what are you listening to?

January 22, 2018

I’m flying out to Oregon this morning to see a brand-new baby niece born on Saturday. My little guys will stay behind in Brooklyn on this visit, so in anticipation of spending whole hours on a plane free from excavating crayons from a one-year-old’s mouth, I was hoping you guys might be able to give me your best podcast recommendations.

I compiled this list of favorite podcasts two years ago, but lately I’ve been bingeing on parenting podcasts and I could use something new. Favorite podcasts you’ve been listening to lately?

Give me your nerdiest, your funniest, your most inspiring.

I’m all ears. (Heh.)

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132 Comments

  • Reply Anna Marcinkowska January 22, 2018 at 8:46 am

    Hi! The best podcast in the world is Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History! I’ve never really liked learning history in school, but Carlin’s way of storytelling is amazing. Everyone of them is great, but I especially like the series “Wrath of Khans”. Here’s a clip to the first part of that, you get the idea of the whole podcast pretty fast by listening to this: https://youtu.be/8cBCll62iac?t=1m1s
    Have a great trip and thanks for an amazing blog (and the Simple Matters-book too). I love what you do!

    2
    • Reply Kirsten January 22, 2018 at 8:58 am

      eesh, just accidentally replied in the wrong spot…

      Haha, my husband is completely obsessed with this podcast but it drives me insane because of how long he takes to tell a story! Though I started with the Teddy Roosevelt series and I’ve been assured that his other series are better.

      2
      • Reply Anna Marcinkowska January 22, 2018 at 9:52 am

        Haha, yes, he takes a while to tell it all, but it’s worth it, I promise. Haven’t listened to the one about Teddy Roosevelt, but I can assure you this one is awesome (listened to it at least three times… I know, nerd, but I forget the details).

        2
  • Reply Amy January 22, 2018 at 8:49 am

    I’m not a huge podcast fan; people’s voices sometimes freak me out. But I’m enjoying Philosophize This! I like a solid breakdown every now and then. I usually listen before bed, and I’ve found it’s a nice way to drift off to sleep. Perhaps that’s not the best sales pitch. 🙂 Enjoy Oregon. I grew up outside of Portland and love a visit, which somehow always includes a stop at the Vista Spring Cafe.

    2
  • Reply Katharine January 22, 2018 at 8:54 am

    Have a great trip! From me as a fellow public humanities alum, you might enjoy the excellent bite-sized history storytelling on The Memory Palace, or an older and short-lived (but still great) podcast called Cellar Door from the Chipstone Foundation.

    2
  • Reply Kirsten January 22, 2018 at 8:55 am

    I love Upstream–particularly their two latest episodes on Universal Basic Income. I got completely addicted to RABBITS, which is a one season (fictional? you never really know…) documentary about an alternative reality game. It might sound sort of weird, but was the most gripping thing I’ve listened to in a while and I’m not even someone who is interested in alternative reality or video/online games in real life.

    I’m also a forever fan of My Favorite Murder (sort of a thing that you like or you don’t, I imagine) and the Heaven’s Gate podcast hosted by Glynn Washington is amazing.

    2
    • Reply Kirsten January 22, 2018 at 8:57 am

      Haha, my husband is completely obsessed with this podcast but it drives me insane because of how long he takes to tell a story! Though I started with the Teddy Roosevelt series and I’ve been assured that his other series are better.

      2
    • Reply Olivia January 22, 2018 at 9:28 am

      I was also going to recommend My Favorite Murder!

      2
      • Reply Gemma January 22, 2018 at 10:41 am

        Me too; I love MFM!

        2
  • Reply Trish January 22, 2018 at 8:57 am

    I’m a huge fan of Invisibilia and More Perfect (from RadioLab). Invisibilia’s storytelling always has me reviewing my own life from other perspectives. I’m also a Supreme Court buff so I love More Perfect, which delves into Supreme Court cases from the past that very much influence today and our future.

    2
    • Reply Kirsten January 22, 2018 at 11:23 am

      More Perfect is amazing!!

      2
  • Reply Heather Cammarata-Seale January 22, 2018 at 9:04 am

    I am a podcast junkie! My weekly rotation includes The American Life, Hidden Brain, The Four Top, Note to Self, Radiolab, Freakonomics, Pop Culture Happy Hour, and It’s Been a Minute with Sam Sanders. For other great podcasts with more limited-run season, try More Perfect, Revisionist History, Science VS., and 2 Dope Queens. Enjoy!

    2
    • Reply Elizabeth January 23, 2018 at 9:48 am

      I heartily second the recommendations for Revisionist History and More Perfect. Both are “drop whatever you’re doing and make time to listen” podcasts. I also HIGHLY recommend the Seeing White series from Scene on Radio, which really challenged my perceptions of our country’s history with regards to race. If you’re interested in policy, Vox’s The Weeds has helped me feel a great deal more informed about current events. The United States of Anxiety is a good limited run series about cultural issues in America. Rough Translation takes issues from our culture/the news and explores them in a global context.

      2
      • Reply Dena January 25, 2018 at 1:50 pm

        I co-sign on Seeing White– I’m coming to the end of it and think about it non-stop/talk everyone’s ears off about it. SO GOOD, and it led me to Uncivil, which is also great, and is about stories left out of our histories of the Civil War.

        2
  • Reply Heather Cammarata-Seale January 22, 2018 at 9:04 am

    Whoops. THIS American Life!

