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 VanishedWhat happened to Tara Grinstead? This is a Georgia cold case that has resulted in several twists and turns.

On BeingKrista 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 SugarTiny 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?