Hi Coco & Mainers! Today we have a post about a rapidly growing form of entertainment media : the podcast. If you haven't hopped on the listening train yet, the podcasts mentioned in this post would be a good introduction. If you are a seasoned podcast listener, then this list may have shows you have not yet heard of, and can help you expand your listening folder. Either way, we hope to give you some fun new shows to listen to as you live your daily life!
1. You Must Remember This - Karina Longworth
This podcast covers a wide variety of categories (history, biographies, even true crime), all under the umbrella of the glittering facade of old Hollywood. The host meticulously scripts and edits her episodes, so much so that each episode paints a vivid picture of what it was like for actresses and actors under the studio system, and also what it was like living under the pressure of being successful in front of the camera. You can start with the beginning, but I would first listen to the Dead Blondes series. Bonus: Longworth also has a podcast titled 'You Must Remember Manson', which is a look at the crimes of Charles Manson through the lens of the exploding culture of the 60s. It conveniently ties it back to her episodes that discuss actress Sharon Tate. Give it a listen!
2. An Evening in the Aughts - M & K
An Evening in the Aughts is a new podcast that offers nostalgia and humor entwined. Semi-anonymous hosts M & K discuss pop culture of the 2000s and early 2010s with familiar ease and friendly banter. It's described as a good palate cleanser (we know you have heard about how popular true crime podcasts are), so its perfect to help you wind down after a busy day. We suggest starting from the beginning with the Twilight episodes, as these episodes help show the feel and structure of the podcast.
3. This Podcast Will Kill You - Erin Welsh and Erin Allmann Updyke
This podcast is usually not as gut-wrenching as true crime, but can sometimes present topics that can be just as scary. Disease ecologists and epidemiologists Erin & Erin present a new disease every episode, complete with its history, prevention, and the suggested amount of worried you should be. This unique topic is perfect for history buffs as well and those interested in the evolution of diseases, and is presented in a clear and formulaic way. The only con is that this show is probably not so great for hypochondriacs!
4. And That's Why We Drink - Em Schulz and Christine Schiefer
While this podcast falls under the true crime category, the real star of the episodes are Em's paranormal stories, which are the first half of each episode. The friendship between hosts is precious and familiar, often helping to warm the chilling tales of terrifying hauntings and strange paranormal occurrences. Start with the best episodes, which sometimes involve haunted dolls or famous possession tales. While we can't speak for the true crime parts of the episode (we will admit that we mostly stay for the paranormal section), we can say that even if you aren't a believer, these tales will give you goosebumps. *Can contain explicit language.
5. This Past Weekend - Theo Von
Theo Von is (in our book), a comedic genius. One of ours saw him in person at the Comedy Store in LA and described it as a near spiritual experience. This podcast that Von conducts on his own (he has another titled The King and The Sting which he co-hosts) combines both his humor and viewpoint on the world, which can be very reflective. Check out his shows and then tune into this podcast for a calm and funny listen -- we think that you will feel that you have found a new best friend.
6. Casefile True Crime Podcast - Anonymous Host
Are you a little surprised that this late in the list we have mentioned a true crime podcast? We are too, but this podcast definitely deserves it. Casefile is hosted by an Australian anonymous host, which is a nice break from the superstardom that can happen to podcast hosts even when covering true crime. Each episode is meticulously researched, free from personal opinion, and respectful of those affected by the crime it covers.
7. Real Dictators - Noiser, Paul McGann
A true history podcast, this show goes into detail about the secret and public lives of history's most dangerous and most famous dictators. There is sooo much information in this podcast, and so much amazing research done. The most famous dictators are covered (like Hitler, Stalin, etc), but this podcast also sheds light on some lesser known leaders, though just as dangerous as their famous counterparts. Start from the beginning and get the history lesson you have always wanted.
8. Sleepy with Me - Drew Ackerman
Ok this podcast is more helpful than interesting because it's whole focus is on helping the listener fall asleep. The host Drew Ackerman simply talks and talks about nothing and everything in a very one-note voice. Not good for entertainment, but excellent for those stuck with insomniac or so stressed they can't get some important sleepy time.
9. Serial - This American Life, Sarah Koenig
Yeah, yeah -- we had to include it! The podcast that kicked off the popularity of true crime podcasts is an absolute must listen. Even if you have already listened to it, tune in again -- there might be some information you have forgotten about! In this series, a journalist is asked to take a look into a legally solved murder of a high school student, expecting it to be clear cut and without confusion. She comes to find out that it isn't as unclouded as she thought. If new to this podcast, we suggest that you go into it blind and then do research afterwards to truly sort out your feelings on the subject matter.
10. Watch What Crappens Podcast - Ben Mandelker & Ronnie Karam
We'll end this note on a more niche subject : Bravo Reality TV. If you are a fan, this podcast (and picture above), is for you. If you haven't ever seen anything on Bravo, we suggest you get started ASAP. This podcast covers currently airing episodes from the most popular series on Bravo, so definitely watch the episode before tuning in. You can also go backward and listen to previously aired seasons for a laugh! The hosts do excellent impressions and have hilarious viewpoints that will warm the heart of even the coldest diamond-hearted fan. FYI - Any Real Housewives of New York episodes are pure gold.
Well, that's that! Do you like podcasts? What podcasts did we miss? Thanks for reading XOXO