Little known fact about me: I’m a podcast binger. I pod all day as I’m working, and often in the evenings, as I’m prepping dinner or washing up after. I pod while driving, and I pod in the bath. If I could pod in the shower, I would. I’ve even been to live recordings of podcasts—I’m in deep.
To be quite honest, part of the draw to the pod is its ability to inject a little humanity into my day. I work from home, and usually by myself. I also live on my own. Together, that translates into a lot of quiet. Which I like, I do. But I also like voices and humans and the ability to make those voices pause and start up again at my whim. This makes podcasts a true delight.
Do you remember your first pod? I do. I don’t remember the exact episode, but it was RadioLab, and it was some breathtaking feat of scientific journalistic reporting that completely changed the way I looked at the world around me. I get that a lot as I’m listening. I learn, I cry, I laugh. There is no doubt podcasts make me a better human.
I’m often asked for my list of favorites, so this week it’s official. Broken down into categories by COMEDY, CULTURE, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, RELATIONSHIP, HEALTH & WELLNESS, and SCRIPTED—here are the podcasts that make my world go ’round:
Nota bene: I don’t get my news from podcasts—I listen to the radio. But if you want some good news coverage, The New York Times’ The Daily will serve you well.
COMEDY
2 Dope Queens
Jessica Williams and Phoebe Robinson will change your life, your lexicon (YQYYYYYYY), and your daily laugh quotient. Listen and love, then watch their HBO special.
Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me
NPR’s weekly news gameshow has a podcast version, and it’s a fun way to slog your way through whichever absolute wreck of a news cycle you happen to be in.
CULTURE
Call Your Girlfriend
Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman are long distance besties who do a weekly redux of current events and politics—and they’ll be your BFFs, too, the longer you listen.
Closer Than They Appear
This incredibly personal yet profoundly universal exploration of race and identity in America with Carvell Wallace will change you. From dear friend and producer extraordinaire, Casey Miner (of The Specialist podcast).
Everything Is Alive
An unscripted (you’ll barely believe it when you listen) show from friend and Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me producer Ian Chillag that gives life—and voice—to inanimate objects. Every episode is brilliant. You’ll laugh and cry.
Mystery Show
Starlee Kine takes on solvable mysteries that are a pure delight to listen to. The Britney episode (yes, that Britney) is a real work of art.
On Being
Krista Tippett is that wise friend to whom you want to confess all your most vulnerable thoughts, and regularly interviews fascinating folks who feel the same. The podcast is predicated on one simple question: What was the presence of spirituality—if there was any, in any imaginable shape or form—in your young life?
Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations
I mean, it’s Oprah. That is all. Recent episodes I loved: Carolyn Meiss on living your truest self and life; Tracy McMillan on relationship.
Serial
The blockbuster podcast from Sarah Koenig is now in its third season. The first season is a sort of true crime podcast, following the murder trial of teenager Adnan Syed. The second season follows a military story; it didn’t pull me in. The current (third) season tracks court cases in Cleveland, Ohio, and is a fascinating (and heartbreaking) look into a slice of our country’s criminal justice system.
Sooo Many White Guys
Comedian and author Phoebe Robinson (one half of 2 Dope Queens, above) sits down with guests (who are mostly not white men)—she’s funny and brash and it’s usually a great time. Executive produced by Ilana Glazer (of Broad City), who makes frequent cameos.
Still Processing
Hosted by Jenna Wortham and Wesley Morris, two culture writers from The New York Times. They’re both brilliant and fascinating to listen to. Check out their episode with Taffy Brodesser-Akner, who wrote that viral profile on Gwyneth Paltrow last month.
S-Town
From This American Life, this portrait of pain, privacy, and relationship in a small town in the south is astounding.
This American Life
The absolute go-to, must-listen. While not every episode knocks it out of the ballpark, it is consistently some of the best reporting in the audio universe. You’ll learn something great each episode. Favorites include: Fermi’s Paradox and The Problem We All Live With, Parts One and Two.
Unorthodox
My favorite podcast for when you’re feeling a Jewish moment, featuring a Jew and a goy (non-Jew) each week. Yes, I was on an episode.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Invisibilia
A show about the invisible forces that influence and shape us: Thoughts, emotions, fear, personality, patterns, the list goes on. I love this show—always learn something. The first season has a special place in my heart.
RadioLab
For when you want to get under the skin of the universe and learn how it all works. Brilliantly produced, always fun to listen to. Favorite episodes include: Where the Sun Don’t Shine, From Tree to Shining Tree, and Patient Zero.
Reply All
This show is hopelessly nerdy, and I love every minute of it. For when you want to geek out on stories about the internet, hosted by a bunch of Jewy nerd dudes (who I regularly wish were either my brothers or my husbands).
RELATIONSHIP
Conversation with Alanis Morissette
Alanis Morissette has a podcast? YES, my dudes, she does. And it’s glorious. She talks to psychotherapists, neurobiologists, and philosophers about all manner of inter- and intra-personal issues. I love the episode on Internal Family Systems.
Dear Sugars
Hosted by the inimitable Cheryl Strayed and deeply lovely writer Steve Allmond, this advice column turned podcast has episodes on just about every personal problem you could dream up.
This Is Love
An exploration of all forms of love. Highly recommend the episode Something Large and Wild. (!!)
What’s Wrong With You?
My friend Sarah Klegman’s exploration of our most profound failures, in packages small and large. Sarah is hilarious, and a delight to listen to—and yes, I was on an episode.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Healthier Together with Liz Moody
Liz Moody, food editor at mindbodygreen, talks to a wide range of folks in the wellness, food, and health industries, from bestselling authors to celebrity hypnotists. She’s not afraid to ask tough questions—I know, because she interviewed me.
One Part Podcast
Jessica Murnane is a podcasting maven, and goes after the seriously deep materia of life, loss, and health. Here’s my episode with her.
The Actor’s Diet
Actor and eating disorder survivor Lynn Chen talks to all manner of artists, actors, and food-obsessed folk. Here’s my episode.
Radio Cherry Bombe
Hosted by food media mogul Kerry Diamond, of Cherry Bombe magazine, Radio Cherry Bombe highlights exceptional women in food and wellness with sensitivity and aplomb. Always an uplifting delight to listen to. Here’s my episode.
SCRIPTED
Homecoming
A scripted serial show that’s, in essence, a military thriller. With incredible audio performances by Catherine Keener and David Schwimmer. Edge-of-your-seat listening that’s perfect for a long road trip. Listen in before the HBO show comes out. (Nota bene: I’m a big wuss, and was able to survive the listen.)
LifeAfter/The Message
A truly bizarre scripted serial show about a future world in which machines can recreate our lost loved ones via computer app. It’s a weird but addictive listen.
Did I miss your favorite? Let me know in comments.
