Listed // My Personal Podcast Directory.

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Roots, Wings & Wanderings : My Favorite Podcasts

I've mentioned my love for individual podcasts in many Link Love posts over the years, but I realized that I've never written a full round-up of my favorites and regulars. Podcasts were a total lifesaver when I was commuting the 14 miles/40-75 minutes each way to-and-from work. Now that I don't spend much time in the car and I spend a lot of time writing with no background noise, my listening tapered off despite my love for the medium. I've found that I have to carve out time for podcast-listening just like I would for reading, so I've been taking walks while listening to podcasts whenever the temperatures rise above 32°, and I always tune in when I'm doing housework-- podcasts are the only reason the dishes get done with any sort of regularity!

I found that I've been picking and choosing my episodes with some discernment since I don't have as much time to listen. I tend to pick a podcast based on my mood/interests at the time, and then select an episode depending on the topic or guest. The main qualities I look for in a podcast are: 1) Inspiring, 2) Intelligent, and 3) Humorous. This list looks huge, but I probably only listen to 5 podcasts a week on average.

What I listen to...

... For pop culture nerdery:
Nerdette - This is one of my newest podcast loves, and I'm OBSESSED. It's smart and lady-centric and full of pop culture and fandom. And the hosts assign "homework" for each episode encouraging listeners to explore new topics, which my school-loving heart adores. The Tavi Gevinson episode is an awesome place to start, and the discussion of gender and computer/robot voices in the most recent episode was really interesting.

Anatomy of a Movie or Filmspotting - I'm one of those people who really loves media analysis, so whenever I see a good film (which isn't all that often, in reality) I like to listen to people pick it apart and talk about the story and themes. I only listen to episodes for movies I've already seen and the year-end film roundups just to see what I may have missed.

... When I want to take my book obsession to the next level:
Book Riot - This is my favorite book podcast. The hosts are funny and smart, and I love that they cover literary topics and industry news in addition to talking about what books are hot right now.

Books on The Nightstand - I find the hosts of this one less engaging than Book Riot's, but I like how many episodes touch on a discussion topic-- how to find more time to read, whether audiobooks count as reading, how to cull your personal library, etc.

... When I want to explore the complexities of the human mind 
(and feel less alone in my struggles): 
Mental Illness Happy Hour - This one is heavy and often uncomfortable-- we're talking painful stories of abuse, addiction, and mental illness. However, I find many episodes to be interesting and honest, and I find the host's welcoming attitude uplifting. While I don't think my own struggles are particularly severe, I often find myself oddly comforted when I hear people share fears/thoughts/anxieties that I thought only I had. It's a podcast that shows you how complex we all are, and I find that endlessly fascinating. It's also helped make me a much more empathetic person towards others.

... When I want to pick and choose solid, thought-provoking interviews:
WTF with Marc Maron - Comedian Marc Maron will not be suitable to everyone's taste (he's crass, kind of a grump, and super neurotic) but he is one of the best interviewers I've ever come across. You can tell he really listens to his guests and is able to dig deeper than most. Many guests are musicians, actors, and fellow comedians, and I love the episodes that give insight to the creative process and how these people found their way into the business.

... For thoughts and interviews with creative entrepreneurs and makers:
After the Jump - This is the podcast of Grace Bonney, the woman behind Design*Sponge. Grace is very thoughtful and well-spoken, and I love hearing from her in podcast form. My favorite episodes are the ones where she deals with personal topics like work/life balance and where she finds inspiration.

Our Style Stories - {new to me but promising} I just started tuning into this podcast recently. It features conversations with creative individuals and cover topics like facing risk and overcoming uncertainty, entrepreneurship for artists, and pursuing your passion as a side-project. {See also: The Jess Lively Show. I enjoyed the episode with Erin Loechner, who has the sweetest demeanor.}

... For a dose of spirituality:
Tara Brach - This podcast is a collection of Tara's talks on Buddhist meditation and sprituality. Honestly, sometimes I listen to this podcast just to relax and fall asleep because her voice is so soothing. But the content is really thoughtful and insightful as well. {I also sometimes like On Being, but I haven't listened to it recently.}

... For real-talk about relationships:
This Feels Terrible - Conversations about sex, love, dating woes, heart-break, and awkward moments hosted by comedian Erin McGathy.

Savage Lovecast - Sex and relationship advice from Dan Savage. Not for the bashful, close-minded, or easily-offended listener. There are some legit criticisms of some of Dan Savage's viewpoints, but I still find his podcast to be engaging, funny, and smart. He definitely comes with a political agenda, but it's one that I stand behind, so I quite enjoy the first segment of the show where Dan rants about gay rights and feminist issues in politics and the news.

... When I want to feel like I'm hanging out with girlfriends:
Slumber Party with Alie and Georgia - Alie and Georgia are pretty hilarious together (and just crass enough to make me love them), and they always have amusing guests on the show (Joy the Baker, Grace Helbig, Hannah Hart, Elizabeth Laime). The "slumber party" format is fun and just makes you want to hang out with them in their pillow fort.

Joy the Baker - I used to be a religious listener of this podcast when it first came out; now I just turn it on when I want to be mindlessly amused. It can make me giggle, but it's definitely... trivial.

The Sarah R. Bagley Podcast - Sarah is a blog friend who recently started a podcast about "a recovering perfectionist's guide to a B+ life" (which, as a former marketer, I think is a pretty brilliant tagline and branding angle). Sarah talks to fellow bloggers on the topic, and I love how natural the conversations are-- it really makes you feel like you're sitting down and having coffee with them!

*** 

That's my current list of podcasts, with the occasional random episode thrown in if it's been recommended or features someone I admire. Lately, I've taken to writing down at least one takeaway point from each podcast I listen to in a tiny notebook I always carry, and it's helping me keep better track of my inspirations and often provokes new ideas.

Do you listen to podcasts? What are some of your favorites?

4 comments:

  1. I have a love of podcasts as well. They are perfect background noise for cooking and cleaning. Based on your tastes, you might like the podcast "On Being" with Krista Tippett. She interviews leaders in art, literature, science, and spirituality about their perspective on the meaning of life. Her voice is really soothing and the content is always fascinating!

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    1. Yes! On Being is great, though I haven't listened in a long while. I need to add it back into the mix.

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  2. Caiti, this is the best! I'm going wild downloading these, and am looking forward to listening.

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  3. This is awesome! Sarah's podcasts have gotten me into listening to some - especially as I commute - thanks for these recs!

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