With extra time on our hands during COVID-19, hobbies have become huge. We have turned to cooking, crafting, journaling, photography and more. Another popular activity is listening to podcasts.
Podcasts have been around since 2000. If you’re not familiar with podcasts, think of them as radio programs accessible through an app on your phone. Podcasts range from one host to multiple hosts. Some are informational while others are entertaining. Whatever your interest, there’s probably a podcast for it.
Here are some of our SJCPL staff favorites.
Literary/History
What Should I Read Next with Anne Bogel
Anne interviews a wide variety of authors and other bookish individuals. She is well-known for her book lists/recommendations and reading guides and is the author of three books. Her latest, Don’t Overthink It, was recently released.
A former history teacher tells his friends three stories from history – two of them are factual, one of them is made up. Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction!
This is a history podcast that answers historical questions (what did the Romans do for us?) in a humorous and conversational tone between actual historian Dr. Emma Southon and writer/enthusiast Janina Matthewson.
Personal Development
This podcast is based on Laurie Santos’s wildly popular class, the Science of Wellbeing, at Yale University. Santos takes you through the latest scientific research and shares some inspiring stories. Most recently, episodes have focused on things we can do in quarantine to maintain mental health.
Inspirational conversations about living a fully-engaged life from top life coaches Elizabeth Gilbert, Brene Brown, Gretchen Rubin, and Seth Godin.
Stress management coach, Susan Choi, talks about how to regain control of your mind under stress. A recent episode discusses dealing with uncertainty.
Pop Culture
Pop Culture Happy Hour from NPR
A fun chat about the latest movies, television, books and music from NPR staff.
Hateful optimists and loving pessimists Kat Angus and Jocelyn Geddie break down movies and TV shows that they totally despise, but also really adore at the same time. Some episodes include the occasional confused special guest.
True crime meets comedy. Hosts tell each other their favorite tales of murder and crime. There’s lots of banter and mental health talk.
Spooky, spooky, spooky
Presented as a public radio show set in a fictional town in the middle of the desert, where strange and paranormal things happen with such frequency that no one finds it odd. Very funny and very weird, like a more adult, radio version of Gravity Falls.
Dark historical tales exploring mysterious creatures, tragic events, and unusual places.
A podcast about death acceptance and dispeling death myths from mortician/author Caitlin Doughty. She is the author of From Here to Eternity and Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs, both available as digital downloads from our website.
Games & Gaming
Get the full experience of epic D&D campaigns with voice actor hosts.
A group of three women working in the gaming industry discuss new releases and video game news.
Three brothers and their dad play DnD. Start with Balance and meet Magnus, Merle, and Taako as they quest to recover dangerous artifacts for the Bureau of Balance.
Miscellaneous Favorites
Hosted by NPR’s Ira Glass and based off the popular radio show.
For fans of The Office, learn about the filming and the people behind the characters. In real life, Angela Kinsey and Jenna Fischer are best friends so their dynamic is funny! They go through individual episodes and in a sense rewatch them with you, highlighting interesting items in the background and the people who make up the show.
Host Laura Vanderkam shares bite-size daily episodes on how listeners can make the most of their time both at work and at home.
I hope you find your next favorite podcast. Happy listening!
