1.9
Dogma Free America
22
1.2
Dr Karl on Triple J
29
1.5
Escape Pod
63
3.4
FreeThought Radio
32
1.7
Futures in Biotech
20
1.1
GeekBrief
28
1.5
Grammar Girl
33
1.8
Guardian Unlimited: Science Weekly
28
1.5
Infidel Guy
28
1.5
KCRW: Left, Right & Center
38
2.0
Logically Critical
71
3.8
MacBreak Weekly
59
3.1
MacCast
26
1.4
MSNBC: Meet the Press
27
1.4
Mysterious Universe
NASA
NASA: Hidden Universe
NASA: HubbleCast
NASA: JPL
NASACast
NASACast Video
National Geographic
Nature
Net @ Nite
New Scientist
New York Times: Science Times
NOVA
NOVA Science Now
NPR
NPR: Car Talk
NPR: Fresh Air
NPR: Radio Lab
NPR: Science Friday
NPR: This American Life
NPR: Wait, wait... Don't tell me!
Planetary Radio
Point of Inquiry
PseudoPod
QuackCast
Real Time with Bill Maher
Science @ NASA
Science Magazine Podcast
Science Talk: The Podcast of Scientific American
Security Now
SETI: Are We Alone?
Skepticality
Skeptoid: Critical Analysis of Pop Phenomena
Slacker Astronomy
Slackerpedia Galactica
Slate Daily Podcast
Slice of SciFi
StarDate
STScI: Sky Watch
TEDTalks
The Economist Podcast
The Jodcast
The Onion Radio
The Skeptic's Guide to the Universe
This Week in Science
This Week in Tech
Tiki Bar TV (video)
TWiT: The Daily Giz Wiz
Universe Today
Windows Weekly
88
42
29
31
23
33
23
21
91
21
90
20
40
39
32
77
39
45
236
102
139
88
148
22
42
24
76
21
253
103
105
182
91
49
83
26
32
57
44
27
21
49
42
500
86
218
23
27
108
48
4.7
2.2
1.5
1.7
1.2
1.8
1.2
1.1
4.9
1.1
4.8
1.1
2.1
2.1
1.7
4.1
2.1
2.4
12.6
5.4
7.4
4.7
7.9
1.2
2.2
1.3
4.0
1.1
13.5
5.5
5.6
9.7
4.9
2.6
4.4
1.4
1.7
3.0
2.3
1.4
1.1
2.6
2.2
26.7
4.6
11.6
1.3
1.4
5.8
2.6
Question 21: "What is your favourite Podcast?"* (Responses: 1951) 1951
people listed a total of 414 podcasts. We list only those written in by
2 or more responses below. A complete list is available upon request.
Podcast Name
N
%
Astronomy Cast
689 35.3
The Skeptic's Guide to the Universe
200 10.3
Universe Today
This Week in Tech
None
BBC: In Our Time
All
This American Life
NPR: Wait, wait... Don't tell me!
Mysterious Universe
Point of Inquiry
Escape Pod
Security Now with Steve Gibson
WNYC Radio Lab
Astronomy Magazine Podcast
Buzz Out Loud
Logically Critical
This Week in Science
SETI: Are We Alone?
