My Top Podcasts (for the Moment)
A collage of screenshots from my phone’s podcast library. May 23, 2021.
I’d intended to go into my original favorite-podcasts article to update it with today’s favorites.
After all, the old article came out well over two years ago; much has changed in the world of podcasts since then (and in the world in general, for that matter).
However, upon review, the old post seems like a quaint little time capsule look-back machine. I’ve decided to keep it intact, preserved as-is, and to create an entirely new article from today’s perspective.
Some of my current favorites crossed the chasm from then to now. And while many of the podcasts on my original list still exist (which surprised me—most creative endeavors, no matter the type, flame out quickly), my level of interest waned either due to my evolving tastes or areas of focus or due to changes in the podcasts’ energy or trajectory.
Compared to the last list, my list of preferred podcasts in the present moment has shrunk considerably.
In part, I have less time for listening than I did prepandemic, when I listened to several podcasts while commuting between activities and errands. Further, I now listen to several podcasts in French as well—reducing my listening time for English-language offerings. (This means you should perhaps consider this my list of favorite English-language podcasts, rather than my list of preferred podcasts overall.)
Onto the list already, I hear you thinking.
Ordered alphabetically by title and with a brief description of the value I find in each channel, I’ve listed below the podcasts I listen to with eager attention each time a new episode arrives:
Attitudes!: Attitudes! provides an energetic, funny, and yet challenging perspective on current events and culture through a rarely heard feminist and LGBTQ+ lens.
The Europeans: Via The Europeans, I get an accessible (e.g., not overly technical or political-insider-y), bite-sized look at culture, history, and current events across the continent.
Ear Hustle: Ear Hustle shares the stories of incarcerated men and women in a sensitive, human, and illuminating way. Guaranteed to broaden your horizons and challenge your perceptions.
Every Little Thing: I never come away from an Every Little Thing episode without having learned a fascinating and fun fact—and having had a few smiles. (And who doesn’t need a smile?)
The Read: The Read’s hosts’ insights on current events and pop culture are sharp and their empathetic yet straight-talking advice always makes me think.
Rough Translation: Gain insightful human perspectives via Rough Translation’s dives into unpacking the cultural subtexts that we so often miss or misunderstand.
Smarty Pants: If an academic somewhere works on it, you might encounter a discussion of it on Smarty Pants. Every topic is original, thought-provoking and great fodder for conversation.
As I’ll always take recommendations for culture and entertainment, share with me any new, off-the-beaten-path podcasts that you love and listen to on the regular (in English or in French).
And if you listen to or give a try to any of the podcasts listed above, I’d love to learn what you think!