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Podcasts I Love

04.21.2016

Updated 09-15-2017

The goal of this post is not to enumerate the top 10 podcasts that you already listen to, but to tell you about some lesser-known podcasts that I love. In no particular order:

Oh No Ross and Carrie -- the show where they don't just report on fringe science, spirituality, and claims of the paranormal, but take part themselves! Honestly, whether you enjoy hearing about UFO conferences and acupuncture or not, Ross and Carrie are 2 of the loveliest people you'll listen to. They're who I listen to when I've had a particularly stressful day, and need a few deep breaths of fresh air.
More Perfect, the podcast about the Supreme Court, by Radio Lab. Though often a bit depressing (aren't stories about people with power always depressing?), More Perfect is very well researched, high quality, and relevant pod.
Young House Love Has A Podcast. I'm honestly not very 'into' interior design or home stuff, but I love this couples' banter and their relationship. In it for the laughs, with some tips about lighting on the side :)
The Mystery Show. Starlee Kine, who you've definitely heard on This American Life, solves mysteries that can't be solved online. These aren't the "Who was that guy in that movie?" questions, but questions like "There's one photo of Britney Spears holding a book that only sold 100 copies. How did she get a hold of it?" kind of questions. It may sound like a strange and unlikely premise, but Starlee executes it perfectly, and has definitely mastered storytelling. She's also a delightful narrator, and her conversations with people are among the most interesting parts of the show. She's so interested in the lives of the people she talks to, and even without the mystery part just listening to her interact with other humans is inspiring. All in all, one of the best podcast finds of the last year. There are only 6 episodes, and it seems to have gone offline, but never lose hope!
Reply All. Hosted by PJ Vogt (pronounced "vote") and Alex Goldman, Reply All is a show about the internet. With top-notch banter and interesting topics, I've learned a lot from Reply All (mostly about twitter, but also about who invented email and how terrorists communicate) and laughed out loud in very public places. Even if you're not a "techie" Reply All will probably float your boat. Try a few episodes, then write me a thank you note. You're welcome.
2 Dope Queens. A new comedy podcast, 2 Dope Queens is live comedy hosted by Phoebe Robinson and Jessica Williams. It's a nice break from the more serious podcasts, and as a comedy-world newbie I find myself laughing out loud multiple times during each episode. Whether you already have a favorite comedy podcast or not, I would highly recommend giving 2DQ a try (obviously, it's on this list).
Dear Sugar Radio. DSR is one of my newer finds, and I've fallen in love. Hosted by Cheryl Strayed and Steve Almond, DSR cover universal topics like infidelity, lying, and other struggles we all experience by reading and answering letters from listeners. I grew up listening to Dr. Laura with my mom, and have seen the light! There is a better way! And this podcast is it. Like, imagine Dr. Laura hosted by nice and reasonable people instead of mean | crazy | racist people. It's honey in my life.
How To Do Everything. This show is just a way better version of Stuff You Should Know. This podcast is the Mecca of banter, the banter that every duo aspires to, the kind of banter that inspires. They also cover all types of questions, calling experts to answer questions like whether dolphins sleep, if wasps can recognize each other, and how to do arm-farts.
Pod Save America. Former speech writers for the Obama administration discuss current political events and interview prominent political figures. A nice breath of fresh, democratic air during troubling times.
KEXP Music That Matters. Spotify Discovery Weekly not doing it for you? Each week they put out a curated playlist centered on a theme, and the music ranges from punk to hard rock to folk to pop to country and beyond. Some are great, some aren't, but it's worth wading through the rough stuff to find the gems. They also tend to focus on artists local to the PNW, which means it's a great way for me to find shows playing in the area.

Other Podcasts I Listen To That You Probably Do Too: These are in the order from favorite to least favorite, though if I didn't like any of them I just wouldn't listen to them.

If you have any other recommendations for this list, please let me know!