The Best of Culture Podcasts

The great thing about critics is that they often come out with amusing pompous nonsense. They also kindly watch and read and listen to things so that you don't have to. We've put together a short list of some of the best podcasts devoted to wittering on about cultural things.

1. Front Row Highlights - This is a weekly thirty minute edition of the best of Radio 4's Front Row programme. Interviews with novelists, directors, artists and musicians. Presented by Mark Lawson, Kirsty Lang and John Wilson. Contemporary and entertaining.

2. The Guardian Books Podcasts - All manner of things here from John Mullan's monthly book club to Jim Crace's tongue-in-cheek digested reads. You can also catch up with the best of this year's Hay-on-Wye Festival. Witty and involving.

3. The New York Times Book Review Podcasts- Presented by NYT Book Review editor Sam Tanenhaus. Interviews with authors, editors and critics. Intelligent and insightful.

4. Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo's Film Reviews - Podcast of Five Live's popular Friday afternoon film review show. The podcast has the edge over the live broadcast as it cuts out the travel and news bulletins. Kermode's passionate rants are worth a regular listen.

5. Music Matters - Podcast of Radio 3 programme. News from the world of classical music, features on opera, jazz and world music. Interviews with conductors, performers and directors. Presented by Tom Service and Petroc Trelawny. Relaxed and convivial.