Since the last week of 2022, I have been re-obsessed with podcasts. Like with many things, my love for podcasts had its ebb and flow. Generally, I’m a huge fan of podcasts, but sometimes I feel it crowding my mind—especially during hectic times. Also, I’m pretty picky when it comes to the kind of podcasts I listen to. My top picks tend to be podcasts that offer me learning experiences, since it becomes such a relaxing way to educate myself. Lately, I’ve been opting for podcasts in replacement for music. I would listen to them every time my mind gets to be idle, but my hands don’t tend to be—when I’m drawing is my favourite pastime, but these days also in the shower, when I walk places and on the way to/from work.
If you’re like me and you love starting the new year with a little bit of knowledge or stories during your commute or any other time that suits you, let me share with you 5 additional recently-discovered titles to the ones I’ve shared twice before. Hopefully, you’ll find at least one title from this list that you’re intrigued to try!
Since the last week of 2022, I have been re-obsessed with podcasts. Like with many things, my love for podcasts had its ebb and flow. Generally, I’m a huge fan of podcasts, but sometimes I feel it crowding my mind—especially during hectic times. Also, I’m pretty picky when it comes to the kind of podcasts I listen to. My top picks tend to be podcasts that offer me learning experiences, since it becomes such a relaxing way to educate myself. Lately, I’ve been opting for podcasts in replacement for music. I would listen to them every time my mind gets to be idle, but my hands don’t tend to be—when I’m drawing is my favourite pastime, but these days also in the shower, when I walk places and on the way to/from work.
If you’re like me and you love starting the new year with a little bit of knowledge or stories during your commute or any other time that suits you, let me share with you 5 additional recently-discovered titles to the ones I’ve shared twice before. Hopefully, you’ll find at least one title from this list that you’re intrigued to try!
Cautionary Tales with Tim Hardford
Pushkin Industries
“We tell our children unsettling fairy tales to teach them valuable lessons, but these Cautionary Tales are for the education of the grown ups—and they are all true.”
Hosted by Tim Hardford—the BBC author of Data Detective, this podcast shares chilling stories of awful human errors, tragic catastrophes and sometimes hilarious fiascos in the scientific world. The storytelling feels very much like a radio drama, yet the lessons to reap are very real. Some of my favourite episodes include the deathly invention of CFC—which resonates with the denials of the climate crisis of today—and A Leap of Faith from the Eiffel Tower.
Cautionary Tales with Tim Hardford
Pushkin Industries
“We tell our children unsettling fairy tales to teach them valuable lessons, but these Cautionary Tales are for the education of the grown ups—and they are all true.”
Hosted by Tim Hardford—the BBC author of Data Detective, this podcast shares chilling stories of awful human errors, tragic catastrophes and sometimes hilarious fiascos in the scientific world. The storytelling feels very much like a radio drama, yet the lessons to reap are very real. Some of my favourite episodes include the deathly invention of CFC—which resonates with the denials of the climate crisis of today—and A Leap of Faith from the Eiffel Tower.
Sounds Like a Cult
Amanda Montell & Isa Medina
Who knew there was a podcast about “modern-day ‘cults’ we all follow”? Hosted by comedian Isa Medina and author Amanda Montell, this podcast dissects “zeitgeisty groups” every week to determine whether or not it would classify as a cult—and if it does, is it dangerous? The duo hosts really have a knack for diving deep into pop-culture and bringing out its potential to become a full-fledged cult. First, they would walk us through the characteristics of each group and what they have in common with actual cults out there. At the end, they will give the phenomenon a score from “live your life,” “watch your back” or “GTFO.”
What I love about this podcast is how light the topics mentioned tend to be—most of them turn out to be pretty harmless as well. Since it’s pop-culture, we can always either relate to or know someone who is part of the ‘cult.’ Personally, some even confirm my own belief that they’re cult-like. Some of my favourite episodes include The Cults of Taylor Swift—I’ve always known she was a cult leader!—, Fast Fashion and Starbucks.
Sounds Like a Cult
Amanda Montell & Isa Medina
Who knew there was a podcast about “modern-day ‘cults’ we all follow”? Hosted by comedian Isa Medina and author Amanda Montell, this podcast dissects “zeitgeisty groups” every week to determine whether or not it would classify as a cult—and if it does, is it dangerous? The duo hosts really have a knack for diving deep into pop-culture and bringing out its potential to become a full-fledged cult. First, they would walk us through the characteristics of each group and what they have in common with actual cults out there. At the end, they will give the phenomenon a score from “live your life,” “watch your back” or “GTFO.”
