So, you’ve binge-listened to all your crime podcasts and now you don’t know what to do with yourself – I can relate. There’s a huge world of podcasts out there, but sometimes it can feel so overwhelming if you don’t know where to begin or if you should try something outside of your typical genre. Not to worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are six of my podcast recommendations, ranging in topics from humorous personal growth to classic myths told in modern jargon.
Starting off the list is my personal favorite from British podcasters Sephy and Wing. The two women (and best friends) delve into topics like sexuality, mental health and romanticizing your life. Their intersectional feminist perspective is accompanied by hilariously niche references and relatable insights. Goes Without Saying is one of the funniest and most honest personal growth podcasts I’ve come across,, and I can genuinely say it’s hugely helped my own self-understanding.
Got the travel bug? For just fifteen minutes, you can immerse yourself in some of the world’s most wondrous places through the voices of the Atlas Obscura podcast. Branching off of the website, created in 2009, co-creator Joshua Foer (accompanied by reporters and fascinating guests) began his own podcast last March and has been consistently painting captivating stories of locations both strange and incredible. From geological sites in Egypt to cannabis churches in your home state, you’ll be hooked by the wonders of our world.
It’s exactly how it sounds: a podcast recorded outside with all the ridiculous humour you would expect from a name like this. Co-hosts Cole Hersch and Andrew Michaan engage strangers on the street in often unexpectedly meaningful conversations, but of course making dumb jokes all along the way. Entertaining and light, this podcast is great for when you don’t feel like doing much but laughing.
Audio storytelling at its best, the producers and journalists behind Radiolab have mastered the art of cutting to the truth of an event and conveying it to their audience in the most creative way possible. They hook their listeners with immersive soundscapes that combine music with facts, information and stories, making this show more intriguing than your average podcast. The broad variety of topics makes me returning to Radiolab time and time again.
Ok, I’ll admit it, my inner Greek mythology nerd was begging me to add this to the list. If you’re in the mood for something a little more typically educational but still entertaining, I highly recommend this podcast. With a casual tone and occasional sarcasm, Jason Weiser recounts various myths about Greek sorcerers, Norwegian Vikings and well-known classics like Mulan or King Arthur. If you were as obsessed with the Percy Jackson series as I was in my childhood, Myths and Legends should definitely be next in your queue.
Finally, I feel inclined to mention a podcast by my favourite YouTube channel of all time, Yes Theory. Yes Theory is a brand inspired by the mottos of “seeking discomfort” and “choosing “love over fear,” phrases that power its creators to make content encouraging their community to pursue those same things. Their podcast tackles these topics, but also diverges slightly in discussing things like anxiety, travel and how to embrace your strengths and ambitions to live a life you’re proud of. This podcast and YouTube channel have both inspired me to do just that, so if you find yourself a bit lost in life right now, Yes Theory may help guide you in the right direction.
Whether you’re looking for entertainment, education, or self-help, I hope you’ve found a podcast that piques your interest. They’ve all certainly helped me in their own ways, and I guarantee they’ll do the same for you!