    2
  • Reply Rebecca January 22, 2018 at 9:10 am

    Hurry Slowly is a new podcast I love that is all about how to be more productive and creative by actually slowing down. It sounds counter intuitive but it’s wonderful and I’ve really enjoyed the guests she’s interviewed.

    2
    • Reply Lo January 22, 2018 at 11:48 am

      Ooh I love Hurry Slowly!

      2
      • Reply Jennifer January 22, 2018 at 7:44 pm

        Yes! I just mentioned it further down.

        2
  • Reply Meg J January 22, 2018 at 9:13 am

    Congrats, Auntie!!
    Here are a few that I’ve enjoyed:
    True Crime (about Providence, RI)
    S-Town
    Dirty John
    Revisionist History

    2
    • Reply Meg J January 22, 2018 at 9:14 am

      Whoops! Crimetown not True Crime

      2
      • Reply Liz January 22, 2018 at 9:46 am

        Yes! I strongly second revisionist history by Malcolm gladwell. Great storytelling and very thoughtful perspective on identity and structural inequality. “Mr hollowell didn’t like that” is a standout episode – about a brilliant black public defender in the 1960s standing up to the justice system in Alabama, I think ?

        2
    • Reply Lisa January 24, 2018 at 2:09 am

      I second S-Town, i’m only 3/4 through but it’s been a crazy ride so far!!

      1
  • Reply Natalie January 22, 2018 at 9:23 am

    I LOVE the Crooked Media podcasts: Lovett or Leave It is great if you want a funny (v. liberal) take on current events. From reading your blog, though, I think you’d really enjoy With Friends Like These, hosted by Ana Marie Cox. She takes on all the really crappy things happening right now with such strength and gentleness. She has on some really interesting guests, too. I also love one of their new podcasts Crooked Conversations – they had an episode recently called “Will 2018 be the year of reckoning for #MeToo” and it had me in stitches but was also, so informative!

    1
    • Reply Erica January 23, 2018 at 8:54 am

      Yes – Pod Save America and Pod Save the World are amazing. But the best crooked media podcast however, is definitely POD SAVE THE PEOPLE by Deray McKessen – he takes a social justice lens to the news and really gets into what we should know but don’t ask about important things (see: episode on DACA a while ago). Also one of his co-hosts is Brittany Packnett who is fantastic (see her article in the Cut after Black Women saved Alabama/us all). I also love Hey Girl all about women doing them and More Perfect (see episode on equal rights amendment).

      1
  • Reply Marika January 22, 2018 at 9:25 am

    My current favorites are “Hannah and Matt know it all” (reviewing and reanswering advice columns from around the internet) “Sawbones” (medical history with a side of humor) and “Call your girlfriend” (Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman discussing news and pop culture).
    Lucky you taking a trip without the littles! I got to go to the beach last weekend without my kiddo and it was great!

    1
    • Reply Devon January 22, 2018 at 6:18 pm

      I second Sawbones! The episode about the ‘sea-sickness room’ had me cracking up!

      1
  • Reply Mary Kate January 22, 2018 at 9:28 am

    Pretty much all my podcasts have to do with story, so book podcasts and ones that discuss my favorite shows. My favorite book podcast is Overdue Pod — it’s HILARIOUS. And for TV shows, I really like the Unspoiled network — where 1 person has seen the show, and 1 is watching for the first time. They have a lot of great shows to choose from, too.

    1
    • Reply Anna January 22, 2018 at 1:40 pm

      I’m always looking for new bookish podcasts, so will definitely check this out! If anybody else is looking for sth bookish too- BBC’s In Our Time does a literary episode now and then and they are smart and often funny, while providing an insight in the workings behind the written works. Would definitely recommend episodes on Emma and Wuthering Heights! x

  • Reply Jen January 22, 2018 at 9:33 am

    Three of my favorites are Another Round, Still Processing and Spilled Milk. Have a great trip!

    • Reply Emily January 24, 2018 at 6:12 am

      I second Still Processing–Two culture writers from NYT with a “race conscious” lens. Fun & smart! Surprised it wasn’t on here already!

  • Reply Susan January 22, 2018 at 9:36 am

    I’ve recently been listening to Uncivil, a podcast which looks at the history of the Civil War from an African-American perspective. I’m about half way through, and have found the stories fascinating and enlightening. Another political podcast to check out is Slow Burn, which is about Watergate – similar in its reexamination of a historical event which we ‘think’ is well-known. I’m old enough to remember Watergate when it happened, but it’s been really interesting to follow the political machinations of the time in the context of the current presidency. I’m Canadian, so neither one of these podcasts actually talks about my history, but I still really like them both! (Also, both come in roughly 30 minute episodes, so can be listened to in shorter bursts.) Happy travelling!

  • Reply Meg January 22, 2018 at 9:37 am

    The Read (news & pop culture, listener questions, and a read where the hosts take someone to task for their sexism/racism/stupidity in the past week)

    Pop Culture Happy Hour (how to stay on top of pop culture if you live in a TV-less home and/or want to have the culture you consume curated for you)

    The Turnaround (masterful interviewers explain how they elicit information & have meaningful conversations with those they interact with)

    You mentioned listening to parenting podcasts, and I have no children but still enjoy listening to The Longest Shortest Time & would recommend checking it out if you haven’t.

    Happy listening & congratulations on your newest family member 🙂

  • Reply olga January 22, 2018 at 9:38 am

    More Perfect – on important Supreme Court cases (from the makers of Radiolab). I’m a huge fan of Pod Save America (from Obama’s speech writing/comms team). And most recently I fell head over heels in love with Slow Burn, which is an 8 episode miniseries that tells you all about Watergate (and leaves you to compare/contrast current events). Those, I think, are the best, smartest, and most illuminating.