Skepticality
Varies
Planetary Radio
Macbreak Weekly
NPR: Car Talk
Diggnation
The Jodcast
BBC: The Naked Scientists
Democracy Now
Mark Kermode Film Reviews
NPR: Science Friday
Slice Of SciFi
Coast to Coast AM
DL.TV
GeekBrief.tv
History According to Bob
Never Not Funny
NPR: Fresh Air
Skeptoid
The Dawn and Drew Show
The Onion Radio News
CBC Radio: Quirks & Quarks
Dan Carlin's Hardcore History
Grammar Girl
Real Time with Bill Maher
Slackerpedia Galactica
Slate Magazine Daily Podcast
TED Talks
The Instance: World of Warcraft Podcast
1Up Yours Podcast
APM: Sound Opinions on Demand
Ask a Ninja
Astronomy Today
Battlestar Galactica Podcast
BBC Radio
Daily Breakfast
Daily Giz Wiz
Daily Source Code
Decoder Ring Theatre
Free Thought Radio
70
48
45
32
24
22
21
20
18
15
15
15
14
14
14
13
12
12
12
11
10
10
9
9
8
8
7
7
7
6
6
6
6
5
5
5
5
5
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3.6
2.5
2.3
1.6
1.2
1.1
1.1
1.0
0.9
0.8
0.8
0.8
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
Keith and the Girl
Ricky Gervais
Rush Limbaugh
Slacker Astronomy
SModcast
The Science Show
Tiki Bar TV
Wall Street Journal
12 Byzantine Rulers
A Prairie Home Companion
ABC NewsRadio StarStuff
ABC The Science Show
Alan Watts Podcast
All in the Mind
Astronomy 162
BBC
BBC Radio 5 Mark Kermode Film Reviews
BBC: Documentary Archive
Berkeley Groks Science
Cast On
Coverville
Creation Update
Daily GizWiz
Dave's Lounge
Distorted View Daily
Dr Karl on Triple J
EconTalk
Galactica Watercooler
Gay Pimping with Jonny McGovern
Geek News Central
Hanselminutes
Hometown Tales
Hugh Hewitt
Indie Feed
Infadel Guy Triad of Reason
Irish And Celtic Music Podcast
It's All Politics
Le Show
Macbreak
MacCast
Make Magazine
Marketplace
Nature Podcast
NPR
NPR: All Songs Considered
Phedippidations
Podiobooks
Political
Pseudopod
Science Talk
Scientific American
Scott Sigler
The Fredcast
The Mac Observers Geek Gab
The Retrobits Podcast
The Space Show
The Triad of Reason
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
This Week in Media
Ultima Thule Ambient Music
Unknown (science)
Windows Weekly with Paul Thurrott
Wingin' It
Writer's Almanac
2
2
2
2
2
2
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
Question 22: What is your favourite science Podcast? (Responses: 1949)
1949 people listed a total of 115 podcasts.
Podcast Name
N
%
Astronomy Cast
1244 63.8
The Skeptic's Guide to the Universe
130
6.7
Universe Today
87
4.5
NPR: Science Friday
43
2.2
Science Talk: The Podcast of Scientific American
34
1.7
CBC Radio: Quirks & Quarks
33
1.7
ABC Radio National Science Show
32
1.6
BBC: The Naked Scientists
31
1.6
This Week in Science
30
1.5
None
24
1.2
Astronomy Magazine Podcast
18
0.9
SETI: Are We Alone?
18
0.9
All
11
0.6
Nature Podcast
11
0.6
60 Second Science
10
0.5
The Jodcast
10
0.5
New Scientist
9
0.5
Slackerpedia Galactica
9
0.5
Planetary Radio
8
0.4
Slacker Astronomy
8
0.4
Astronomy Today
5
0.3
Berkeley Groks Science
5
0.3
NOVA
5
0.3
StarDate
5
0.3
ABC NewsRadio: StarStuff
4
0.2
Astronomy 161
4
0.2
Astronomy 162
4
0.2
BBC: In Our Time
4
0.2
Dr Karl on Triple J
4
0.2
N/A
4
0.2
Varies
4
0.2
Brain Food
3
0.2
Futures in Biotech
3
0.2
Keck Observatory
3
0.2
Quackcast
3
0.2
Astronomy a Go-Go!
