It’s Time to Podcast Like it’s 2012

I recently saw that velvet chokers are in this fall. Yikes folks, yikes. I am not an early adopter by any means, but I got this horrible trend out of my system back in seventh grade. Along with babydoll dresses, and knee socks.

You know what I like? Things that everyone else has talked about for years and years, and then I discover it and realize it’s great. And then I get mad at myself for not getting with the program years earlier. My most recent “late to the game” duh moment pertains to podcasts. Yep, podcasts. You say “welcome to the party Sarah”. Thanks all, I brought Crystal Clear Pepsi and Zots. Have you tried them? Amazing.

It all started a few weeks ago, when my friend Mary began listening to Serial. You know, the amazing podcast that blew up the world in 2014? I, the tech giant that I am, didn’t even know there was a podcast app already on my iphone. Nor that if I downloaded them, they wouldn’t use any data, and I could stream them in the car or when I walk with Bennett. Does everyone else know about these things??? I had my iphone for over a year before I realized there was a flashlight on there.

So, I listened to Serial, years behind everyone else, and I really enjoyed it. A little known (boring) fact about me is that I have a BA in Criminal Justice. I thought I wanted to be a lawyer, and it was a great fit for a degree. Also, I have been watching Law and Order since I was like nine. Probably not appropriate for a nine-year old, but I loved it and still love it any time I can catch an episode on TNT. So, I have always been fascinated with things related to crime and punishment. Therefore, Serial was totally up my alley, and it sparked my interest in all things podcast. So, in the spirit of sharing, and wanting to learn more about the “new fangled tech” that is the podcast, I’d love to hear your favorites!

1. Serial. Yeah, it’s a cliche, but I really enjoyed it. If you have listened to it, what are your thoughts? Did Adnan do it???? Someone give me ANSWERS.
2. How I Built This on NPR. Ohhhhh, I listened to one episode, and then quickly downloaded as many as I could get my hands on. Each episode, they interview an entrepreneur and find out how their product came to be, how they grew their company, and where their success came from, and I love it so very much. Listening to people who are so passionate about something they created is inspiring and makes me happy.
3. Stuff You Missed in History Class. I’m not 100% certain how I feel about this one after two episodes. Something about the host’s voices gets my dander up a little bit. But it is still an in-depth look at moments in history. I loooooooove me some history, and given that I say super cool things like “gets my dander up”, this podcast lets me nerd out.
4. Undone. This podcast hasn’t actually started yet, but I have subscribed to it, so when episodes come out on November 14th, it can be all up in my ear holes. “Undone is a new show from Gimlet Media that digs up the surprising things that happened when we weren’t looking”. Sounds intriguing, right?
5. BBC World Service Global News. I would always stream NPR on my work computer, and the best part of the day was from 1-2 pm when the BBC News would come on. I secretly resented any clients that were put on my schedule during that part of the afternoon, because I needed my daily fix of Owen Bennett Jones. And no, I did not name my son after a BBC reporter. This podcast is a 30 minute daily recap of news around the world. And we all need to know more about the world around us people. A new friend of mine is Canadian, and she was recently asked by an American client “where is Canada anyway? We Americans know a lot about ourselves, but not a lot about anyone else. Frankly, because we don’t care about anyone else”. Yikes. Not all Americans are like that dude, but even those of us who um, know where our northern border neighbor is, can stand to learn more about global society. And even if you retain very little, at least the newscasters have very pleasant voices. Those Brits are so straightforward and give such honest interviews. It must be from living to the south of Brazil. Or somewhere around there. I don’t know. Geography is confusing.
6. Crimetown. This is another series that hasn’t started yet, but I am super excited about. Each season, the hosts will “investigate the culture of crime in a different American city”. I can’t wait!
7. Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me! I’ve always loved this show, when I happen to be in the car at 10 am on a Saturday. And all too often, others are in the car with me, and don’t find it as funny. TROY. The podcast at my convenience is even better than Carl Kasell’s voice on my  voicemail.

So, there is my list. Five podcasts I have listened to, and enjoyed, and two that I am anxious to start streaming. But, I have a lot of cleaning, cooking, driving, and walking to do, and I would love more suggestions on what I should be filling my head with! What are your favorite podcasts? Which ones do I need in my life? And would you like a Zima?