    • Reply Jessie January 22, 2018 at 12:00 pm

      Friend of the Pod! 🙂 I second Pod Save America. And Lovett or Leave It… well any of the podcasts that Crooked Media puts out. Reply All, The Dirtbag Diaries, Science Vs and The West Wing Weekly.

  • Reply Jenna Hedderson January 22, 2018 at 9:42 am

    Not a podcast exactly but I just finished Neil DeGrasse Tyson’s new book “Astrophysics for People in a Hurry” in audiobook format (free from my library!) and thought it was pretty good. Learned a lot! I really enjoy listening to his voice – it’s calming. The whole thing runs about 3.5-4 hours.

  • Reply Jenna Hedderson January 22, 2018 at 9:44 am

    Here’s the Thing with Alec Baldwin. Fantastic interviews.

  • Reply Stella January 22, 2018 at 9:58 am

    Since you mentioned Call Your Girlfriend and Another Round in your last podcast roundup, I would definitely recommend Thirst Aid Kit! Bim Adewunmi and Nichole Perkins have both been guests on Another Round and are a true treasure. It’s so refreshing to hear women (especially women of color) talk frankly and hilariously about desire and sexuality. My husband and I are both obsessed with it.

    This interview is a great peek into the podcast: http://www.elle.com/culture/a13528305/thirst-aid-kit-podcast-bim-adewunmi-nichole-perkins-interview/

    • Reply Erin January 22, 2018 at 12:13 pm

      Oh! You peaked my interest with Thirst Aid Kit. I’m going to check it out. Thanks 🙂

    • Reply Anna January 22, 2018 at 1:30 pm

      I was gonna recommend Another Round and Thirst Aid Kit, but you and Jen already got there first!
      Heben and Tracy bring joy with every new episode and Thirst Aid Kit ladies make me chuckle like none other.
      If you want to dig deeper in creativity and the modern phenomenon that is Instagram though I would recommend Me & Orla’s Hashtag Authentic- some episodes are pure Insta, but others are so much more.
      And just because I always recommend it- Harry Potter and Methods of Rationality. You won’t guess where this one is going. (c)
      x

  • Reply Liv January 22, 2018 at 10:15 am

    On Being did an interview with David Whyte that is really moving- if you’re up for crying on an airplane.

    • Reply CathyMA January 23, 2018 at 6:33 am

      I second On Being. So good. I’ve started listening to the unedited versions because they always have a gem or two dropped by the editing.

  • Reply Katharine January 22, 2018 at 10:23 am

    Lots of people have already mentioned More Perfect, so I’ll just add a thumbs up there.

    Also recommended:

    Science Vs, which explores the actual science behind things many of us have strong but often uninformed opinions about (abortion! organic food! the g-spot! ghosts!).

    The Mash-Up Americans, which is lots of fascinating conversations about having a mixed cultural/racial identity and how that intersects with everything from holidays to food to parenting.

  • Reply Erin January 22, 2018 at 10:44 am

    -Uncivil: They’ve only released one episode, but it is a stunner!
    -Heaven’s Gate, hosted by Glynn Washington of Snap Judgement, was so, so interesting. I never thought I would be into a deep dive into that tragic event, but he is so great examining the deeper psychological underpinnings of cults and cult members and their loved ones.
    -The Splendid Table, Bullseye with Jesse Thorne, and CYG are my weekly comfort-food podcasts.
    -Also, if you haven’t heard this TAL episode, you MUST: https://www.thisamericanlife.org/627/suitable-for-children
    Safe and lovely travels!

    • Reply Elizabeth January 23, 2018 at 9:49 am

      Uncivil has a bunch of episodes! Refresh your feed!

  • Reply Helen January 22, 2018 at 10:54 am

    Just worth a watch and some follow up reading. …the short film (12 min short ) Bare about a young woman cutting her hair after her breast cancer diagnosis is amazing. Based off the short story by Becky Hall-Dickson. It’s semi autobiographical. Becky had done writing and interviews and panels since the film, advocating for stage IV patients….she is stage IV herself and figniting against time. Anyway, she has made me aware of an issue I didn’t fully understand and her voice is amazing and so is the film!

  • Reply Chelsea January 22, 2018 at 11:03 am

    The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey, NPR’s How I Built This, and the short series on Making Oprah.

  • Reply Natalie January 22, 2018 at 11:13 am

    I’m a big fan of the “Stuff” podcasts aka
    -Stuff Your Mom Never Told You is hosted by some amazing ladies talking all things women and feminism. Episodes include Role Overload: Working Mother, Samurai Women, and one of my favorites – Where the F*** Are the Pockets on Women’s Clothing
    -Stuff You Missed in History Class is another one hosted by two amazing women who really bring obscure and interesting historical topics to light
    -Stuff You Should Know is a funny conversational podcast about literally anything and everything. You can learn about how a baby platypus is called a puggle (!) or how impeachment works.

    Crimetown is also an addicting listen about organized crime in Providence, RI
    Modern Love
    In Defense of Plants if you want to nerd out about botany
    This American Life

    I have a long commute to work so podcasts are my jam.

