Should you be Listening To Podcasts?
The short answer is yes. Imagine being able to passively participate in various incredibly smart, funny, and informative conversations without actually having to utter a word. That’s what podcasts give you. Although they’ve been around for some time now, it’s easy to call this the golden era of podcasts, similar to what blogs use to be. The format is open to anyone with a laptop, microphone, and access to the internet. Plus, people are beginning getting creative with how to format the bite sized radio shows. Even media companies from TED to NY Times are beginning to pilot shows, while businesses are testing them out for marketing content. If you’re new to podcasting check out the classics, This American Life, Serial, and NPR: Hidden Brain. For everything else, read on below.
If you want to be Informed:
Reveal: Good journalism is hard to come by. Which is why the award-winning radio program Reveal, hosted by Al Letson is a must-listen. It takes you deep inside stories that impact our world, and it’s sure to have you digging through their 93 story archive.
Say Why To Drugs: Knowledge is power and the internet is full of misinformation—especially about recreational drugs. Dr. Suzi Gage tackles the association between substance use and mental health each episode with no spin. Just incredibly valuable information.
Pod Save America: A podcast that fits perfectly into the current political times. Pod Save The World is hosted by Tommy Vietor (who worked for Obama’s National Security Council) and it reveals behind-the-scenes insights from the White House Situation Room through conversation and interviews with people who were there.
If you want to Laugh:
2 Dope Queens: A WYNC podcast (they’re known for producing the good stuff) hosted by NY comedians Phoebe Robinson and Jessica Willis who are hilarious. Every episode, the two comics invite their favorite comedians to perform sets. They also hosts interviews, and discuss everything from living in NYC to race and romance.
Beautiful Stories From Anonymous People: Comedian Chris Gethards gets 1 phone call, for 1 hour, with 1 random person. The only rule is he can’t hang up first. The outcome is usually hilarious, but can be shockingly honest, featuring everything from dark confessions to deep family secrets.
The Read: Comedian Kid Fury and writer Crissles team up every week to discuss the latest happenings in hip-hop, politics, and pop culture. Both are unapologetically outspoken and express opinions with an informed, but flippant and humorous attitude.
If you want discussion and interviews:
Code Switch: This is a great podcast about race and ethnicity. The show is current and easy to listen to, and will leave you in a better place than when it found you.
Death, Sex, & Money: Another WNYC podcast hosted by Anna Sale tackling the big questions we often leave out of conversations. The name of the podcast says it all, and although these are topics we typically shy away from, they’re delightful to listen to.
If you want a dose of culture:
Monocle 24: The Menu: The guys over at Monocle serve up a weekly guide to the world of food. They interview some of the industry’s best chefs to discuss what’s new in the restaurant business.
Wittertainment: The quintessential film podcast hosted by Simon Mayo and Mark Kermode. You don’t even need to be a film buff to listen. Between the expert reviews and interviews, there’s plenty for everyone.
Popcast: The incredibly knowledgable music critics at NY Times release weekly episodes covering the latest music news. They usually dissect popular songs, and albums, in addition to up-and-coming stars you may not have heard of yet.
