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Best Locally-Focused Podcasts In The Bay Area

Beats by Dre Headphones (credit: Adam Berry/Getty Images)

Are you looking for a refreshing new alternative to your radio or audio books when on a road trip or driving around the Bay Area? If so, a perfectly suited podcast might be just what you're looking for. Typically available for mobile devices, laptops and desktops, there are literally hundreds of thousands of podcasts available covering everything from the arts to TV and film. But if you're thinking of something with a focus on the Bay Area, here are just five of the best to consider.

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Golden State Warriors Podcast
www.nba.com

For fans who can't get enough of the world champion Golden State Warriors, podcasts are available through iTunes and the official website. While only live streaming of Warrior games is available only by with a paid subscription, free audio highlights of this season's action can be obtained simply with a few clicks on iTunes. Also on compatible mobile devices are postgame interviews featuring top Warriors coaches such as head coach Steve Kerr and Luke Walton and star players like Draymond Green and reigning NBA MVP Stephen Curry. The online podcast features extended coverage of the Golden State Warriors with its weekly Roundtable discussion, available via the music and audio app SoundCloud.

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KNBR Podcast
www.knbr.com

Known as "The Sports Leader" local radio station KNBR offer podcasts from its popular weekday shows via iTunes. Podcasts are made available most every business day and features KNBR's popular hosts such as Gary and Larry, Murph and Mac and Kruk and Kuip, along with special guests like Oakland Raider quarterback Derek Carr and 49ers legend Ronnie Lott. Podcasts are also available through KNBR's website, making it especially convenient for Bay Area sports fans on the go. More than 300 podcasts are currently available through iTunes and include other special guests like former Oakland As manager Tony LaRussa, CBS Sports broadcaster Jim Nance and  assistant coach of the Golden State Warriors, Luke Walton.

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San Francisco History Podcast – Sparkletack
www.sparkletack.com

Although weekly podcasts were halted years ago, there seems to be no better podcast in the fascinating history of San Francisco than Sparkletack. Created by local graphic destine and amateur historian Richard Miller, nearly 100 podcasts remain on iTunes and it has received a perfect five star rating since the first Sparkletack in 2005. Each of the podcasts, ranging from a few minutes to over an hour, cover a unique aspect of San Francisco, such as the iconic Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill, the Mission Burrito and the beloved San Francisco Twins. While it seems unlikely Miller will resume recording, he says he's committed to keeping all podcasts online as a resource for residents and for people around the world interested in learning more about the City by the Bay.

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San Francisco Symphony Podcasts
www.sfsymphony.org

The San Francisco Symphony presents select works from the world's greatest composers from its podcast via mobile device. Although no new podcasts have been added sine June, there are more than 150 currently available to download, including familiar masterpieces like Beethoven's Symphony, Mozart's Requiem and Handel's Messiah. Additionally, other podcasts such as the Archives Podcasts and Program Note series can be enjoyed without having to download an app by visiting the symphony's official website. Classic music lovers can also enjoy streaming concerts through the symphony's website.

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The Bay Bridged
www.thebaybridged.com

The Bay Bridged is a leading source for independent music in the San Francisco Bay Area. Consistently mentioned as one of the Bay Area's "best arts or music website" and "best music blog, the non-profit organization also hosts a continuing series of podcasts showcasing local talent and upcoming concerts. Recent podcasts available through iTunes or online include an in-depth look at San Francisco's best heavy bands and an audio guide of performers scheduled to appear at San Francisco's most popular music venues. Founded in 2006, The Bay Bridged releases a new 30-minute podcast every Tuesday.

Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer covering all things San Francisco. In 2012, he received a Media Fellowship from Stanford University. His work can be found on Examiner.com
 

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