Some of you may have heard of the book series “Chicken Noodle Soup for the Soul:” true and inspirational stories from ordinary people. I grew up reading these stories and poems, which have continued to have a resounding impact in my life today. However, thanks to technology and an increasingly tight schedule, the free time I used to dedicate to books of this kind has dwindled. Instead, I now spend my “free” time cleaning up my room, grabbing a bite to eat, or walking around to clear my mind.
In place of the peace and relaxation I once found through reading, I have begun listening to podcasts. Surprisingly, and perhaps ironically, my favorite kinds of podcasts are not those that include uplifting stories from ordinary people, but instead rather dark and tragic crime stories. My favorite podcasts include Crime Junkie, My Favorite Murder, Serial, and Up and Vanished. I have also started listening to conspiracy theory podcasts including Very Presidential and Macrodosing.
Although the content of these podcasts may stress some people out, I love the idea of being so engrossed in a story that I lose myself. In terms of efficiency, I can listen to podcasts while I fold my clothes, make my bed, put on my makeup, eat my meals, walk to and from class … The list continues.
If you haven’t yet, try out a podcast. You don’t have to take the true crime or potentially anxiety-inducing route that I did, but just the act of listening to another voice and the stories they tell has been extremely rewarding and amusing for me. Podcasts have become the new chicken noodle soup for my soul.