The legendary Frank Zappa once said “So many books, so little time” and I couldn’t agree more. Growing up, my sisters and I could always be found with our nose in a book. Something I miss the most from my “past life” (pre-kids) was spending hours at the pool, on the porch or in the backyard flipping pages and losing myself in a great story (tied with reading is, of course, sleep, solo bathroom time and having a drink that no one else has slobbered in).
Taking the place of READING a good book soon was LISTENING to a good book.
Whether it was from the Cracker Barrel gift shop or the local library, I almost always had a book on tape or CD playing in my car. There’s nothing that makes a road trip pass faster than losing yourself in someone else’s words. Flash forward to life with kids: it’s possible to find the ever-elusive “me time,” but no longer is it for hours at a time. It’s short bursts during basketball practice or while waiting for the bus to arrive home at 3pm. Hence, my love of podcasts was born. Like books, I can find a podcast for any mood I’m in – and I love everything from gossip and celebrity interviews to true crime. There is no shortage of options and truly something for everyone.
Since we’re on the brink of summer break, which – no doubt – means time at the pool, time in the car, or time at the ball fields, I’ve jotted down a quick list of must-listen podcasts to keep your ears busy!
True Crime and Mystery:
Serial: Season One — Two words: Adnan Syed. This was my first “binge-r” and a true heartbreaking story (depending on whose side you end up on!!).
Sword and Scale — I’m a total sucker for true crime and while I love the longer, multi-episode stories, these are great for small trips or listening to while exercising.
Up and Vanished — Even though this horrific disappearance happened not too far from Knoxville, I’d never heard of the Tara Grinstead case. My husband and I COULD NOT turn this one off during a long car trip last summer.
Once Upon a Crime — Still short (and true) stories, but these usually span a couple of episodes.
S-Town — This one is a doozy! It takes a VERY unexpected turn early on and it’s quite the roller coaster. The subject of this podcast is a STITCH and I did some Googling after this one was finished.
Gossip and TV:
Juicy Scoop with Heather McDonald — I was never a huge Chelsea Lately fan, so I only saw Heather McDonald every once in a while, and y’all…she’s my favorite. This one is NOT good for times where the whole fam is in the car, so I use my earbuds. She is a BravoTV-phile and LOVES reality TV.
AfterBuzz TV Podcasts — There’s something for everyone in the AfterBuzz series. I’m currently hooked on the This Is Us recaps, but there is quite literally a recap for every show under the sun.
Heather Dubrow’s World — Ok, I’ll come clean. HDW is sort of like a crash you can’t look away from. She is so high on herself and her decisions, and it’s almost laughable to hear her talk about her problems, like, you know, being lactose intolerant.
Bitch Sesh — Casey Wilson and Danielle Schneider should be co-Presidents of the US. Ok, probably not, but their opinions are hilarious and their snark is spot on. They are also BravoTV-philes and LOVE to rant and rave about the latest goings on of the Bravo lineup.
Watch What Crappens — Also BravoTV-philes, these guys recap episodes (ad nauseam, I’ll admit). Are you sensing a theme with my “down time activities?” #BRAVOFORLIFE
Great Interviews:
The Armchair Expert — Parenthood is one of my favorite shows (I think I’m on re-watch three or four at this point) and when I found out Dax Shephard had a new podcast, I HAD to tune in. I think he and Kristen Bell are PRECIOUS, and even though my husband thinks he talks over his interviewees a bit too much, I still love this new one!
offCamera — Interviewing celebrities and authors and everyone in between, I find his conversations fascinating and am always learn something from each episode.
WTF with Marc Maron — Great guests, funny conversation. All around good listen.
The Ones That Make You Think and Grow:
An Uncluttered Life — If you like to be challenged to think differently and play differently, check out An Uncluttered Life. Over the past few years, I’ve been trying — in earnest this time, ha — to unclutter my life to make room for things that really matter to me.
Under The Skin — Russell Brand can sometimes be viewed as a bit of a wacky guy. But his podcast is anything but. He really makes you think, and like some of my other favorite subscriptions, I always learn something from his episodes.
Working — I’m fascinated by what other people do for a living. This is a really unique set up that takes a look into jobs of all kinds.
