We’re coming into December faster than greased cats on a slip and slide, and for a lot of people that means travel, family time (wanted or unwanted), alone time (a mixed blessing), or an odd mix of the three. Sometimes you need an excuse to tune in, tune out, or zone out – and for me, podcasts are the way to go.
Here are my top English-language podcasts for binging over the holidays! All listened to with gusto by yours truly. I love them ALL, so they are listed in no particular order. Click on the podcast title to see its page on iTunes!
Dirty John
Genre: True Crime, Journalism
Oh, man. Where to start with this one. First of all, I’d like to say just for my own pride’s sake that I listened to this podcast LONG before Bravo decided to make it into a limited series with Eric Bana. Yes, Eric Bana. Where oh where are my smelling salts?
Stop right there. If you’re excited about the prospect of a dreamy Eric Bana type waltzing through your earbuds, I have some … difficult news for you. The person he portrays in the Bravo series is most, most definitely the antagonist of both the series and the podcast. And not in a sexy way. In a very, very disturbing way.
Dirty John is – unfortunately – a true story reported on by Christopher Goddard at the LA Times (I am convinced this reporter is a genius). Have you ever met someone who had all their sh*t together in the most flamboyantly perfect way? They were charmingly self involved, insisted that their numerous scars were war wounds, wore scrubs 24/7 because they are for sure a real doctor, and had all sorts of thoughtful questions about your family, career, banking info, and security systems?
Sound creepy?
Imagine if that person started dating your mom.
And that she fell in love with him.
And that you were totally right to think that the guy is not just a douche. He’s a criminal, and not the sexy, ”I did it to pay my little sister’s medical bills” type of way.
If you want a story that begins with a murder (and you don’t know of whom until the end), keeps you gasping at every moment, rooting for some kickass women, and makes you think about how women are conditioned to react to male pride, this is for YOU.
Binge away, then watch the Bravo series. The series JUST started last Sunday, so I’m already waiting for the second episode. So far, it embodies the podcast beautifully and is (almost) as addictive.
Pop Fashion
Genre: Fashion, duh.
Pop Fashion is one of the more conversational podcasts, one of the few of that ilk that I enjoy. It is hosted by two women, Kaarin Vembar and Lisa Rowan, who have backgrounds in journalism and fashion and wonderful chemistry.
If you want an approachable way to learn about the fashion industry, this is a great way to do it. They break down the current news of the industry, everything from the business side, trends, workforce, ethics, environment, and a touch of tasteful gossip.
I listen to this religiously every week. The hosts are sharp in their delivery but ALWAYS put kindness first. I have never heard a podcast whose hosts have taken such a vested interest in their listeners well-being.
Serial, Season 3
Genre: Investigative Journalism
If you haven’t listened to Serial yet, stop everything and listen now. Or at least when you can get really get into it, because it’s a binge-er. The premise of the podcast as a whole is to tell one story per season, one week at a time. The driving force behind the podcast is journalist Sarah Koenig. I have a pavlovian response to her voice. It makes me feel intrigued and curious and warm and happy all at once.
Season Three is I M P O R T A N T for every American to listen to, because it takes a deep dive into our justice system. The Koenig-led team embeds itself in the Cleveland courthouse, where it takes an unflinching look at the systems and people who make the thing tick and how it affects all of us, especially people of color.
The fruits of their reporting are widespread, disturbing, fascinating, and should be required listening for every single American voter.
The Robcast
Genre: Spirituality
Rob Bell is a former megachurch pastor who was ousted for proposing that hell doesn’t exist in his book Love Wins, then picked up by Oprah as a contributor in what must be some of the greatest retribution ever.
I wouldn’t classify this by any means as a strictly Christian podcast. The lens is Christian, although it is not in any way dogmatic, judgmental, exclusive, or any of the negative associations many people have with religion.
It is life and soul affirming, completely inquisitive, intellectually balanced, and a breath of fresh air.
Myths and Legends Podcast
Genre: Literature, Storytelling
Want something that is interesting and comforting, slightly escapist, without taxing your brain? This is for you.
What do you do with a medieval studies major? Ask Jason Weiser. He started a podcast where he tells classic stories from folklore all around the world. His voice is modern, fresh, kind, and at times irreverent. I especially love his feminist jabs at the Arthurian legends, for example. He does his research, so you know you’re getting close to the real thing.
Revisionist History
Genre: Society and Culture
Malcolm Gladwell, who at this point I might as well have a poster of on my ceiling, explores deeply researched events, people, and sometimes even art, that have been under- or misunderstood. One of the most intricately researched podcasts out there.
Why should you care about who Winston Churchill’s best friend was, or how golf courses are taxed? He explains, and it turns out that there are very compelling, very human reasons why you should.
Want to understand the legacy of the people (mostly children of color) who bore the burden of desegregating schools? Or why high school debate teams are often inherently biased towards students of color? Or why the cafeteria food at private colleges can tell you everything you need to know about the cost of higher education? It’s all in there.
Bag Man
Genre: News and Politics
Another poster I should have in my room: Rachel Maddow. In this podcast, the NSNBC reporter takes a deep dive into somewhat obscure story of Nixon’s VP, Spiro Agnew.
I had no idea who Spiro Agnew was. Or I thought I did. Then I heard him described as brash, short-sighted, racist, xenophobic, sexist, and – oh yeah – an active criminal in the White House during his term. I thought, I know that guy! Haha.
But that’s part of the point of the timing of this investigative podcast into Watergate-era politics: how does our system cope with corruption, populists, and possible constitutional crises? How strong are we, really?
So there you have it – I had to exercise some restraint, me being a podcast enthusiast. If you know me, you know I’m always starting conversations with, “so there’s this great podcast…”. Now, it’s your turn! What are your favorite podcasts?
love,
Stig