  • Reply emma January 22, 2018 at 11:27 am

    my faves (some you already know but how great will this comments section be as a compendium?!!):
    – forever35
    – how did this get made
    – a few things
    – by the book
    – happier
    – happier in hollywood
    – here’s the thing
    – certain interviews on girlboss radio, similarly pardon my french
    – selfie
    – spilled milk
    – talking in circles

  • Reply Kathleen January 22, 2018 at 11:32 am

    I’ve been loving By the Book lately. The co-hosts follow various self-help type books for two weeks (doing EXACTLY what the books proscribe) and then hash out how it went and what they learned, liked, disliked, etc. on the podcast. They have very different personalities which makes for funny and lively discussion (they also have to rope their husbands in and record themselves during the two weeks in their real life and feature clips of this).

  • Reply Carmella January 22, 2018 at 11:36 am

    I’m always fascinated by the stories of successful business people. NPR’s How I Built This with Guy Raz is one of my favs – he’s a great host and the stories are so fascinating – from Stonyfield Yogurt to Eileen Fisher to Rent the Runway to Burton. Lots of take-aways/encouragement if you’re a business person. What a sweet little niece you have! How fun

  • Reply Kaelie January 22, 2018 at 11:40 am

    I can’t believe no one has recommended Criminal from radiotopia. Best ever. So entertaining.

    • Reply Lauren January 23, 2018 at 12:53 pm

      Second this.

    • Reply Kathleen January 26, 2018 at 11:35 pm

      Agreed!!

  • Reply Chloe | Conscious by Chloe January 22, 2018 at 11:41 am

    My current favorite is the feminist podcast “Stuff Mom Never Told You” (https://www.stuffmomnevertoldyou.com). I’m still a fan of Gretchen Rubin’s “Happier Podcast” (https://gretchenrubin.com/podcasts/) and just started listening to Zero Waste Blogger Meghann Percy’s “Kiss That World Never Before” podcast (http://www.kissthatworld.com/podcast/).

  • Reply Rachel Christiansen January 22, 2018 at 11:46 am

    Has anyone mentioned “Slow Burn” which is produced by Slate yet? It’s about the Watergate scandal, particularly focusing on dates, stories, and people that haven’t made it into the zeitgeist/collective history surrounding that political era. CAPTIVATING to say the least.

    Safe travels!

  • Reply Lo January 22, 2018 at 11:47 am

    How to Survive the End of the World! It’s a podcast by two sisters who seem to do every cool thing– one is a doula, they’re both activists, they both write science fiction, both live in very intentional ways re: the environment, gardening, etc. T

    he episodes are organized around Octavia Butler quotes (“All that you touch you change; all that you change changes you”) and get deep into issues of decolonization, antiracism, the experiences of women of color… I could go on. It’s so much more than the title suggests! And this is coming from a person who isn’t a scifi reader by any means.

  • Reply Emma January 22, 2018 at 11:53 am

    I love Woman’s Hour from the BBC, Footnoting History (about random historical events), and Still Processing from the NYT! Happy travels!

  • Reply Katie January 22, 2018 at 11:55 am

    I am loving financial podcasts right now. I am binging on two. Choose FI and The Fairer Cents.

  • Reply Sonja January 22, 2018 at 12:01 pm

    I am a devotee to Crooked Media. My favorite is With Friends Like These with Ana Marie Cox and Majority 54 with Jason Kander. Fascinating conversations centered on the political divide. It restores my hope and uses just the right amount of profanity. They say the stuff you yell in the car and it’s awesome. I feel like I should disclose they are quite liberal which makes my bleeding heart (mixed feelings on that term but for another day) very, very happy. Cheers!

  • Reply Cora January 22, 2018 at 12:02 pm

    I recently discovered old episodes of the BBC’s Desert Island Discs, it’s a really interesting concept. Others I listen to include: Ear Hustle, Call Your Girlfriend, Politically Reactive, The Hilariuos World of Depression, and Terrible Thanks for Asking.

  • Reply Erin January 22, 2018 at 12:09 pm

    Do you listen to The High Low? Two British female freelance journalists discussing news and pop culture. Delightful!

    Another smart and funny British podcast: The Guilty Feminist. Hosted by a comedian as she and her guests “discuss topics ‘all 21st century feminists agree on’ while discussing their insecurities, hypocrisies and fears that underlie their lofty principles.” (quote from the podcast description on Apple podcasts lol)

    One more that I love and find wonderfully fun and relaxing to listen to is Mirror Mirror: based in Nashville, the host interviews interesting women about their beauty routines and beauty philosophies. There is often interesting dialogue regarding natural beauty, products’ effectiveness, branding, aging, etc. … and if you’re looking for a more “glossy” beauty/skincare podcast, I love Fat Mascara hosted by two beauty editors.

    xoxo!

    • Reply Moran January 23, 2018 at 2:21 pm

      I second the Guilty Feminist! I’m completely hooked.

  • Reply Sarah Valentine January 22, 2018 at 12:09 pm

    I’ve been loving Spilled Milk, Happier with Gretchen Rubin, Natural MD Radio and One Part Podcast.

  • Reply Emily Crowder January 22, 2018 at 12:23 pm

    I like Hidden Brain for brief bursts of learning, Death, Sex and Money for very personal and wise interviews (the one with Ellen Burstyn is my favourite of all time), and Longest, Shortest Time for parent-kid-family stuff that doesn’t make me want to pull my hair out. Feelin’ Weird is an interview/talky podcast about a whole variety of non-normative experiences, including mental health, non-binary gender issues, and family trauma. The host Kye speaks in this soft voice that puts guests at ease and it’s soooo good.

  • Reply Meg January 22, 2018 at 12:46 pm

    Dear Sugars! Cheryl Strayed’s voice is so calming, and they both (her and co host) are so so wise.

