I know podcasts may not be the most popular thing among young people but let me tell you, I am obsessed. I feel like after I listen to one I've used my brain. Whether it be thinking about life altering research or laughing along with people with similar humor, I feel like I have been engaged and connected across media with other people like me. Podcasts can be a little overwhelming so here are a few that I adore and you should definitely start with.

1. Stuff You Should Know

These two guys talk about things from Twinkies, to lighthouses, to gene sequencing. They give information but in a hilarious banter filled with tangents about their lives in Atlanta. I personally cannot listen to this without giggling and learning something new so what could be better?!

2. The Moth

This podcast consists of recordings from events where people are invited to share short stories for live audiences. The stories range from hilarious epic fails to heart wrenching moments of realization. I love how much humanity is shared in only a few minutes and I get sucked in to binge listening to this one really quick.

3. Serial

In the first installment this podcast covers what Adnan Masud Syed believes was his wrongful conviction for the muder of his ex girlfriend. Every episode begins with him calling from prison to begin that weeks interview to get to the bottom of the trial. It is gripping and will leave you wanting more! Season 2 does a great job covering the controversy surrounding Bo Bergdahl and his experience in the military and his trade and return back to the states. It's straight up enlightening.

4. Radiolab

I am obsessed with this show. They talk about ridiculously obscure scientific principles like crackling shrimp and their effects on World War I to broad topics like life and the cosmos. They also get into things like ethics and psychology and why elevators work the way they do. Some of the episodes are more serious but I feel like I learn so much from their super in depth research of the topics.

5. More Perfect

So this is an off shoot of Radiolab that specifically focusses on Supreme Court cases and how they have shaped our nation. Let me tell you: I had no idea how much the high court has effected us and how much this election will decide this court's future. If you are a novice like me give this a listen. Also they give a super awesome song to remember the justices names so you can feel like a good citizen so it's a win win.

6. Wait Wait Don't Tell Me

So yeah this is the classic Sunday afternoon NPR show replayed via podcast and sure I may be a granny for loving it but it's the best. This news game show is hilarious and sure it has the characteristic NPR liberal sway but if you can get through that it really is a fun time. I especially love the obscure news stories they quiz on about people getting pulled over for riding motorized bananas etc.