By Natalie Cosgrove
Listening to podcasts is a great way to pass the time during long commutes, lazy Sunday afternoon walks, and even atrocious lines at your favorite coffee shop. After Serial ended, many of us were left without knowing where to turn for easy and free listening. Don’t worry though, we’ve got you covered! After dabbling in the world of podcasts, here are a few that are sure to satisfy.
1. Call Your Girlfriend
Tagline: “A podcast for long distance besties everywhere.”
Why we love it: Once a week, we get an update from bicoastal best friends Ann Friedman and Aminatou Sow. The duo starts each podcast with a brief check in on their lives, sharing the best things to happen since they’ve last chatted, like how recently, Aminatou got to meet the Notorious RBG (totally awesome). These women are both incredibly well spoken and share insight on headlines from the week and of course some typical goofy bestie moments. Another bonus is the theme song, which is so catchy and silly. Anne and Aminatou also take a few moments each week for menstruation news, which naturally we find perfect.
When we listen to it: Great for the morning commute, it’s upbeat and chipper. Nice way to start the day.
When you can get it: Twice a month. We recommend you subscribe via iTunes.
2. Slumber Party with Alie and Georgia
*Warning there is mature language in this podcast, and it’s not recommended for younger audiences*
Tagline: “Alie & Georgia are two best friends with a knack for entertaining. The notorious creators of the ‘McNuggetini’ now invite you to their slumber party for some quick witted and intimate podcasting from a real life pillow fort!”
Why we love it: The duo starts the podcast off with what they learned in the past week, which can be super funny, cute, or sometimes a little gross. Alie Ward and Georgia Hardstark host the show and bring a guest to join their slumber party where they sometimes tell ghost stories – obviously PJs are required.
When we listen to it: This is the perfect podcast for a commute home from work or school. You’ll be sure to get at least one laugh or chuckle out of the show and it’s a great thing to look forward to after a long day. You might also learn something new, too!
Where you can get it: We recommend you subscribe via iTunes or stream from Feral Audio.
3. Benjamin Walker’s Theory of Everything
Tagline: “Personally connecting all of the dots. All of them.”
Why we love it: Benjamin Walker talks about EVERYTHING and does so in an insightful and analytical way. He’s smart and interesting while diving deep into topics that you might only catch a headline about without thinking twice. One of the most relevant podcasts (as it relates to women) is called Wishful Thinking, which dives into the topic of misogynistic internet trolling. This episode is tough to listen to but it really helps to understand why the internet can be such a scary place for women.
When we listen to it: Great to listen to on a specific topic of interest when you’re feeling inspired. Awesome for the gym or maybe even when you have time to snuggle up with a cup of tea and listen to something you’re curious about.
When you can get it: We recommend you subscribe via iTunes.
4. Throwing Shade
*Warning there is mature language in this podcast, and it’s not recommended for younger audiences*
Tagline: “Taking a weekly look at all the issues important to ladies and gays…and treating them with much less respect than they deserve.”
Why we love it: Erin Gibson and Bryan Safi engage in a fast-paced dialogue focusing on feminism and LGBTQ communities. The pair spend a lot of time goofing with each other but also can at times be quite scathing. There is a lot of tongue-in-cheek criticism of public policy and culture. It’s a whirlwind of fun and while there are definitely more informative podcasts out there, we love this one because it’s super silly and supports communities that matter to us!
When we listen to it: Perfect for the gym while doing 45 minutes of cardio, or when you’re in the need of an afternoon pick-me-up.
Where you can get it: We recommend you subscribe via iTunes.
5. Here’s The Thing with Alec Baldwin
Tagline: “Alec talks with artists, policy makers and performers – to hear their stories, what inspires their creations, what decisions changed their careers, and what relationships influenced their work.”
Why we love it: It reminds us a little bit of Inside The Actor’s Studio with the style of conversation because it’s honest and thoughtful. The stories are told primarily chronologically, with the guest starting at the beginning of their career and moving through a timeline narrative. Baldwin’s voice is one of our favorite parts about the podcast because he punctuates the story with delightful questions and comments in that silky smooth tone. Recent guests on the show include: Julie Andrews, John McEnroe and Julianne Moore.
When we listen to it: A little bit too dry for the morning commute but while waiting in line for lunch or while on a late afternoon stroll it is just perfect.
Where you can get it: We recommend streaming on wnyc.org.
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