I admit I didn’t immediately embrace podcasts. I typically like to jam to music while I run, but in the last few months I’ve enjoyed listening and learning something new while I am exercising or cleaning the house. There are hundreds of podcasts and it is hard to pick a favorite, but today I’d like to share some of my preferences, with the hope that you will (in the comments) let me know your fave. In no particular order here are my choices:
Serial: My first introduction to podcasts began with Serial. I binge-listened to Adnan Syed’s story and his case had me thinking for weeks. I remember quizzing some of my lawyer friends on what they thought about the various angles of Adnan’s story and whether or not they thought he was guilty.
Criminal: I learned insights into the legal system with Criminal. The narrator often offers “stories of people who’ve done wrong, been wronged, or gotten caught somewhere in the middle.”
Up and Vanished: What happened to Tara Grinstead? This is a Georgia cold case that has resulted in several twists and turns.
On Being: Krista Tippett offers a thorough discussion on the big questions of life.
Waking Up: Sam Harris strikes me as a Renaissance man. He combines neuroscience, philosophy and current events to dive deep into a variety of subjects.
Am Writing: Advice on pitching, writing life and creative process are some of the subjects in this podcast. The information is practical and offers creatives a way to implement a way to incorporate a manageable approach to writing.
Modern Love: Listen to the NY Times column come to a new life in the audio version.
Dear Sugar: Tiny Beautiful Things is one of my favorite books and I love listening to advice from Cheryl Strayed and Steve Almond.
What are your favorite podcasts? Why?
Welcome! I am a lawyer turned freelance writer, essayist, and editor. On staff at Literary Mama and the co-founder and co-editor of the literary journal, The Sunlight Press, my essays and reported work have appeared in The Washington Post, The Lily, Saveur, Civil Eats, Brain, Child, ESPN and elsewhere. I am currently at work on a memoir on grief and culture and how it provides perspective on life’s ordinary graces. I invite you to appreciate the ordinary with me. I hope my daily practice of seeing the magic in the mundane helps you celebrate and find more of these moments in your life too.
Serial was my first podcasts, too, really! At least a serious one. Try S-Town — very well done and engaging.
I did listen to S-Town and felt ambivalent about the podcast. It did keep my interest.
I’d listened to an episode of Am Writing and somehow the podcast got dropped from my app. Thanks for reminding me to add it back to the list. I also like Happier hosted by Gretchen Rubin and her sister Elizabeth Craft. It’s fun and there is always one or two solid takeaways from each episode.
I listened to Happier a few years ago. Sounds like I need to revisit it. Thanks, Jackie.
Julie and Sarah (from serial) spoke at our synagogue a few weeks ago. It was such a cool behind the scenes talk!
I listen to a lot of the same podcasts as you!
What a cool opportunity, Nina!
I do enjoy On being…and Between the covers:Author interviews. Not enough time for all the ones I care to listen to . 🙂
Time does become a factor when trying to squeeze in podcasts. I typically listen to them when I am running or walking.