Welcome to the first edition of the Funk’s Weekly Sound Check, where we collect the week’s best podcasts into a concentrated mix of chunky audio goodness. In an unprecedented move though, we’re going to break from this heretofore unused formula for our inaugural edition in order to expose new podcast listeners to the best podcasts we’ve heard. If one of your favorite podcasts doesn’t appear here, be sure to comment and it may be featured on a future edition!

Player One Podcast - Featuring former staff members of EGM, GameNOW, and 1UP,  this show contains some of the most entertaining hosts in gaming podcasts. The formula may be, well, formulaic, but the strength of the hosts and their unique views on the industry as (largely) former writers give it a unique feel and makes it well worth a listen if you have any interest in the subject material. (iTunes Page)

Creative Screenwriting Magazine – One of the most informative podcasts regarding movies available, the Creative Screenwriting Magazine podcast features just that, creative screenwriters, with a different set for each episode. Former guests on the show include the writers of Watchmen, Star Trek, Slumdog Millionaire, and many more. Anyone interested in what it takes to write a film, whether it’s an adaptation of a beloved book or entirely original, needs to give it a listen. (iTunes Page)

Joystiq Podcast – While many of our readers will no doubt be familiar with this quirky show, we can’t help but feature it in this list because of the tiniest of chances you may not have heard it. Featuring three editors of the gaming blog Joystiq, this podcast’s fans are so devoted to the show that their Facebook group even spawned their own podcast, the Joystiq Podcast Appreciation Group Podcast. Give it a listen, and then join the Facebook group here. (iTunes Page)

SModcast - The brainchild of director Kevin Smith (Clerks, Zack and Miri Make a Porno) and film producer Scott Mosier, this podcast is not for the faint of heart. But, while the podcast can frequently divulge into the downright crude, there’s no mistaking that Smith’s trademark wit and amazing ability to capture an audience is present here. Fans of his movies or a raw style of comedy should definitely give it a download. (iTunes Page)

You Look Nice Today – Considered by many of its listeners to be the most flat-out hilarious podcast ever created, this show stars four men constantly bouncing ideas off each other in order to create new business opportunities. What continually materializes from this are some of the most insane, absurd, and ingenious ideas you’ll ever hear. While there has not been a new episode posted since May, the backlog should keep you busy and is well worth a listen. (iTunes Page)

Listen UP – When UGO and media juggernaut Hearst Corporation purchased the 1UP Network, one of the casualties, along with EGM and the 1UP Show, was one of gaming’s flagship podcasts, 1UP Yours. From the ashes of 1UP Yours comes a reworked version of the show, entitled ListenUP. Still hosted by 1UP standby Garnett “It’s my Goddamn show!” Lee, Listen UP endeavors to continue in the footsteps of the original, and for the most part succeeds in doing so. While it may not quite have the magic of the Shane Bettenhausen/Luke Smith days, it’s still well worth a listen. (iTunes Page)