WHAT IT IS: Rooster is a free weekday audio podcast that keeps you ‘in the know’ on the news. Six minutes provides about 35 quick updates on the news across sectors.

WHY WE LIKE IT: Rise and shine! Open your email. Press Rooster for a roundup of the daily news stories from around the world. Before you know it, you’ll be up to speed on world events, business, technology, sports, etc.—anything that people are talking about. Listen to Rooster while you’re making your coffee, walking your dog, commuting, or just moving around in the morning. (Hint: it arrives around the same time as theSkimm.)

This is a Chicago-based startup in its early stages (it just launched in January.) We’ve been testing it and really like the unique question and answer rapid-fire format! While not a replacement for your news, Rooster provides links to every headline discussed, so you can find the original story if interested. Now, that’s a time-saver!

We’d like to see the founders infuse a little more energy into the narration (a little more cock-a-doodle-doo if you will.) But, overall, we’re impressed with this up-and-coming podcast and enjoy starting our day with Rooster.

HOW MUCH IT COSTS: It’s free.

NOW, TAKE THE FIRST STEP: Sign up to get the Rooster email delivered to your inbox. You can also subscribe via the iTunes podcast button. Make Rooster your weekday morning wake-up call! (If you give it a try, we’d love to hear your feedback.)