Listening to Podcasts

Podcasting seems to have taken over from talk radio as the primary outlet for listening to long-form entertainment and news. Many popular personalities–including Oprah Winfrey and Julia Louis-Dreyfus–have migrated to the medium to interview guests, tell stories and explore topics ranging from unsolved mysteries to menopause. Early on, even Julia and I tried to integrate a podcast into our Language of Friendship mission, but for now our own podcast is on the backburner as we make time for other endeavors.

Following a 20-year career as an award-winning radio journalist, however, Julia’s sister Monica has been more committed to her recently launched On the Vineyard podcast. As publisher of the Vineyard Gazette, the country’s oldest broadsheet newspaper, Monica brings experience and expertise to her new podcast highlighting the week’s happenings on Martha’s Vineyard. Check it out if you’re planning any vacations on the Vineyard!

Podcasting is a great way to learn, be entertained, and stay current on a wide range of topics.

—Neil deGrasse Tyson

With so many worthwhile podcasts available to choose from, we thought we’d compile a list of a few of our favorites that don’t have anything to do with politics. While Julia and I both listen at times to in-depth programs that dissect current events, our suggestions here are intended for those moments when we’re focusing more on topics relating to health, entertainment, education and connection. Please list yours in the comments! We’re always looking for new recommendations from friends.

The Hidden Brain: A favorite of Julia’s, this podcast delves into the psychological motivations behind human behavior that we don’t even realize are manipulating us. Sometimes the focus is on social situations and relationships; other episodes might explore personal reactions and emotions. Host Shankar Vedantum has written two books on this subject and has covered this area for NPR for 25 years.

Song Exploder: If you’re a musician or songwriter, or someone who loves to learn more about the music they’re listening to, then this podcast recommended by my daughter Rachel might be for you. Episodes are relatively brief and consist of artists sharing their stories about how their songs came together. Musical guests have ranged from Bon Iver to Sheryl Crow, and even Yo-yo Ma.

The Moth: Who doesn’t love a great and well-told story? The Moth aims to elevate the art of storytelling to create human connection. I have frequently found myself listening to a brilliantly told episode of The Moth and then sending the link to everyone I know as a must-listen. If you’re ever looking for an entertaining and thoughtful distraction from your own set of worries, give The Moth a try.

Create a Better Life with Mel Robbins: Seems like everyone I know is talking about Mel Robbins lately, between her podcast, books and speaking engagements. Starting every episode with her trademark line, “This is your friend Mel Robbins…”, Mel dives right into her topic du jour. That could be anything from relationships to confidence-building. No subject is taboo and her casual style makes it easy to relate to her content. My favorite episodes are the ones in which she interviews expert researchers. She recently had a fascinating conversation with author and friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson.