This American Life - Great human interest stories that somehow gets me thinking about a lot of different things. From economics, to science, camping, etc etc
Think Out Loud - Good discussions about current events, some are more obscured than others. Topics like the economy, budget cuts, the impact of digitizing books, etc
How Stuff Works - They have more than just how something works, but also podcasts on things you missed in history class, things your mom never told you and stuff you should know. Topics like how often you should wash your hair, obscure facts in history, etc
Intelligence Squared - A great show, an Oxford style debate of one topic/motion, three panelists for and three against the motion, one moderator and audience questions. Some topics include carbon footprint reduction is too expensive, Bush is the worst president in the US, the art market is less ethical than the stock market, universal health care is the responsibility of federal government, etc
Michael Feldman's Whad'Ya Know - A fun show, I listen to this when I need a fun podcast rather than an informational/heavy one or when it's on the radio. If you've never heard this, you should try listening to it at least once
Portland State of University's Center for Transportation Seminars - Podcasts of their seminars, covering topics such as zoning strategies, new technologies in measuring physical activities and travel, the future of transportation, etc etc
OPB's Morning Edition - Stories and happenings around the state
Wait Wait Don't Tell Me - NPR's weekly current events quiz program. Usually the quiz is based around the week's happenings. A pretty good way to catch up on the highlights of the week
Modern Manners - Tips on how to be polite in the modern society. How to pick your nose politely, how to complain in restaurants, when to answer your cell phones, etc
Live Wire - A variety show recorded at the Alladin Theatre in Portland, Oregon.
"Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. (Yes, it's more than a movie, but are you able to yell, drink beer and write haiku in a movie?)"
NPR podcasts - They have a lot of different ones. Some of the ones I subscribe to are Science Friday, Pop Culture, Story of the Day, and others. I will mention specific NPR podcasts if they warrant it (like Intelligence Squared)