49 episodes

Open Source is the world’s longest-running podcast. Christopher Lydon circles the big ideas in culture, the arts and politics with the smartest people in the world. It’s the kind of curious, critical, high-energy conversation we’re all missing nowadays.

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Open Source with Christopher Lydon Radio Open Source

- Arts
- 4.5, 830 Ratings

4.5 out of 5

830 Ratings

Wide ranging, thought-provoking

Unlike many podcasts, there is no set subject here, nor does it play to whatever current hot topic is dominating the mediascape. Just every week, for one hour, you’ll get a really good discussion that will take you in unexpected directions. As good on art, music, and philosophy as it is on politics, history, & technology. Open Source always offers voices and perspectives that you won’t hear elsewhere.

A Million Times Better than Fresh Air

Just started listening this year after hearing the Whitey Bulger episode on WBUR. This show is awesome and super intellectual; it’s impossible not to learn something every week. Lydon is a great interviewer; this dude blows Terry Gross completely out of the water. I enjoy hearing his questions as much as his guests’ answers.

Speaking of guests, I’ve yet to hear a dud; he’s always got interesting journalists, writers, filmmakers, psychologists, philosophers, and scientists on, usually 2-4 in a single show.

This show positively rocks, and I don’t think I’ve heard a better “conversation-style” show on American radio (or in an American podcast, of which this show is apparently the first one ever created back in 2003).