My Favorite Podcasts (& Yours Too!)

I don’t know about you guys but I LOVE listening to podcasts. At this point, I probably listen to podcasts more often than I listen to music. I think some of my love for podcasts stems from both my love of radio and audiobooks (and I’m probably the last person who still loves radio). Podcasts tend to be a perfect mashup of both of those mediums. 

I think I love them so much become a great way to consume news and stories while still getting other things done. I used to read the newspaper (online) when I commuted into work but now I don’t have that time, so my podcast listening game has really increased. I listen when I’m working out, in the car, when I’m doing chores at home, you name it, I’m probably listening to a podcast. 

I’ve also found that I love seeing other people’s round-up posts of their favorite podcasts. I’ve found some new favorites this way. The latest blogger I follow who has shared her favorites is Taylor from Blonde & Ambitious. I also loved The Golden Girl’s list and Kelly in the City’s. 

Ok so here is a list of some of my favorites. I tend to stick with news, politics, and story form podcasts. I’m not into the true-crime ones as much because they tend to make me a little paranoid (I also refuse to watch horror films for the same reason). 

I’ve also included a list that you guys submitted via Instagram over the weekend so make sure that you read all the way to the bottom!

Top 10 Favorite Podcasts

Up First

This is NPR’s daily news podcast. You can get all the top headlines within 15-20 minutes first thing in the morning. This is playing every morning in our house while Andrew and I shower, get dressed, and make coffee. 

The Daily

This is the New York Times’ daily news podcast. Unlike Up First, they pick one major story and deep dive into it for 20-30 minutes then finish with a quick wrap up of the rest of the days’ news. 

Global News Podcast

This is the BBC’s daily news podcast. I like that they cover all the international news headlines, not just the American ones. It gives you a better context of what is happening in the world at large. They go over the major stories of the day then do a deeper dive into one or two.

Pod Save America

Three former Obama staffers have teamed up and created this podcast (along with a media company called Crooked Media)  that is “a no-bullshit conversation about politics”. It’s an interesting way to keep up with current politics from people who have worked in it at the highest levels. It is very left-leaning though, just a FYI.

 Pod Save the World

This is a spin-off from Crooked Media that’s all about American foreign policy. I think that this is one of my current favorite podcasts. Before I went to NYC to dance ballet, I was set up to attend Georgetown and get an International Relations degree. Needless to say, I think this stuff is super interesting and I  nerd out REAL hard when each episode drops. 

Crimetown

This podcast “investigates the culture of crime in different cities.” They’ve only had two seasons but both were fantastic. The first season was focused on the mob in Rhode Island and the second season is about political corruption in Detroit. Season 2 is exclusive to Spotify.

Serial

This has to be one of the most popular podcasts to date. Serial is basically the podcast form of This American Life. It tells a different story each season. 

American Scandal

This podcasts deep dives into some of the most notorious scandals in American history (like the title implies). Each scandal gets its own season. While it can get kinda depressing, it’s also an interesting way to think about American history. 

The Fall of Rome

This podcast tells the in-depth story of the fall of Rome in 30-45 minute bite-sized pieces. When you start to listen to it one episode after the other instead of one at a time, it takes on the feel of a story form podcasts rather than a history lesson. 

Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History

These are SUPER deep dives into specific historical events or stories. The best one that I’ve listened to is the five-part series on WWI (Blueprint for Armageddon). This podcast is great for long car rides since each episode is around 4 HOURS LONG!

A Drink with James

(One extra because I really enjoy it) This podcast is really specific for the blogging/influencer industry. Fohr is an agency that works with brands and influencers so the host and company founder, James Nord, has a great deal of insight from both sides of the industry. I really like that it’s very conversational even though it’s just him answering questions. 

Reader Recommended Podcasts

• Armchair Expert
• Stuff You Missed in History Class
• Unruffled
• Magic Lessons
• Fresh Monday’s Style Your Mind
• Dressed: The History of Fashion

Are your favorite podcasts on the list? Any major hits that I’m missing? Let me know in the comments!

Until next time,
Ana Luiza