For my dad’s birthday this year, I’m putting together a compilation of some of my favorite podcast episodes that I think he might like. I listen to a lot of audio content while I’m working — both audiobooks and podcasts — and I’m always trying to get people to listen to the ones that I think are the absolute best. So here you go, my favorites right now! I’ve embedded specific episodes that I think are especially good to start with. If you’re a Spotify user, just follow this podcast playlist. Enjoy!
UPDATE 12/26/19: I have a funny story about my dad that happened after I drafted this post, but before I showed it to him. At our Christmas Eve dinner party, he smugly announced to the entire table that “podcasts have officially jumped the shark.” (Definition here, for anyone unfamiliar with the phrase.) Lolllll. I obviously debated him on this point, as I think we’re just now entering the golden age of podcasting . Anyway, I’ll update this blog post again once he’s had a chance to listen… and perhaps revise his opinion on podcasts.
Ear Hustle
“The daily realities of life inside prison shared by those living it, and stories from the outside, post-incarceration.” This is an absolutely incredible award-winning podcast. It’s fascinating, moving, gritty, tender, and often funny. I listened to all four seasons in about a week — I couldn’t get enough! I think it might be my #1 favorite podcast of all time. I’d recommend starting at the beginning and and listening in order.
Twenty Thousand Hertz
“The stories behind the world's most recognizable and interesting sounds.” I wouldn’t describe myself as an audiophile, but this beautifully produced and edited podcast totally got me interested in sound design! It changed the way I watch movies, listen to music, and notice sounds around me. This podcast always makes me feel calm, happy, and focused. I’m often quoting interesting facts and stories I learned from this show. I’d recommend reading the episode summaries and listening to whichever topic catches your fancy. Here are a few of my all-time favorites:
Reply All
“‘A podcast about the internet’ that is actually an unfailingly original exploration of modern life and how to survive it.” – The Guardian. This one is a favorite amongst a lot of my friends (especially amongst — but not limited to — my tech-savvy friends). It’s full of fascinating and sometimes dark stories about the internet, accompanied by witty banter from the two co-hosts. These are a few of the episodes that are widely considered to be some of the strongest.
Planet Money
“The economy explained. Imagine you could call up a friend and say, ‘Meet me at the bar and tell me what's going on with the economy.’ Now imagine that's actually a fun evening.” I think many people are familiar with NPR’s economics podcast Planet Money. These two episodes are a bit old, but the stories are totally amazing, and you’ll never look at salmon or Subarus the same way again.
The Cut on Tuesdays
“The Cut on Tuesdays brings you women’s voices on culture, style, sex, politics, and people: It’s everything The Cut can’t stop talking about. Join host Molly Fischer every week for arguments, obsessions, dissections, reflections, confessions, and other deep dives.” My sister recently got me into this podcast. I haven’t listened to many episodes yet, but this one was a freaky look into trolls on the internet.
How I Built This with Guy Raz
“Guy Raz dives into the stories behind some of the world's best known companies. How I Built This weaves a narrative journey about innovators, entrepreneurs and idealists—and the movements they built.” If you’re interested in how successful companies got their start, this is a really neat window into the process. The founders discuss the hurdles and challenges they had to overcome.
Modern Love: The Podcast
“Modern Love: The Podcast features the popular New York Times column, with readings by notable personalities and updates from the essayists themselves.” Each episode of this podcast features one essay about love that originally ran in the New York Times. The stories are often bittersweet and complex. This two-part series was especially moving.
The Guilty Feminist
“The podcast in which we discuss our noble goals as 21st century feminists, and the hypocrisies and insecurities that undermine them.”This is a live stand-up comedy show based out of the UK that’s feminist and (fairly) intersectional, while also being realistic and nuanced. I find it hysterical and so real. It makes me feel like I’m part of an army of global feminists who are all in this together. If you’re under the impression that feminists can’t be funny, I strongly suggest you give this a listen. :)
The Daily
“Twenty minutes a day, five days a week, hosted by Michael Barbaro and powered by New York Times journalism” I’m not sure I even need to include this, as it’s one of the most popular podcasts in the U.S. right now, but it’s part of my daily routine, so here you go. It’s a daily news podcast that dives deep into just one story from the headlines. It provides context and history, and tells the story in a really compelling manner. It helps bring otherwise dry news headlines to life. I’ve embedded one good episode below, but since it’s a news show, you should really just check out the most recent episode.
That’s all for now! What are some of your favorite podcasts?? Comment below or DM me on Instagram. I’m always looking for new ones!