What I love about this podcast is how light the topics mentioned tend to be—most of them turn out to be pretty harmless as well. Since it’s pop-culture, we can always either relate to or know someone who is part of the ‘cult.’ Personally, some even confirm my own belief that they’re cult-like. Some of my favourite episodes include The Cults of Taylor Swift—I’ve always known she was a cult leader!—, Fast Fashion and Starbucks.
The Soil Collective
The Soil Collective
Ever since I watched Kiss the Ground almost a year ago, I’ve been really interested in working the soil and growing plants. I wanted to learn more about this topic and how we can unlock new possibilities by tapping into the carbon goods within our soil. That is when I found Soil Collective.
Hosted by 3 women, this podcast explores the various facets of our wellbeing that may be linked to the nature around us. Every episode invites alternating guests who teach us how to harness the regenerative powers of the earth’s system to keep our own bodily systems in order. If you’re confused to what this means, listen to this introductory episode of theirs first. Other than that, I’d recommend my favourite episode too.
The Soil Collective
The Soil Collective
Ever since I watched Kiss the Ground almost a year ago, I’ve been really interested in working the soil and growing plants. I wanted to learn more about this topic and how we can unlock new possibilities by tapping into the carbon goods within our soil. That is when I found Soil Collective.
Hosted by 3 women, this podcast explores the various facets of our wellbeing that may be linked to the nature around us. Every episode invites alternating guests who teach us how to harness the regenerative powers of the earth’s system to keep our own bodily systems in order. If you’re confused to what this means, listen to this introductory episode of theirs first. Other than that, I’d recommend my favourite episode too.
Wie war das im Osten?
ZEIT Online
When I was in Germany, one of my favourite publications was ZEIT Campus, issued by ZEIT. To me, it was the German, university-focused version of The New Yorker or Monocle—back before I read any of these publications.
Fast forward earlier this year, I found out that ZEIT Online has an array of podcasts they broadcast—one of which is this one about life in East Germany way back when. In each episode the host invites a guest ex-resident of the DDR (East Germany) and a younger moderator who now lives in ex-East Germany. They will deep dive into life back then in the communist nation from different aspects and perspectives. Each episode spans the duration of around 2,5 hours, but very insightful. I’ve only listened to a couple episodes so far, but this punk one is my favourite.
Wie war das im Osten?
ZEIT Online
When I was in Germany, one of my favourite publications was ZEIT Campus, issued by ZEIT. To me, it was the German, university-focused version of The New Yorker or Monocle—back before I read any of these publications.
Fast forward earlier this year, I found out that ZEIT Online has an array of podcasts they broadcast—one of which is this one about life in East Germany way back when. In each episode the host invites a guest ex-resident of the DDR (East Germany) and a younger moderator who now lives in ex-East Germany. They will deep dive into life back then in the communist nation from different aspects and perspectives. Each episode spans the duration of around 2,5 hours, but very insightful. I’ve only listened to a couple episodes so far, but this punk one is my favourite.
The Fantastic History of Food
Nick Charlie Key
Much like many people, I am very passionate about food. I love learning about how to make food, food customs and its histories. However, this podcast talks not about the regular history of food. It delves not necessarily with where food comes from and all that, but with the fun, bizarre and (sometimes even) ridiculous stories behind food. It will make you see and remember food in an unusual way.
To be honest, I have only listened to a couple episodes myself, but this podcast really starts with a bang. My favourite episode is its first episode: The Day Paris Ate Its Zoo Animals, which is a horrifying true story of when Paris was under siege and ran out of food supplies. Honestly, I was mortified—but it was really insightful, which delights me. Other than that, I am currently listening to its second episode, which talks about Om Ali—a dessert I recently got to know thanks to a friend from work. So far, this one is more heartwarming.
What kind of podcasts do you like listening to?
Feel free to recommend me a title in the comments!
The Fantastic History of Food
Nick Charlie Key
Much like many people, I am very passionate about food. I love learning about how to make food, food customs and its histories. However, this podcast talks not about the regular history of food. It delves not necessarily with where food comes from and all that, but with the fun, bizarre and (sometimes even) ridiculous stories behind food. It will make you see and remember food in an unusual way.
To be honest, I have only listened to a couple episodes myself, but this podcast really starts with a bang. My favourite episode is its first episode: The Day Paris Ate Its Zoo Animals, which is a horrifying true story of when Paris was under siege and ran out of food supplies. Honestly, I was mortified—but it was really insightful, which delights me. Other than that, I am currently listening to its second episode, which talks about Om Ali—a dessert I recently got to know thanks to a friend from work. So far, this one is more heartwarming.
What kind of podcasts do you like listening to?
Feel free to recommend me a title in the comments!