Last year I did a short little post with a bunch of suggestions of Podcasts that I really enjoy listening to every week. That post has been really popular on Pinterest lately so I thought I would update and offer some new suggestions for podcasts. I listen to podcasts all the time. It is such an easy way to get immersed into compelling stories or to stay up to date on sports, news, self help etc… without sitting down to read a book or watch the news. Most of us are so busy, podcasts are just incredibly convenient. I listen when editing photos, cleaning the house, walking the dog, in the car, as I walk laps around the soccer field during practices etc…
Here are a few that I really enjoy lately- I have been listening to a lot of political podcasts as well but decided not to include those on this list. If you are looking for more information about the elections, the impeachment, global issues surrounding US policies and so on- please feel free to email me and I’d be happy to share several that I find informative and entertaining ([email protected]). Oh and one last note, many podcasts charge a fee to listen. It is a tremendous amount of work to put together a podcast so I have no issue with those at all but I decided to only include free podcasts in this post that can be found on the podcast app right on your phone.
This is a cult favorite podcast and after listening once you will see why. The host, Ashley Flowers tells stories of unsolved crimes beautifully with the support of her real life bestie, Brit. Sometimes crime podcasts get too dark for me or they really get into the most boring and dry detail and I eventually unsubscribe. Crime Junkie is different because you can instantly tell how passionate Ashley is about the victims of these crimes and she tells the stories beautifully, giving just enough detail to paint the picture without getting gruesome or tedious. Get ready for a new show every week and be prepared because once you start listening I just bet you go back into the archives and have a Crime Junkie marathon.
Other recs of short term series for those that enjoy crime stories- I can’t recommend these highly enough:
Dirty John// Dr Death // The Thing About Pam
Next Question with Katie Couric
I actually heard Katie speak at a conference years ago and I thought she was really warm and engaging and asked smart/tough questions without seeming rude or nasty. I came away from that as a big fan and when I saw her podcast pop up a few months ago, I gave it a chance. Katie touches on all sorts of interesting topics like vaping, CBD, #MeToo movement and does some great interviews- my favorites being Jennifer Garner, Ina Garten, Martha Stewart and Pete Souza. Most of the episodes are from 2017/2018 but still very relevant (getting ready to listen to Marie Kondo in Katie’s closet now) – but it seems like she is getting back into a groove and releasing new episodes again.
This is basically Dateline episodes in podcast form so get ready for a TON of episodes. I don’t listen to many because there is just so much content but if you want to get into a really interesting story that only lasts about an hour, this is a great podcast. If you like this one, don’t miss the other recommendations listed above under Crime Junkie and here is another one that is just too crazy to believe:
I admit I tried to like 10% Happier and Happier with Gretchen Rubin but after awhile they just didn’t hold my interest but I did start listening to The Happiness Lab and so far so good. Have you heard about the phycology class at Yale that discusses how to be happier? Well it is the most popular class ever for the University and this podcast summarizes the class for you from the professor, Dr, Laurie Santos.
I listen to a ton of sports podcasts mostly about soccer and the English Premier League or the USWNT… Going to assume that won’t be a huge topic for many of you but if you have any interest in sports at all, this podcast discusses famous sports rivalries in a really interesting way. The host takes on a new rivalry every few weeks and goes deep discussing the background and behind the scenes of the story. Give this one a chance as it is really well done and interesting. Some of the stories include Kobe and Shaq, Deon and Jerry, McGwire and Sosa, Favre and Rodgers and more… I don’t care a bit about basketball or football or tennis or baseball or boxing actually but I listened to each series rivalry and found them all entertaining. Still waiting on a soccer Sports Wars series :/.
Any of my fellow futbol fans that might be lurking out there, here are a few of the podcasts I listen to regularly:
ESPN FC/ Planet Futbol / Laughter Permitted with Julie Foudy / The Two Robbies
This is another interesting series that focuses on various scandals and dives a little deeper over a few episodes. I’ve listened to some of the series and skipped the ones that don’t interest me as much but the ones I did listen to, I really enjoyed: Enron, Exxon-Valdez, Valerie Plame and Payola.
How I Built This with Guy Raz.
If anyone is interested in business or how ideas started or being an entrepreneur, this podcast is for you. Each episode features a unique business person or company and details how they got started, hurdles along the way and lessons learned. I have listened to countless episodes but just a few favorites include: Tate’s Bake Shop, Otterbox, Crate & Barrel, Milk Bar, Aden + Anais…
Hopefully you find something you like in that mix. I am still trying to find a fitness podcast that I really enjoy (and that isn’t constantly trying to sell me something- I’m talking to you Nike). If you have great recommendations I would love to hear them!
I’m excited to try some of these! Thanks!
Yay! Let me know what you think!