I don't know what happened in the last year, but all I seem to listen to now are podcasts. I used to be under the impression that podcasts were dry or dull, or only hosted by guys, but I have managed in the past few months to find a few that I really enjoy, most of them hosted by or featuring women who are smart, inquisitive, and witty. Here are a few.
1. Invisibilia
If you like science, or trying to figure out the unexplained, this is for you. Hosted by Alix Spiegel and Lulu Miller, Invisibilia is about all of the invisible things in our world that affect us in a myriad of ways. From how computers change our perceptions, to conquering deeply ingrained fears, this podcast is for the scientist in all of us who is just looking for the answer to the question, "But why?" Personally, I love this podcast. They finished their first season, and season two is not too far off. Each episode is around the hour mark, so these are good podcasts to listen to while at the gym or driving. They always made me think and question my own experiences, and isn't that the point of wondering about what it would be like to live without fear?
2. Slumber Party With Alie and Georgia
What's your favorite midnight snack? Got any ghost stories? How would you spend $100 if you could just blow it all on something you really want? These are exactly the kind of questions that Alie Ward and Georgia Hardstark ask their guests and each other in their podcast Slumber Party with Alie and Georgia. I knew Alie and Georgia from Cooking Channel (which I watch pretty much regularly) and their segment Classy Ladies, where they teach viewers how to make inventive mixed drinks, like their famous McNuggetini. These two ladies are hilarious, and they host this show and in between telling anecdotes about life and generally hanging out and laughing with each other; they bring on a friend and ask them a variety of slumber party-esque questions.
3. Dear Sugar Radio
If you've ever needed advice (let's be honest, who hasn't?) Cheryl Strayed and Steve Almond are here for you. Dear Sugar Radio is a podcast version of the Dear Sugar advice column started by Almond and continued by Strayed in the online magazine The Rumpus. First things first, Cheryl Strayed and Steve Almond have the best radio voices I have ever heard. They are relaxing to listen to while dispensing wisdom on questions sent to them about any topic you can imagine: friendship, family, failure, life, love, anything. They approach every topic with honesty and empathy. The advice they give is heartfelt, and respectful. I always tuck it away at the end of episodes because while I might not need the advice now, I know where to find it if I ever need advice in the future. The stories are real, the advice is genuine. You finish episodes feeling like you've just gotten off the phone with an old friend.
If you are a dedicated podcast listener or a beginner looking for a good place to start, I recommend these! I hope if you try them that you connect with them the way I did. Good luck, and happy listening!