2
0.1
Creation Update
2
0.1
Digital Planet
2
0.1
Infidel Guy
2
0.1
Science News Weekly
2
0.1
Science Times
2
0.1
Skepticality
2
0.1
SkyWatch
2
0.1
The Space Show
2
0.1
5th Ammendment
1
0.1
A Special Thing
1
0.1
Astrology
1
0.1
Astronomical pods
Astronomy 102
Astronomy Ireland
Astronomy/Universe
BBC: Focus
BBC: Listen Again
Berkley lectures - Physics for future presidents
bloggingheads science saturday
Boston Museum of Science
Brainiac
Cieletespaceradio
Ciencia y Tecnologia Cosas de Todos los Dias.
cosmology
Current Science and Technology MOS
Diffusion
Earthfiles Podcast
EnginesOfOutIngenuity
Evolution 101
Evolution 102
Evolution 103
Explorations
Geek Counterpoint
german science & research podcast
GLRC Environment Report
Innovations
Life the universe and everything
Linux action show
livescience
Living Space
Material World
Mountain Radio Astronomy
Mysterious Universe
NASA podcasts
NASA This Week
NASA/JPL
NASACast
NASACast Video
National Geographic News
National Geographic video
News of Cosmos
Newscientist podcast
Night Sky Tour
NPR
NPR: Environment
NPR: Krulwich on Science
Physics 10
Physics news
Point of Inquiry
Quiz 5
Radio Lab
Riding with Robots
Robin Williams
Rosenkjær-foredrag - Peter Lund Madsen
Science @ Guardian Unlimited
Science @ NASA
Science magazine
Seed Video
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
Skeptic's Guide to the Universe
Smart Ass Science
Starship Sofa
Star Stryer
The Subgenius Hour of Slack
The Von Karman lectures
Theatre of the Mind
UC Berkeley Physics 4 Future Presidents
Unknown (Astronomy Now)
Unknown (biology)
VerySpatial
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
Question 23: "How would you describe your interest in astronomy prior
to listening to astronomy related Podcasts?" (Responses: 2239)
Option
N
%
I knew how to spell astronomy
24
1.1
I thought it was neat when I was a kid
64
2.9
I will pay attention if it crops up in
something I already read/watch/listen to
466 20.8
I actively seek and read/watch/listen
to stories about astronomy
1270 56.7
I am an amateur astronomer and/or go
to local astronomy club meetings
373 16.7
I am a professional astronomer or
astronomy major in college
42
1.9
Question 24: "How would you describe your interest in astronomy after
listening to astronomy related podcasts?" (Responses: 2230)
Option
N
%
I knew how to spell astronomy
9
0.4
I thought it was neat when I was a kid
3
0.1
I will pay attention if it crops up in
something I already read/watch/listen to
159
7.1
I actively seek and read/watch/listen
to stories about astronomy
1562 70.0
I am an amateur astronomer and/or go
to local astronomy club meetings
449 20.1
I am a professional astronomer or
astronomy major in college
48
2.2
Question 25: "Did you take an astronomy class as an elective in college
or high school?" (Responses: 2217)
Option
N
%
Yes
700 31.6
No
1517 68.4
Question 26: "Would you/Do you attend local astronomy lectures for the
public?" (Responses: 2222)
Option
N
%
Yes
1360 61.2
No
862 38.8
Question 27: "Are you interested in learning how to become involved in
amateur astronomy?" (Responses: 2175)
Option
N
%
Yes
1499 68.9
No
676
31.1
Question 28: "Is the show length too long or too short?" (Responses:
2142)
Option
N
%
It's way too short
110
5.1
It's too short
462 21.6
It's the right length
1536 71.7
It's too long
34
1.6
It's way too long
0 0.00
Question 29: "What is your favourite type of show?" (Responses: 2112)
Option
N
%
Topical Shows
1806 85.5
Listener Questions Shows
140
6.6
Interview Shows
166
7.9
Question 30: "Is the content of the show too hard or too easy?"
(Responses: 2154)
Option
N
%
It's way too simplified
26
1.2
It's a little too simplified427 19.8
It's the right level
1638 76.0
It's a little too hard
61
2.8
It's way too hard
2
0.1
Question 31: "What type of content do you want to see?" (Responses:
1439) Respondents were given 255 characters to respond however they
wanted. After reading the first 500 responses, we created the following
30 categories to divide all responses into. A single comment that
offered multiple types desired content would be counted in multiple
areas.
