You've read about my love of podcasts before, but if the first ten suggestions weren't enough, read on for suggestions of ten more excellent podcasts to follow and enjoy (in no particular order)!
1. Minority Korner
I found this podcast while scrolling through the Maximum Fun family of podcasts. Seriously, Jesse Thorn and his team know how to support excellent shows! This addition to the family takes the best of the "two friends talking about stuff" school of podcasting and combines it with witty and timely insights into American culture, especially as it relates to race, gender, sexuality, and other intersectional identities.
James and Nnekay make me laugh, they make me think, and they make me more effective in advocating for issues that matter to me. Like several other podcasts in the Maximum Fun family, they have an active Facebook group that makes listening to the podcast even more enjoyable.
In the own words, subscribe to this podcast if you want to "Learn. Laugh. Play... like Blue's Clues! Only... more Black, gay, and lady like."
2. Dead Pilots Society
The premise of this show sounds odd at first: people read scripts from pilots that never got made. Why would we want to hear shows that weren't aired? Well, as this show explores, there are lots of reasons that a pilot might be purchased by a studio and then never produced ... and it rarely has to do with the quality of the show!
The episodes combine a discussion with the writer of the pilot and a table read of the script. The writers are some of the biggest names in television and the people who read the scripts are well-known actors. To be frank, no actual television series could get all of these amazing, talented people in the same room, but this show does!
Seriously, if you enjoy comedy, this is a podcast to follow, especially if you love to hear about what goes on behind the scenes. Each time, I've been surprised by how much I've learned about the television industry and the various roles of writers, producers, etc.
3. Sawbones
This husband and wife duo explore all of the weird and gross things humans have done to themselves to try and stay healthy. Dr. Sydnee McElroy leads the way with the actual facts, and her husband Justin provides the comic commentary. If you aren't squeamish and don't mind hearing people talk about poop, this is a good podcast to follow!
I learn something about medicine and health each episode, and I also get to learn about history and culture. Certainly with the last decade of healthcare and health insurance debates, it's important to learn more about what we even mean when we talk about health!
4. Surprisingly Nice
I promise, I'm not just stalking the McElroy family of podcasts! Still, Surprisingly Nice is another great one by some of the best podcasters out there: Travis McElroy and Hal Lublin. These two
friends take time to sit down with famous people and talk about the cultural interests of the day.
More importantly, however, the show also serves as a vehicle for charity fundraising. The interviews are available in short form for free, but listeners can access the full interview for a small donation (of the guests choosing)! It's worth a listen, and it's a good way to insert a bit of civility and kindness into your days.
5. We Got This with Mark and Hal
Ready to listen to more of Hal Lublin? You're in luck. In addition to the previous show, he also partners with Mark Gagliardi to host "We Got This!" This duo debate the kinds of topics you might overhear late at night in a bar ... the debates we tend to have about seemingly trivial things that we apparently care deeply about!
Each episode, they debate the question and issue a decision. Listeners in the Facebook group and other social media platforms certainly have the option to continue to debate further, but once Hal decrees the winner, they (almost) never look back! I don't always agree with their decisions (Quaker Oats is actually the best breakfast cereal), but I always love hearing them hash it out!
6. 99% Invisible
This independent podcast, affiliated with RadioTopia, is an excellent source of information about the obscure parts of our world. The hosts discuss things we rarely see but which make up the fabric of our world like sounds, architecture, technology, or everyday objects. Each episode will make you think and get you curious about parts of your life you might otherwise ignore!
The episodes are all excellent, and this is one podcast that you can pick up anywhere and dive right in. Previous episodes are just as strong as recent ones, so pick a topic that interests you and get started right away!
7. One Bad Mother
Hosted by Biz Ellis and Theresa Thorn, this podcast explores all of the ways that motherhood may just not be as magical as people pretend. It's a comedy podcast that tackles a serious subject (raising children) with a much-needed irreverence and sense of self-deprecation.
If you're wondering whether you're the only mother (or father) out there feeling out of your depth, this is a podcast for you! The only thing they judge is the absurdity of the expectations we place on parents. Subscribe to this one for weekly laughs and much-needed reassurance that you're doing it fine.
8. The Greatest Generation
Like the hosts of this podcast, I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that I love all things Star Trek. Kidding! I have a Star Trek: TOS lunchbox that I carry across campus proudly each day! As you can imagine then, I love this podcast.
Benjamin Ahr Harrison and Adam Pranica watch old episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation and talk about it. It's as simple as that. Except that it's hilarious and definitely NSFW. More importantly, it's not just for nerds like me. If you've never seen an episode of Star Trek in your life, you will still fall in love with this show.
Truthfully, I prefer ST:DS9, but I won't hold that against the show. And if I can do that, you know it must be good.
9. Invisibilia
While it may seem similar to 99% Invisible, Invisibilia has its own take on those hidden parts of our world. This NPR show combines storytelling and social science (and sometimes regular science) to help listeners get a deeper and more nuanced perspective on human behavior.
Wondering how your emotions influence you? This is your podcast. Wondering how you might be shaping your ideas based on assumptions about the world? This is your podcast. Just wondering what you don't even know you should wonder about? This is your podcast. Trust me. It's a gem.
10. Civics 101
I'm not sure there could be a more timely podcast for listeners right now. Civics 101 walks listeners through a brief refresher on the various components of American government, looking into everything from Constitutional Amendments to Appeals Courts. If you're feeling a bit lost among all of the political debates going on, this podcast should be your first stop!
Truly, this podcast is short enough to squeeze into your schedule, and the topics are interesting and well-delivered. Even if you're working in politics, you should probably listen to this podcast. It's your civic duty! :-P
So what you do think? Did I miss your favorite podcast? Comment below if you think I should add any to this list!