There’s nothing like commuting in the D.C. area that’ll make you want to find something, anything, to pass the hours in the car. I tried listening to radio, I tried my ipod, and I tried audiobooks but nothing really kept me engaged for the hour and a half drive.
Then I remembered one of my undergraduate professors talking about how much he had loved Serial and I thought I’d give it shot. After the first episode I was hooked, to both Serial and podcasts in general. It was one of those moments where I found my thing, like when I first traveled or when I stopped being so prissy and enjoyed hiking. I think I subscribed to about 20 podcasts the first week I listened to Serial, and today I listen to about 12 or 13 on a regular basis.
I’ve never sat down and listed my favorite podcasts, yet they have become one of the biggest parts of my day. I begin my day with a news podcast from NPR, I catch up on the many shows I listen to on my way to work, I pass the hours at work with headphones in and podcasts on, then I push through my workouts learning about American scandals and MLM companies. I especially make sure to download all the newest episodes before flying anywhere, so that I can make sure I’m good to go for the entire flight.
And so, I give you, my top 10 favorite podcasts:
The one that started it all for me. I subscribed to it on a whim and within two episodes I was hooked on Adnan’s story. Then I literally yelled when Sarah Koenig called a member of the taliban in season 2 and was appalled at the constant injustices committed in Cleveland in season 3. Serial will always top my list for telling compelling stories in a format long thought to be gone. If you enjoy true crime, you’ll love Serial and Sarah Koenig’s amazing voice.
S-Town was the podcast I listened to after I finished the first two episodes of Serial, and it did not disappoint. You believe the story is going to go one way and then soon in, it twists and you realize you couldn’t predict the story at all. You can’t help but empathize with John as he navigates life in a town he absolutely despises, and yet can’t seem to leave. S-Town will grab you as it fascinates you, horrifies you, and stays with you long after you’ve finished.
Pod Save America was the first weekly show I listened to and was the third podcast I discovered. I randomly discovered it while scrolling through podcasts on my cell phone and subscribed after I read some of the reviews. After one episode I was hooked. Hosted by former Obama staffers, Jon Favreau, Tommy Vietor, Jon Lovett, and Dan Pfeiffer, this podcast dives deep into the political issues with a humorous tone and also provides fascinating insight into the inner workings of working in the White House. I never miss an episode.
If you’re anything like me, you find foreign policy fascinating but know next to nothing about it. Thankfully I discovered Pod Save The World shortly after listening to Pod Save America, and I have honestly learned so much. It’s really refreshing to get out of the American-bubble of the mainstream American media and learn about what’s going on in the rest of the world (which is vital because we still live in the world). Host Tommy Vietor and his excellent guests provide valuable insights into the nuances of foreign politics and issues.
Hysteria is a relatively new podcast, but host Erin Ryan and her rotating cast of co-hosts make me laugh every single week while making me think about issues in a new way. A podcast hosted by women about women’s issues is exactly the kind of thing I was looking for and something I look forward to each week. Smart, funny, witty women bantering about this week’s issues is all I need in a podcast.
I laugh from the beginning of an episode of Keep It! to the end. One of the best podcasts airing today, host Ira Madison III and his co-hosts speak candidly about pop culture and political issues while always being hilarious. You finish an episode having thought about an issue in a new way but also knowing why the Oscars aren’t shit (but we’re gonna watch anyway).
Jon Lovett is, without a doubt, my favorite Pod Save America host. So, when I discovered he had his own weekly show, recorded in front of a live audience, and with a rotating panel; I knew I had to give it a shot. That was well over a year ago and now it’s my routine to listen every Saturday as I get ready for my day. Need to feel better about the dumpster fire that is this current administration? Want to laugh at the rotating fox news contributors who just seem to make things up? Want both in-depth discussion about serious issues and Jon Lovett ranting about the food pyramid? (Once upon a time it was suggested we have 8 servings of bread a day – EIGHT!) Then Lovett or Leave It is for you.
Most of us probably have experience with multi-level marketing companies. You know, the ones where people try to recruit you to sell under them (their ‘down-line). It seems like everyone you went to high school with has started one of these businesses, and you’re getting party requests on Facebook nearly every day. Well, have you ever wondered what it’s like to be involved with one of these companies? On The Dream, host Jane Marie does a deep analysis on these kind of companies, how most people lose money, and what it’s like to be involved in one of these companies. You’ll be fascinated from the first episode.
You probably know most of the stories featured on American Scandal, but if you’re like me, you haven’t listened to such a deep analysis of these scandals. Hosted by Lindsay Graham (no, not the senator from South Carolina), I started with the Exxon Valdez oil spill and was horrified at the lasting, devastating damage the oil spill caused and how Exxon used every trick in the book to get out of taking responsibility. You’ve heard these stories your whole life but now you’ll be equal parts angry and intrigued at the real story.
I admit, 90 Day Fiance on TLC is my guiltiest pleasure. I don’t go for most reality shows but TLC shows are my weakness – especially 90 Day Fiance. I even got my own fiance to watch it with me. Well, I was looking for a more light-hearted podcast to add to my repertoire to give myself a break from the political and true crime podcasts I had been listening to. Enter Kim & Kyle and me laughing every single week. They don’t take the show seriously, I don’t take the show seriously but it’s a blast listening to them rag on the dramatic cast members each week. If you don’t watch 90 Day Fiance, you should. And if you don’t listen to 90 Day Fiance Cray Cray, you should.
That’s just a small sampling of the podcasts I listen to on a weekly basis. What started as something to fill the time in the car has become one of my biggest hobbies. I’m even working on launching a podcast later this year with a close friend.
Some of these you’ve probably already listened to, but I hope you find something on this list that piques your interest. And of course, if you have any podcast recommendations, I’m always open!
Florals & Musings 
Leave a reply to JUDI Miller Cancel reply