As of Lately: Podcasts
I'm starting a new blog series called "As of Lately" where I'll talk about podcasts, playlists, books, etc. that I've been loving as of lately.
The first post in the series is on podcasts. I have a long commute to work where I spend 2.5 hours in the car every day... so I've grown to be a huge fan of podcasts.
Like many, my interest in podcasts started with Serial. I've always been a true crime fan (as you'll see in my recommendations) and I majored in journalism, so a blend of the two was the perfect way to spend my commute home. I think I listened to all of Season One in a few days.
Since Serial, I've moved on to similar podcasts that still have great storytelling. I've tried listening to ones that focus on news, politics or pop culture, but I (for the most part) keep going back to the storytelling or investigative journalist podcasts. Are these your favorite too? If you have any other podcast recommendations, please let me know! I'm open to trying anything.
1) My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, two LA-based entertainers (Karen is a comedy writer; Georgia hosts a cooking show), talk about their favorite murders... among other topics. I love it because the banter is playful, unscripted, and keeps true crime from getting too scary. Karen and Georgia are also really vulnerable and honest - making it feel like I'm hanging out and listening to stories with two friends.
2) Up and Vanished
Documentary filmmaker Payne Lindsey investigates Georgia's oldest cold case - the disappearance of Tara Grinstead, a southern beauty queen and school teacher. Unlike Serial, Up And Vanished is current, so you can read about the case, arrests and evidence in real-time.
3) Homecoming
Homecoming is a fiction podcast featuring stars like Catherine Keener, Oscar Isaac and David Schwimmer. It's a serious conspiracy thriller, comparable to what you’d find on HBO or AMC, except in a podcast feed. I enjoyed listening to the episodes as it's like watching a TV show while driving... which, according to the internet, Homecoming is scheduled to become an actual television show later this year.
4) Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me!
This is the one news podcast I'll listen to. It's an hour-long weekly radio panel show produced by WBEZ/NPR and hosted by Peter Sagal. There are numerous call-in participants and celebrity guests that are quizzed about current news events through games and lots of laughs.
5) Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness
If you read the news, are on Twitter, or are a Netflix subscriber, you've probably watched or at least heard of the new Queer Eye. The sassiest of the Fab 5, Jonathan Van Ness, hosts this podcast where he talks to a brilliant person about topics he's curious about.