  • Reply Addie January 22, 2018 at 1:00 pm

    A Time and a Plate! Fascinating culinary narrative history about culture and cooking.

    https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-time-and-a-plate-with-claire-thomas/id1177124853?mt=2

  • Reply MK January 22, 2018 at 1:02 pm

    Podcasts: Heavyweight: personal meaningful stories with a touch of awkward humor
    My Favorite Murder
    Criminal
    Where Should We Begin with Esther Perel

    • Reply Katie January 22, 2018 at 7:45 pm

      I love MFM and Where Should We Begin also!

  • Reply Lindsay January 22, 2018 at 1:03 pm

    I see several folks have already recommended it, but More Perfect is really good! Also, I recently started listening to Seeing White, thank you for recommending it here.

  • Reply EG January 22, 2018 at 1:05 pm

    If you love the Harry Potter books, I recommend Harry Potter and the Sacred Text. It’s part book club, part spiritual practice, and altogether charming.

  • Reply Allison January 22, 2018 at 1:26 pm

    I’ve got knitting video podcast suggestions for you since you’re a new knitter! Kammebornia (a knitting couple from Sweden, in Swedish with subtitles, so beautiful), The Gentle Knitter (Nicole from Ottawa talks about knitting projects and techniques, gorgeous and helpful), and bmandarine’s (Melody is a French knitwear designer living in Riga, Latvia). All available on YouTube, I believe.

  • Reply Lourdes January 22, 2018 at 1:51 pm

    T and I have been on an insane true-crime podcast kick lately. I can’t stop listening to murder stories – what a creep! My favorites are S-Town, Dirty John, and Atlanta Monster. They can be disturbing though and I don’t want to knock you out of baby bliss, so maybe hold off til the return flight.

  • Reply SEM January 22, 2018 at 1:51 pm

    100% committed to NPR’s Note to Self. Recommend Manoush’s book, Bored and Brilliant too!

  • Reply Alyssa Pacaut January 22, 2018 at 1:51 pm

    Not a parenting podcast, but I love Code Switch. They tackle race, ethnicity, and culture in the United States.

    Bon voyage and enjoy the time with your new niece!

    • Reply Kim January 23, 2018 at 11:21 am

      Agreed! Code Switch has content is vital and extremely thoughtful.

  • Reply Annie January 22, 2018 at 2:18 pm

    The High Low is a lot of fun!

  • Reply Nat January 22, 2018 at 2:19 pm

    I really like Escape Pod and Pod Castle, which are weekly science fiction and fantasy (respectively) audio short stories. The content varies drastically from week to week because the authors and narrators are always changing, so sometimes I love the story, and sometimes I like it, and sometimes I don’t like it. But I love putting a fiction podcast in my rotation. (The same folks also put out PseudoPod, which is a horror short story, but horror is not my jam so I don’t listen to that one.)
    I also *love* Mystery Show. There’s only one season of it, but it’s So Good.
    Nancy is my favorite “serious” podcast. It’s stories and news about and for queer folks of all stripes.
    And several folks here have mentioned More Perfect, which is excellent.

  • Reply Erika January 22, 2018 at 2:22 pm

    “The History Chicks” is a really great podcast that focuses on both historical and fictional famous women told through a feminine lens. Plus the two female hosts, Beckett and Susan, are hilarious!

    • Reply Chels January 23, 2018 at 4:03 am

      Yay! I love The History Chicks!!

  • Reply Emma January 22, 2018 at 2:28 pm

    Laura Veirs just started a podcast interviewing musicians who are parents – Midnight Lighting. She’s interviewing mothers this season, and fathers if she gets a second season up and running. It’s great for any creative parent, whether musician or not!

  • Reply Rie January 22, 2018 at 2:52 pm

    My newest find is “By the Book.”
    Jolenta Greenberg and her more skeptical friend Kristen Meinzer live by the rules of various self-help books like “French Women Sont Get Fat” and Marie Kondo’s Magic of Tidying for two weeks each, reporting as they go. It’s hilarious. (Language alert!)

  • Reply Kelly Wingard January 22, 2018 at 3:09 pm

    People have already listed several of my favorites (dan carlin!, More Perfect , etc) and I look forward to checking out some of the others. “Scene on the Radio”‘s epsisode series “Seeing White” is one of the best things I listened to this year. It explores racism by exploring what it means to be white in the United States and where that came from. There were several historical details new to me, and has helped make me more conscientious to those around me.

  • Reply Ragnhild January 22, 2018 at 3:31 pm

    Please believe me when I say the funniest podcast you’ll ever listen to is “My Dad Wrote a Porno”. (Daniel Radcliff loves it). I am laughing out loud on my daily bike ride to work (I live in Copenhagen). I think you’ll love it! Have a relaxing trip

    • Reply KIMMCG January 22, 2018 at 4:40 pm

      Ooooh! I’ve heard great things about that.

    • Reply Nina January 23, 2018 at 7:28 pm

      It is hilarious! British humour at its best! Highly recommended

  • Reply Willow Westwood January 22, 2018 at 3:37 pm

    Stuff to Blow Your Mind! They get into science, mythology, pop culture, and how all of these things intersect and speak to eachother. I especially recommend the two part episode: “the winter people.” Happy child-free flying!

  • Reply Liz January 22, 2018 at 3:39 pm

    Low Tox Life by Alexx Stuart. Australian based blogger and writer who is all about Real Food and living a non-toxic lifestyle.

