Since moving to New York, I’ve started listening to a lot of podcasts. Podcasts have become super popular in the past year or two and I feel kind of late to the party. But, there’s something nice about being told a story or learning something new when commuting on the subway or sitting at my desk. I like to use podcasts as a form of escape, so you’ll notice that most of the podcasts I listen to are comedies. I’ve definitely laughed out loud in public while listening and earned myself some very weird looks more times than I’d like to admit. With fall quickly approaching, I feel like it’s the perfect time to find some binge-worthy podcasts. Here are 10 of my favorites (in no particular order):
1. My Favorite Murder
Anybody who listens to podcasts has heard of My Favorite Murder. It’s pretty much two friends and fans of true crime, Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, telling each other stories about murder, but they make it really funny. It’s kind of hard to explain because “how is murder funny?” but just trust me and give it a listen. It’ll definitely be worth it.
2. Throwing Shade
Throwing Shade is a political comedy podcast talking about pop culture, women’s rights, and LGBT rights. The hosts, Bryan Safi and Erin Gibson, are hilarious and create characters that make even the advertisements worth listening to.
3. Getting Curious
Everybody’s favorite hairstylist from Queer Eye, Jonathan Van Ness, interviews people on any topic he’s curious about. He has really intelligent, deep conversations, while of course being totally himself. His enthusiasm and super outgoing personality make every episode of Getting Curious entertaining.
4. Ear Hustle
Ear Hustle brings you stories from life inside prison in partnership between Earlonne Woods and Antwan Williams, who is currently incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison, and Nigel Poor, a Bay Area artist. The team works with San Quentin’s media lab to produce stories that offer the perspective of people living within the American prison system. In the first episode I ever listened to, the hosts interviewed three men about daily life on death row.
5. Song Exploder
For all the music nerds out there, Song Exploder is a podcast where musicians take apart their songs and tell the story of how they were made. I love hearing the stories behind songs, some that I recognize and some that I don’t. I actually heard about this podcast because the host, Hrishikesh Hirway, was interviewed on Getting Curious. There are over 140 episodes currently up that feature artists from Jhene Aiko and Odesza to Lorde and Solange.
6. Guys We F****d
Guys We F****d is deemed an anti slut-shaming podcast that talks openly and honestly about sex and relationships. Comedians Corinne Fisher and Krystyna Hutchinson discuss feminist issues and politics as well as interview people about all things sex. They sometimes touch on serious topics, but always make it funny and interesting.
7. Unhappy Hour
In Unhappy Hour, comedian Matt Bellassai vents about all the things we love to hate about politics, culture, and relationships with special guests. The topics are super random, but he always has funny takes.
8. Why Won’t You Date Me
In the appropriately named podcast, Why Wont’ You Date Me, comedian Nicole Byer, from Netflix’s Nailed It and MTV’s Girl Code, talks about dating and sex with guests, all while trying to figure out why she’s still single.
9. Startalk Radio
I’m a little bit obsessed with Neil deGrasse Tyson because he’s nerdy and adorable and I want to be his best friend. So, naturally, I will watch, read, or listen to pretty much anything he does. I listen to Startalk Radio whenever I feel like nerding out – it reminds me of my years studying Zoology.
10. And That’s Why We Drink
And That’s Why We Drink is really similar to My Favorite Murder, but discusses both true crime and ghost stories. Each story is supplemented with funny commentary and personal anecdotes.
All podcasts listed can be found on Spotify, except for Song Exploder.
Enjoy and let me know your favorites! I’m always in search of another good podcast!
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