Suggestions from a nerd 8

By Wisley Lau

Countdown With Keith Olbermann by Keith Olbermann

(Credit: iHeartRadio)

Keith Olbermann was one of the influential voices in political commentary during the George W. Bush presidency. Later, during the Obama and Trump years, he continued to offer political commentary in many forms, from his show at MSNBC to his web series for GQ magazine. Now, in podcast form, the host provides new episodes every Monday to Friday informing his audience of the big issues people need to be focused on in his special comment section. 

Meanwhile, check out his sections on Every Dog Has Its Day for the animal lovers out there and the sports section for the PE nerds. Par with his tradition, every episode features the Worst Person In The World, roasting the miscreants, morons, and Dunning Kruger effect specimens that truly represent the worst in society. Finally, Olbermann also shares stories from his decades long career in television and news which is a goldmine for any politics or current affair nerds. Check out the podcast in the link here. It's an hour you definitely would enjoy.

Teen Nerd Talks by Wisley Lau (yours truly)

(Credit: Spotify)

Shameless self promotion in this part of the article: Teen Nerd Talks was started by the author as his Personal Project in Year 11, but as the years evolved, the discussions became wider and wider. From its humble beginnings discussing science and ethics for subjects like Artificial Intelligence and Gene Editing, it gradually expanded into issues on science and later into politics and culture. Featuring the author and his friends, each episode generates entertaining and enlightening discussions on the issues that affect our times and lives. Check out the podcast here for student friendly conversations about the world.

A Message For Ukraine by Volodymyr Zelensky

(Credit: Penguin Books)

“I would be the happiest person in the world if the book [you are] holding in your hands had never been published.” Not the orthodox way to write an introduction, but sadly the line rings true when put in the context of Russia's brutal war on Ukraine, and made even more depressing when the person who wrote that is the current President of Ukraine. An influential speaker, Zelensky has given heartmoving and emotional speeches to leaders around the world, rallying support as his country faces the onslaught of Putin’s army. In this small official collection approved by Zelensky, you can read, in one afternoon, all Zelensky’s speeches before the war as President and during the war as its wartime leader. A great insight to Ukraine’s past and present, this articulate collection is something you don’t want to miss.

The January 6th Report by The Select Committee To Investigate The January 6th Attack On The United States Capitol

(Credit: The New York Times)

Probably the most boring and excruciating book recommended in this series, The January 6th Report is, nonetheless, an important document on one of the most important events in recent American history. The storming of the US capitol allegedly commanded by a then sitting president. Painstakingly compiled from hundreds of testimonies and jaw dropping public hearings, it serves as a reminder of the fragility of democracy and the perils of populism and polarization of politics in today’s day and age. You can read the whole report for free here.