I have only recently delved into the magical world of podcasts. On that morning commute, walk to classes or gym session, listening to your Spotify playlist day in and day out can get a little mundane. There are only so many times you can shuffle up your fave tunes. If you’re a podcast noob like I was (until recently), and you’re looking for something to shake things up in the listening department, check out this list of awesome podcasts.
Bad Ass Lady Pods
1. Anna Faris Is Unqualified
Anna Faris is totally adorable and hilarious (those who have seen her Instagram and Chris Pratt’s Instagram can testify to this). Naturally, her podcast is an extension of her goofy, fun self as she talks to people about their relationship issues and basically whatever she wants. She’s had a wide range of celebs on her show such as Chris Evans, Jennifer Lawrence, Isla Fisher and Seth Rogan, just to name a few. Find out some more about her podcast here. Also, beware, her opening theme tune will get stuck in your head.
2. Women of the Hour
For those of you who adore Dunham’s show Girls as much as I do, you know that this woman needs no introduction. She brings a relevant and exciting twist to important topics such as body image, relationships, friendship, work, love, etc. In her podcast series, Dunham uses it as a platform (and I quote) “to celebrate the women who blow [her] mind.” She also has interviewed many different celebs including Emma Stone. As a powerful female (and most definitely a bad ass lady) with an influential voice in pop culture, Dunham’s feminist podcast is definitely one to check out.
3. Guys We F*****d
Don’t be fooled by the title. This podcast series, hosted by Corinne Fisher and Krystyna Hutchinson, is a sex-positive and anti-slut shaming platform. Both prominent comedians, they address issues of sexism (particularly prevalent in comedy) and talk candidly and openly about sex and their own sex lives. This podcast is absolutely hilarious and there is not a topic this duo won’t address. Their aim is for listeners to “feel more comfortable in their own skin” and be “comfortable with [their] sexuality and enjoy sex”. Check out their interview with Huff Post to learn more about this awesome podcast!
Staying Informed
4. Radiolab
Hosted by Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich, Radiolab explores topics and questions mostly related to science, nature and politics. Combined with a touch of humour and an interesting cultural aspect, it provides an insightful look into why the world works in certain ways.
5. Stuff You Should Know
The title pretty much says it all. Hosts Josh and Chuck literally ask questions about topics that sometimes seem basic or banal, too complex to answer or that you never even thought to ask. Their topics are insightful and often important questions that we ought to know the answers to! Here are some examples of podcast episodes: “How the Gender Pay Gap Works” (very relevant and important to understand), “Who Gets to Name Continents” (definitely random, but hey, somebody has to do it), “How Reverse Psychology Works” (again, cool to think about). You get the jist… If you’ve thought about a question, these guys have probably answered it.
Comedy
6. The Joe Rogan Experience
Comedian and host Joe Rogan touches on a range of subjects from meditation, pop culture, addiction, health, to clean eating. He’s funny, honest and also features really cool guests. For example Dr. Rhamsy often joins him to discuss the human body, health and nutrition.
News and Politics
7. Crimetown
For those of you who love juicy crime stories, this series investigates the culture of crime in different American cities each season. For those true crime lovers, this intelligent and well-told series will keep you on your toes as you wait for the next episode.
8. The Daily
Especially in our media-saturated era of “alternative facts” and “fake news”, it is important to stay up to date in current events, as long as you’re receiving that information from a reliable source. Run by The New York Times and hosted by Michael Barbaro, this podcast gives you a round up of daily news events in 20 minutes, five days a week. Perfect for when you’re walking to class.
Business Lovers
9. Planet Money
This podcast series is really interesting and discusses what is happening in the economy, explained in an understandable and relatable manner. Both informative and entertaining, it provides its listeners with a very thorough insight into the most relevant and ongoing issues about the financial world and economy that often gets lost in translation through the media.
For those who love a good conspiracy…
10. Missing Richard Simmons
This one is for those of you who love a good conspiracy theory (I know I’m personally drawn to them). This podcast tells the story about a celebrity fitness guru named Richard Simmons who suddenly disappeared 3 years ago, cutting contact with all friends and families, without any explanation. In light of this, filmmaker Dan Taberski, who knew Simmons well, uses this platform as a way to explore and search for Simmons. As the synopsis states, “the deeper he digs, the stranger it gets.”
All of the podcasts are free and can easily be downloaded through the podcasts app!
Information obtained from:
Images obtained from:
https://soundcloud.com/annfarisisunqualified
https://www.missingrichardsimmons.com/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planet_Money
https://www.youtube.com/user/PowerfulJRE
https://www.pinterest.com/joshandchuck/media-darlings-and-tour-info/?lp=true
http://www.lennyletter.com/culture/a619/women-of-the-hour-season-2-episode-1/