  • Reply Hannah January 22, 2018 at 4:08 pm

    On Being
    Death, Sex & Money
    The Sugars
    Levar Burton Reads
    For a Bad Time Call
    99% Invisible
    Ear Hustle
    Invisibilia
    Where Should We Begin

  • Reply Madeleine January 22, 2018 at 4:14 pm

    Definitely check out 99percentInvisible (or “99p.i.”) – it is my fave because each segment stands alone and is only 20 minutes long. Often funny and always interesting, topics are often design, architecture, history, and quirky stuff. It’ll make you great at parties! Ha! I LOVE the “mini stories” episodes. The most recent one is about the advent of air conditioning – the entire thing is fascinating, especially the part about its influence on Reagan’s presidency. Here is the link: https://99percentinvisible.org/

  • Reply Kim January 22, 2018 at 4:38 pm

    Lots of really great recommendations on here already! If you allow me to give an off topic recommendation: If you like that parenting podcast I would say its also worth checking out the work of Daniel J Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson. It is kind of the neuroscience behind those ideas as well as giving some really good tips on dealing with kid issues and promoting resilience, curiosity and balance in kids lives. I have one of their books as an audiobook. The act go listening to an audiobook reminds me of long car rides with my parents as a kid so it has that added charm too..

  • Reply KIMMCG January 22, 2018 at 4:40 pm

    10% Happier because Dan Harris is an excellent interviewer and I’m trying to cultivate a meditation habit (but aren’t we all these days?)

    Way with Words because the hosts are so completely passionate and curious about language, and they bring such a generous spirit to their answers.

    Sunday Edition by the CBC because Michael Enwright is a Canadian national treasure. If you are a music fan, start with episodes featuring Robert Harris http://www.cbc.ca/radio/thesundayedition/20-pieces-of-music-that-changed-the-world-robert-harris-1.2992788 and make sure to take in some award winning documentaries.

  • Reply Sonya January 22, 2018 at 4:41 pm

    Hello! Nerdiest – Slow Burn by Slate, which promises to highlight the untold stories behind Watergate. It’s compelling from the get go! An Australian podcast I adore is Not By Accident – the story of choosing to become a single mum and coping with being one. For feminism and laughs, I love She’s All Fat which is about radical body positivity. Happy travels! And congrats aunty!

  • Reply Karli January 22, 2018 at 4:47 pm

    Totally check out The Liturgist Podcast and download a few from seasons past. Very thought-provoking, open conversations on some super controversial topics in light of art, science, and religion.

    Have a great kid-free trip and congrats Auntie!

  • Reply Danielle January 22, 2018 at 5:07 pm

    Someone may have already mentioned this, but I love Gastropod! They have a multitude of food related subjects, very fascinating.

    I’m excited to read other’s suggestions, good idea! Have fun visiting your niece!!

  • Reply Lauren January 22, 2018 at 5:11 pm

    99% Invisible, it offers excellent profiles on little-known facts focused on design and architecture. I can’t recommend it enough!

  • Reply Lauren January 22, 2018 at 5:28 pm

    Pretty for an Aboriginal – Australian based podcast hosted by two kickass Aboriginal women talking about race

    Slome Home Podcast – Another Australian based podcast about all things simple living

    Enjoy!

    • Reply Sarah January 29, 2018 at 6:24 am

      Pretty for an Aboriginal is bloody hilarious.

  • Reply Brittney January 22, 2018 at 5:35 pm

    Lore is far and away my favorite podcast. I’ve tried MANY as I drive and travel alot, and I find podcasts to be a wonderful way to pass the time. Lore basically takes different non-fiction scary and/or haunting events and uses them as springboards to explore human nature. They are INSANELY entertaining as well as thought provoking, and I’m always really self-reflective after listening to an episode. Episodes are 25-30 minutes long and all of them stand on their own – so you can jump in anywhere. I am always amazed when it’s not mentioned – it’s just so, so good!

  • Reply Jen January 22, 2018 at 7:15 pm

    I know I’m too late but Nerdette is delightfully random-how else would I have found out Tom Hanks has a passion for typewriters??

  • Reply Jennifer January 22, 2018 at 7:36 pm

    Have you listened to Hurry Slowly with Jocelyn K. Glei yet? It’ll definitely be a little bit of preaching to the choir, but as a long-time slow life advocate, I still found some good reminders in there.

  • Reply janet lansbury January 22, 2018 at 7:48 pm

    Thanks so much for the link to my podcast, Erin! I love your beautiful site. Cheers!

  • Reply Meg January 22, 2018 at 8:26 pm

    Just made a huge list!
    http://megbiram.com/podcasts-to-listen-to/

  • Reply joanna January 22, 2018 at 10:51 pm

    I love The Slow Home Podcast with Brooke McCalary. Awesome.
    I am looking for something that is just downright hilarious.

    • Reply Heather January 23, 2018 at 5:42 pm

      Seconded! I think Erin would be a perfect guest for this show.

      • Reply Amelia Brown January 24, 2018 at 10:55 am

        I completely agree! Its equal parts magical and practical. Brooke writes occasionally for the Art of Simple; her words are pure gold.

  • Reply Shawna January 22, 2018 at 11:52 pm

    I haven’t read through all the comments so I don’t know if anyone has mentioned these. I listen to The Partially Examined Life podcast because I am very much into philosophy. That’s probably nerdy enough! 😉

  • Reply Abby January 23, 2018 at 5:06 am

    Radical Departures is a great new one, all about new and awesome startups in France. In English from American hosts living in Paris!