Content Need
N
%
5-Minute Briefs, News
22
1.5
5-Minute Briefs, Observing
23
1.6
5-Minute Briefs, Factoids
5
0.3
5-Minute Briefs, Reviews
7
0.5
Content-Style, Not promoting atheism
10
0.7
Content-Style, Discuss S. Hemisphere
3
0.2
Content-Style, Listener Question Show
22
1.5
Content-Style, Abstract/Theoretical discussion
31
2.2
Content-Style, Concrete, Object driven discussion
9
0.6
Content-Style, How We Know...
26
1.8
Content-Style, Topic Shows
49
3.4
Content-Level, Hard is good
21
1.5
Content-Level, Detailed
66
4.6
Content-Level, Focused
1
0.0
Content-Level, Basic
23
1.6
Content-Level, Chunks of material
4
0.3
Content-Level, Intermediate level good
1
0.1
Interviews, Nonspecific
38
2.6
Interviews, Scientists
35
2.4
Interviews, Astronauts
3
0.2
Interviews, Educators
1
0.1
Interviews, Specific People
7
0.5
Do-it-Yourself, Equipment (build, set-up, use)
23
1.6
Do-it-Yourself, Observing
(star maps, finding objects, what to observe)
53
3.7
Do-it-Yourself, Armchair astronomy
8
0.6
News, Nonspecific
56
3.9
News, Discovery
49
3.4
News, Observing
8
0.6
News, Spacecraft/missions
11
0.8
Topical, Pseudoscience
15
1.0
Topical, Astrobiology/SETI
117
8.1
Topical, Astrophysics
87
6.0
Topical, Black holes
25
1.7
Topical, Biographies
3
0.2
Topical, Cosmology
21
1.5
Topical, Careers/education
23
1.6
Topical, Cutting Edge Astro. Rsrch./Current Knowledge44 3.1
Topical, Constellations/Mythology
39
2.7
Topical, Dark Matter/Dark Energy
71
4.9
Topical, Dead/Dying Stars
14
1.0
Topical, Extra-solar planets, systems
32
2.2
Topical, Galaxies
45
3.1
Topical, History
13
0.9
Topical, Light/Em
33
2.3
Topical, Science in Literature/Film/SciFi
65
4.5
Topical, Math
22
1.5
Topical, Nebulae
7
0.5
Topical, Observing (Professional)
41
2.8
Topical, Physics
4
0.3
Topical, Quantum Mechanics
25
1.7
Topical, Stars
12
0.8
Topical, Star Clusters
90
6.3
Topical, Spacecraft/missions
40
2.8
Topical, Solar System
7
0.5
Topical, Spacetravel & Exploration
25
1.7
Topical, Time, Relativity
7
0.5
Topical, Technology, computers, telescopes
2
0.1
Topical, Terraforming/colonization
1
0.1
Topical, Theories (new, competeing, incomplete, failed)
5
0.3
General, Asked random question
24
1.7
General, Random statement/comment
73
3.4
General, Vague statement
88
4.2
General, All content OK
311 21.6
General, All topics ok
69
4.8
Question 32: "What online materials do you want to see with each show?"
(Responses: 1236)
Online Need
N
%
%
(1236) (713)
Everything is fine
284
23
NA
Do not use website
239
19
NA
Links in shownotes to
related books, references, popular articles
317 44.5 25.6
Images in shownotes
295 41.4 23.9
Shownotes
95 13.3
7.7
Vodcast
84 11.8
6.8
Video linked to shownotes
73 10.2
5.9
Transcripts
56
7.9
4.5
Journal articles linked to shownotes related to show content
31
4.3
2.5
Mathematics and Equations in shownotes
Star Charts
Educational Materials
Pictures of Hosts
Slides or PowerPoints linked to shownotes
Quizes related to shows
Does not listen to show
Planetarium Software
Links to low-bandwidth versions of shows
Amateur Astronomer Resources
23
18
16
9
9
8
7
5
4
2
3.2
2.5
2.2
1.3
1.3
1.1
1.0
0.7
0.6
0.3
1.9
1.5
1.3
0.7
0.7
0.6
0.6
0.4
0.3
0.2