In reply to James Malloch:
From a podcast/radio addict:
There are so many now, most Radio 4 programmes can be downloaded - so things like From our own Correspondent, Analysis, The Report, Documentary of the Week etc might all interest you.
I follow US politics and culture quite closely, if you're interested then the Slate podcasts are good - fun and you'll learn stuff - Political Gabfest, Culture Gabfest, Double X etc.
From Australia (ABC) Rear Vision is superb for an in-depth look at something in the news, using real experts and giving them time to make their points.
Radiolab is absolutely brilliant radio making science super listening. Guardian science podcast is also good at keeping me as non-scientist up on some of the big stories in science.
This American Life is also excellent story telling (not always American as well ironically!). The Moth is good live story telling.
The Bugle for huge amounts of silliness; Kermode and Mayo for fun and film reviews...
How's that for going on with?