  • Reply Melodie January 23, 2018 at 5:41 am

    I’m a massive fan of the Ethical Hour Podcast, Stuff Mom Never Told You, Stop Collaborate & Listen and The Simple Show!
    Sorry that was a speedy comment but i wanted to share them with you really quickly! Haha!
    Melodie | http://happymelodie.com/

  • Reply jess January 23, 2018 at 6:05 am

    Hi Erin,
    First comment here after years of following you … i love podcasts and have no time to listen to them atm (i feel a bit stupid but ive recently started listening at speed x1,25 to be able to listen to more of them on my way to nursery pick up, I almost can’t hear the difference)
    My absolute favorite podcast is Gastropod which explores the science and history of food. They taught me so much… I guess the episodes on first foods and school lunches are the ones you should start with if you’re into parenting podcasts (definitely adding unruffled to my list right now and will definitely check the other comments :))
    I struggled to find French podcasts to listen to and as I have the feeling you might be into French as much as Im into English, I have to tell you what I’ve found
    Transfert (produced by Slate FR) sort of a “this French life” .. Loved the last episode “un bonheur vicié”
    La poudre … interviewing celebrities on being a woman, their uteruses, feminism and stuff … the journalist is one of Garance Doré’s best friends and had an episode with her … Les autres sont moins connues à l’international mais peut-être que tu en connaitras quelques unes
    and … well that’s it … I definitely have to look for more
    J’espère que ça te plaira et dans tous les cas merci pour ton travail ici, tu m’inspires énormément et c’est toujours un bonheur de te lire (and to feel less lonely when I am oh so happy that the sticker of the shampoo bottle peels off easily)

  • Reply Rachel January 23, 2018 at 8:46 am

    My current favorite is called “Terrible, Thanks for Asking”. It’s about grief and loss, but is surprisingly uplifting and tells human stories is a beautiful and empathetic way.

  • Reply Lara January 23, 2018 at 10:45 am

    I also love the SLOW HOME podcast, WTF Marc Maron, How I built this,

  • Reply Megan January 23, 2018 at 11:56 am

    The lazy genius!
    I can’t stop recommending it to absolutely everyone. It’s simple and inspiring and wonderful.

  • Reply Lillian January 23, 2018 at 12:11 pm

    I cohost a podcast called “YOU DIDN’T ASK” which gives unqualified, unsolicited advice on a different topic for each episode. It’s funny and often very unwise advice (ha), but please give it a try!

  • Reply mado January 23, 2018 at 1:02 pm

    I am loving How to Survive the End of the World by Autumn and Adrienne Brown. They only have a few episodes so far but they’ve touched on grief, police shootings, race, body image, the writing process, science fiction, self care. Bonus: it’s a podcast by women of color.

    • Reply Eo January 24, 2018 at 11:31 am

      It is SO good isn’t it??

  • Reply Lauren January 23, 2018 at 1:32 pm

    Top 5:
    Criminal – Amazing reporting and interviews. Phoebe Judge has the best “radio” voice hands down.
    Totally Married – Light hearted and funny unqualified advice.
    The Broad Experience – Women’s experiences in the workplace – also fantastic interviewing.
    My Favorite Murder – I don’t like murder but I like this.
    How I Built This – Entrepreneurial inspiration.

  • Reply kris January 23, 2018 at 5:58 pm

    I know we’re supposed to be leaving ‘listening’ comments but i just want to mention that you are going to bliss out at being ‘hands free’ of your babies. It is a transcendent experience to be child free when you are the mom of tinys, even if only a few hours. Of course, you will miss them terribly but not toting one is like having wings, and fluttering back to ‘I am Erin, individual!!’ Enjoy that feeling, no guilt, it’s delightful. Have a great trip.

  • Reply Rie January 23, 2018 at 8:23 pm

    I want to add one: The Paris Review. I’m your parents’ age so see the lit that formed us!

  • Reply Margaret January 24, 2018 at 11:08 am

    I’m a huge fan of podcasts and wanted to add a few that no one has mentioned!!

    The Art of Manliness – Hear me out! I identify as a woman, but ADORE this podcast and have been telling everyone who will listen to me for years about it. It’s hosted by Brett McKay (who has a blog of the same name) and takes on topics like leadership, history, self-helpy topics, philosophy, and tons more. Brett is one of the BEST interviewers I’ve ever heard on a podcast. He is wildly prepared for each and every guest. And the topics are really interesting. Although the title sounds super gendered, I promise it is relevant to all humans, is not misogynistic in the least. If anything, it’s really refreshing to get immersed in messages that are not catering to women (which often miss the mark).

    2 Dope Queens – Jessica Williams and Pheobe Robinson host this comedy podcast (and night in Brooklyn!) and feature a diverse group of comedians. They are hysterical.

    One Part Podcast – Hosted by Jessica Murname – long interviews with experts on health and wellness. Plant-based diet focused. She is so relaxed, relatable and really lovely.

    Myleik Teele’s Podcast – Myleik Teele is the founder and owner of Curlbox and her podcasts are astoundingly real. It’s mainly focused on career advice, but she also covers relationships, her own mental health work, and is like the tough love big sister you wish you have. It’s a swift kick in the motivation pants and I LOVE it! She also has wonderful interviews!

    Also a big fan of the more popular shows (99 percent invisible, Reply All, What Should I Read Next, Where Should We Begin, Radio Cherry Bombe, On Being, and A Few Things with Claire and Erica!)

