This week, we’re presenting a mid-year round-up of Links We Love, with each day focusing on a different theme. Today’s is podcasts, so scroll on to hear some of our favorites:

On Movies

Doug Loves Movies – Hosted by stand-up / documentarian / general pop culture addict Doug Benson, who’s joined each episode by a rotating panel of guests, this is your one-stop if you want to keep up on new releases.

On Cinema – If you want that, plus hilariously weird asides, try this one from Tim Heidecker and Gregg Turkington (aka Neal Hamburger).

How Did This Get Made – Paul Scheer, Jason Mantzoukas, June Diane Raphael and guests explore the story behind unbelievably bad hits, from Birdemic to Speed 2.

On Sports

Sklarboro Country – Almost as focused on comedy and music but ostensibly a sports show, hosted by Randy and Jason Sklar (of Cheap Seats and Back on Topps).

BS Report with Bill Simmons – Smart, witty sports talk that’s accessible for all listeners, plus fun surprises (like a recent interview with Lena Dunham).

On Books and Writing

New Yorker Fiction – Authors reading from works that inspire them, as well as their own.

Other People with Brad Listi – Getting down and dirty with authors and literary figures alike.

Moth Podcast – Recorded at the award-winning live storytelling show.

Dead Authors – A Paul F. Tompkins side project in partnership with 826LA, this occasionally-updated series imagines scenes from the lives of writers like Lovecraft and Aesop.

Nerdist Writers Panel – Novelists, journalists, film and TV writers get together to talk craft.

On Comedy

Comedy Bang Bang – Now its own IFC TV show, the CBB podcast is the first thing I listen to every Monday morning; with a line-up of real and fictional guests (often spotlighting James Adomian’s perfect character work) and some of the weirdest games (with the best theme songs) around, it’s always fun.

Improv4humans – Hosted by Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theater co-founder Matt Besser, and featuring the best improvisers from its training center and beyond, this consistently amazing show translates the stage to your stereo.

Mascot Wedding – Live on KOOP every Sunday from 6-7 p.m., this comedy / music / interview show is one of Austin’s best exports.

A Bit of Everything

The Dinner Party – A sort of pop culture primer, The Dinner Party rounds up conversation-worthy topics and gives you a quick recap of the things you need to know this week.

Get Up On This – Each week, guests join host Jensen Karp to list things for listeners to “get up on” — songs, trends, whatever they’re into.

How Was Your Week – Host Julie Klausner’s boundless energy on topics from cats to Smash is interspersed between interviews with comics, writers and all-around awesome people like Tavi Gevinson and Kurt Loder.

Who Charted? – Kulap Vilaysack and (former Austinite!) Howard Kremer count down both major (think Billboard) and minor (think vintage summer blockbusters) charts.

The Mutant Season – This show is recorded in the back of a comic shop and hosted by a 9-year-old. It’s amazing. Listen now.

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