If you still haven't joined the podcast train, it's about time that you climb on board. Podcasts are one of the fastest growing formats of journalism and storytelling, bringing back the art forms of pure audio storytelling.
This art takes not only compelling content and a good radio voice, but also a little touch of magic to keep listeners hooked when they could easily be watching Netflix or streaming any music they want from Spotify.
So, why are podcasts doing so well? It's that magic that I was telling you about. It's the voice speaking into your ears and telling you a story that has started a phenomenon.
Whether you want something short and sweet, fiction, or non-fiction, here are some podcasts to get you hooked on this amazing platform.
To get started, click on their images to be taken to their download pages.
"Serial Season 1"
The podcast that started it all, "Serial Season 1" was the fastest podcast to reach 5 million streams and downloads in iTunes history according to the Pew Research center. This addicting story by Sarah Koenig reinvestigates the 1999 murder of Hae Min Lee in Baltimore Maryland and the supposed wrongful conviction of Adnan Syed. We go week by week with Sarah as she investigates where police might have gone wrong, where evidence could have been missed, and how the State of Maryland could have been blinded when trying to find their murderer.
"The Way I Heard It"
Do you remember "Dirty Jobs?" I do too. Well, Mike Rowe and his beautifully deep voice are back with his podcast called "The Way I Heard It." This podcast is "a different take on the people and events that you thought you knew " and it is really for those of you out there with a short attention span. Each episode is 6-8 minutes and it's a little mystery about something or someone who you thought that you knew.
"Presidential Podcast"
With the presidential primaries being so popular in the media right now, it's not a surprise that there is a new podcast out there for the Presidential-obsessed. This podcast made by the Washington Post chronicles all of the presidents of the United States one a week at a time until the presidential elections. Learn more than what each president did. Learn who they were and the answer to the question: "Would you set me up on a blind date with them?" which the host Lillian Cunningham asks experts on each president.
"StoryCorps"
NPRs "StoryCorps" is not only an amazing visual platform here, but the podcast is phenomenal. The NPR team travels around the country collecting stories of everyday people that speak to a larger theme. Sometimes, theses stories are a little emotional and sad. At other times, they showcase love. However, every time you're sure to hear heartfelt stories and they won't leave a dry eye in the audience.
"The Black Tapes"
Are you into horror movies? Do you like being scared? Enter "The Black Tapes," a fictional serialized docudrama where journalist Alex Reagan investigates the paranormal activities and experiences of her main subject and his titular "black tapes." If you've ever wondered how people tuned into "War of the Worlds" and thought that it was real, take a listen to this and you may just understand. This may seem cheesy, but the storytelling has got me hooked.
"Radio Lab"
If you're into science, then this is the podcast is for you. Each episode tackles one big idea, but from two to three angles with different stories. I have learned so much from this podcast and the things that you thought that you learned in middle school and high school will be turned on their heads. "Radio Lab" is a two-time Peabody Award-winner and is hosted by the very talented Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich.
"Unqualified"
"Unqualified" with Anna Faris is the funniest podcast that I've found in a while. Every week, Anna brings in funny guests and they spend an hour laughing with each other, calling fans with questions, and attempting to give advice, even though they are "unqualified." Anna and her guests truly care about their callers and it's a really funny way to get advice about situations that you too might be in. It's always helpful to hear an outside perspective. Plus, you can send in a question and end up on the show!
These are just a few of the thousands of podcasts out there. Are you into Marvel? Here is a weekly podcast about it. There are podcasts about Greek Myths, Gilmore Girls, sex tips, crafts, and more. There's just about anything that you could want to listen to.
So, delete those old photos and make room for some great audio content.