  • Reply Liz January 24, 2018 at 12:16 pm

    Love this! Here are a few:
    -Curious City (i.e. What’s the story with backyard chickens?)
    -Not Your Average Financial Podcast (i.e. 50% of Americans have less than $400 saved for an emergency…)
    -Chris Kresser’s Revolution Health Radio (All things healing and biohacking)
    -Bulletproof radio (Interesting interviews)
    -NPR Market Place Money (i.e. Why does the ACH take 2 business days to transfer?)
    -Revisionist History by Malcolm Gladwell (Beautifully done, always interesting.)

  • Reply Julie Grubbs January 24, 2018 at 2:11 pm

    Atlanta Monster is really, really good and well done. It’s based the serial killer who abducted and murdered 29 black male children in the late 70s/early 80s and whether or not the man accused was the actual killer. Highly recommended if you liked Serial.

  • Reply Alyssa January 24, 2018 at 3:10 pm

    If you’re looking for parenting – Simple Families hosted by Denaye Barahona! She has great advice and just added some interviews as well which I am loving.
    And my favorite podcast of all time is The Lively Show.
    Happy flying!!

  • Reply Julia January 24, 2018 at 5:13 pm

    A few that I don’t think were mentioned yet:
    Strangers, by Lea Thau. Her description: “Strangers features stories about the people we meet, the connections we make, the heartbreaks we suffer, the kindness we encounter, and the frightful moments when we discover we aren’t who we thought we were.” She is the one of the original creators of the Moth, but this is not first person but more of a conversation between her the subjects. It just ended, but it’s not terribly topical and there’s a large back catalog.

    “What Trump can teach us about con law”: The marvelous Roman Mars of 99pi fame and his Berkeley law professor friend explore the constitutional issues that Trump is testing with his actions.

    The Allusionist: “A podcast about language” Linguistics, history, culture rolled into one and very entertaining.

    and the podcast of Terry Gross’ long-running interview show “Fresh Air.” I have learned so much from this show. Terry Gross is an outstanding interviewer and draws the most interesting connections and insights out of her guests, among whom are authors, musicians, politicians, activists, etc. Even if the guest isn’t someone I’m particularly interested in, I still enjoy listening to it.

    I enthusiastically second many above recommendations, especially 99pi, Slow Burn, S-Town, Ear Hustle, and More Perfect.

  • Reply HElen January 25, 2018 at 1:36 am

    I highly recommend the Global Goal Cast podcast. They present stories from people all around the world who are either fighting global warming, poverty or for equal rights to education etc.

  • Reply Madeleine January 25, 2018 at 2:00 am

    I’m adding another! Have you ever listened to CBC’s “The Vinyl Cafe” by Stuart McLean? It was a radio show for ages here in Canada and is very famous in these parts. Stuart passed away recently and it was a great loss felt by many. He really was an icon. The Vinyl Cafe are stories of a fictional family in a fictional Canadian town and they are laugh out loud funny and charming and heart-warning and did I mention laughing out loud? It’s a Canadian treasure. I hope every one of your readers tunes in for some good ol’ fashioned story-telling.

  • Reply Abby January 25, 2018 at 4:43 pm

    Congratulations!
    I love listening to knitting podcasts: The Sweet Georgia Show, Stash Local, and Knitmore Girls are my absolute favorites. And Seamwork Radio is still the best podcast I’ve ever listened to – it was so positive and hopeful as it explored complex issues through the lens of the sewing community.
    Happy travels!

  • Reply Hannah January 26, 2018 at 2:18 pm

    Love these ideas! I listen to my podcasts on double speed and still can’t get through them fast enough. So many good ones! One of my favorites I don’t see above is the Longform podcast–interviews with writers about their process and background and recent work.

  • Reply Jasm January 26, 2018 at 4:56 pm

    Hey, Girl by Alex Elle is awesome and of course Oprah’s SuperSoul conversations.. so many gems

  • Reply Debra January 27, 2018 at 3:41 am

    S-Town is brilliant, it sucked me in so quickly.
    All of the Crooked media podcasts ….Pod Save America, Lovett or Leave it, With friends like these
    ….but right now trying to limit news in my diet so prefer Revisionist History and just The Daily by NYT, 20 minutes to give you what you need to know.
    When I can handle news again will go back to NPR’s 1A…..Vox’s The Weeds….Can he do that? By WashPo
    All the Slate pods The Gist, Trumpcast etc

  • Reply Emily January 28, 2018 at 7:13 pm

    I love podcasts and I didn’t see these mentioned too many times, so I thought I’d chip in!
    -The High Low: a pop culture and news podcast hosted by journalists Dolly Alderton and Pandora Sykes
    -Book Riot the Podcast
    -All the Books!
    -Annotated
    -Why Do We Have Things (which I actually discovered through Erin’s interview)
    -Desert Island Discs
    Slow Living and Sustainable podcasts:
    -Slow Your Home with Brooke McAlary (agreed, would love to hear you on this show, Erin!)
    -Concious Chatter with Kestrel Jenkins
    Some podcasts interviewing women in creative fields:
    -In Good Company with Otegha Uwagba
    -Magic Lessons with Elizabeth Gilbert
    -Ctrl Alt Delete with Emma Gannon (great for bloggers and creators)
    -Hashtag Authentic (about blogging, Instagram and online content)
    -How to Curate Your Life — Work Life Balance for Creatives
    -The Debrief
    Some FI Podcasts:
    -Fire Drill Podcast
    -Choose FI
    -Martinis and Your Money
    -Mad Fientist

  • Reply Celia Keenan-Bolger January 31, 2018 at 9:59 pm

    This episode of Love and Radio is one of the best 30 minutes of storytelling ever.
    http://loveandradio.org/2015/03/the-living-room/

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