I’m going to be honest with you, I just started listening to podcasts this year. There may be some titles on this list that you have been listening to for years and years and think, “Jeez where has this girl been?”, but hopefully, there will be a couple that are new to you.
This podcast list is for people who don’t want to listen to stories about murder. I know it seems to be the main genre of podcasts, but really – I couldn’t be less interested. This list of faves is from a girl who loves comedy, learning new things, and feeling good or inspired while on the go. So if that sounds like something you may be into as well, this list is for you!
- Ologies
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This is the podcast that introduced me to the world of podcasts. It was featured on CBC’s Podcast Playlist and sounded intriguing, so I tuned in to find the host, Alie Ward, simply amazing. The premise of the podcast is to ask smart people stupid questions. Each episode, Ward speaks to a new expert in their field; an “-ologist”, and the range of topics is so diverse, there is something for everyone. From kalology; the study of beauty standards, to ludology; the study of video games, and acarology; the study of ticks, there is so much to explore and learn from this podcast. Another thing I love about this podcast is Ward including interjections throughout the interview to clarify points or go off on tangents. It adds to the structure by breaking up long parts interviews and adding bonus information to keep attention. Lastly, Ologies is just funny. I’ve laughed out loud during several episodes, which is why I really do recommend it to add a little colour to your day.
- The Good Place: The Podcast
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I don’t know what’s better than your favourite TV show having a corresponding podcast – that is exactly what The Good Place gives me. An NBC favourite, The Good Place is about a woman named Eleanor, who has died and gone to the good place (heaven) and realizes that she was sent there by mistake. This one-sentence summary really doesn’t do this Mike Shure’s amazing show justice. It is now on its fourth and final season, and for every episode of the show, there is a corresponding podcast episode. The podcast, hosted by comedian and actor, Marc Evan Jackson, features guests from actors, writers, animal wranglers, set designers, and so much more. They cover the episode and discuss the guest’s expertise and experience. It makes you fall more and more in love with the show and the amazing cast and crew who put make it happen.
- You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes
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I was introduced to this podcast while doing a deep dive on Spotify to listen to everything I could find with John Mulaney. John Mulaney, for those who don’t know, is a former SNL writer and stand up comedian, and I love him so much. Pete Holmes is also a comedian, but someone I wasn’t familiar with before I found this podcast. In his podcast, Holmes mostly talks to comedians, but also other people he is particularly interested in. Besides the art of comedy, Holmes delves into religion and spirituality with each of his guests. It can leave you feeling really inspired after listening, or maybe a bit existential. This podcast doesn’t need to be listened to linearly – see if any names catch your eye and enjoy!
- Never Seen It
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In this podcast hosted by Kyle Ayers, comedians write scripts for TV shows and movies they have never seen. The scripts are then read by the writers, Ayers, and a guest or two. Coupled with their jokes, they add children’s play instruments and sound effects to their soundboard, resulting in a hilarious interpretation of the show or movie. A large variety have been covered, from a comedian who has never seen The Godfather, to one who has never seen Stranger Things. In addition to the script read, the episodes includes a mix of fun games. The pièce de résistance is a scene-catching game called “Kyle’s dad describes the trailer of movies he hasn’t seen” where guests then have to guess what movie was being described. Moments like these are endearing and a great way to end episodes on a high.
- The Old Ones with Mike Birbiglia
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Mike Birgiblia is one of my faves, and in this limited series podcast, he goes through all of his past comedy specials with a guest. These appearances include John Mulaney (yes, I may have also found this podcast through him), Ira Glass, Mike’s brother, his wife, and Judd Apatow. It all leads up to his new special “The New One”, is available on Netflix now, in case you’re interested. I love Birbiglia and having him recap each of his specials really made me fall in love with him more. He’s an imperfect person, as we all are, and someone who makes his material relatable and laugh-out-loud hilarious. It is fun to blast down memory lane from Birbiglia and each of his guests, as you learn the origins of certain jokes and get a glimpse into the creative process.
If you haven’t gotten into podcasts this year, it might be something to explore. They’re a great way to pass time and expand your knowledge. If none of these podcasts seem of particular interest to you, there are infinite more out there to choose from. Any interest you may have, no matter how niche, is almost guaranteed to have someone podcast-ing about it.