My current obsession… PODCASTS

Dear Avery,

Last year I woke up early in my childhood room, well knowing that our family isn’t an early morning family, so I decided to listen to a podcast people had recommended to me. It was called “Serial”, by This American Life. A true story murder mystery that still leaves everyone wondering who did it. One episode in, and I was HOOKED.  And so my love affair with podcasts was born.

From there, I’ve listened to one-on-one interviews style podcasts, slam poetry, motivational speakers, more criminal stories, psychology focused, etc…

I thought I’d share some of my favorite podcasts in different genres:

Crime podcasts

• Up and Vanished: a true story about a woman who had vanished 10 years ago without a trace, and then a rookie sleuth podcaster decided to investigate — and ends up solving the case! For REAL.
  • Run time: 30-60 mins depending
• Dirty John: a true story about a crook who finds vulnerable women, poses as the perfect man, but ultimately is a sociopath.
  • Run time: 30-60 mins depending
• S-Town: Starts off being about a murder in small town, ends up being about SO much more. This one really surprised me.
  • Run time: 60 mins
• Crimetown: a podcast focused on cities riddled with crime and heavy mob ties. You learn about the inner workings of the mob – the psychology behind it, the in-depth crimes committed, and ultimate tying back to the notion that all anyone wants is belonging.
  • Run time: 60 mins

Motivational podcasts

• Oprah’s Soulful conversations: One on one conversations with celebrities about living life to the fullest, and understanding our true souls and meaning on earth. I was SO inspired by an episode with Mitch Albom (author of Tuesdays with Morrie) who encouraged listeners to reconnect with a teach or professor that inspired you. So I did — I messaged my college professor and asked her if she’d like to meet for dinner. We met the next night, and had an amazing 3 hour conversation about life, love, grief, careers, and hope. I was so inspired!!!
  • Run time: 30-60 mins depending
• The Tony Robbins Podcast: This one is similar to Oprah’s – in that there are guest speakers. Tony is probably the most motivational speakers of this generation — so he includes hard topics with solutions. This man is full of gratitude, so I love hearing his views on the world.
  • Run time: 1 hour

Story- telling

• The Moth: a collection of real life stories told by people all over the world. Sometimes they are: funny, heartbreaking, inspiring, nostalgic, interesting, random, or heartwarming. These are simply incredible. They take you out of your own life — and give you access into other’s views and perspectives. Humanity at its finest!
  • Run time: 30-60 mins depending.
• The Way I Heard It: Mike Rowe narrates a collection of short stories about famous people — or people you’ve never heard of yet have done something monumental in this world. The twist? You find out at the very END who he is talking about! I love the mystery of it. Often times, I find myself trying to guess the name of the person he is beautifully narrating.
  • Run time: 10 mins – yep! That’s it. Fun short stories.

Psychology

• Invisibilia: about the invisible forces that control human behavior – ideas, beliefs, assumptions and emotions. Each psychology lesson is sandwiched between two relevant true stories — most of which — never have anything to do with each other — yet paints pictures of the human behavior discussed. The first episode I listened to do was about a man who lived in a coma for 12 years — and was AWAKE during it. He eventually came out of it, and went on to live a full life. The invisible nature of triumph and willingness to survive was unbelievable .
  • Run time: 60 mins.
• Every Little Thing: a show about the small stuff. I love how she finds the wonder in the small things. She is a great story teller but also fact finder. I put this under the psychology section because you learn something from each episode and it makes you look at the world differently.
  • Run time: 30 mins

These are my favorites among a whole slue of great content out there.

It’s become an escape for me. An educational escape. An escape from screens.  An escape from very day life.

I laugh. I cry. I enjoy.

I hope you enjoy all of these — and I’m also looking for more suggestions!!

With love,

Aunt Megs