This is the fourth August that I’m providing my podcast recommendations. I’m a huge podcast listener, and often find inspiration for my blog while listening to them. This year, I thought I would showcase just the new podcasts I’ve started listening to this year.
If you’re looking for a more robust list, I would start with last year’s. It’s long but also describes my most beloved podcasts. The previous lists – for 2021 and 2020 – also are a good place to go but some are now outdated. Note that while I subscribe to a ton of podcasts, I only listen to episodes that sound captivating.
I hope my recs prove valuable. Please note that I’m not providing a link to each one since folks listen on different apps.
Here goes:
Chasing Life with Sanjay Gupta. Many know Dr. Sanjay Gupta from CNN. This podcast is not new, but I’ve just started listening because I’m especially interested in this season’s topic – aging (now that I’m over 60…). He brings his own life and experience to each episode, which I find helps me relate to whatever he covers.
I Weigh with Jameela Jamil. My daughter turned me on to this one. Jameela Jamil may be familiar from her role on the tv show The Good Place. This podcast is focused on shame, and I’m impressed with what an intelligent interviewer, activist and thinker Jameela is, and the guests she has on. Plus, she has a superb British accent.
On the Media. This NPR podcast is also a weekly radio program, but I’ve started listening to it since I often miss its regular Saturday at 7 am broadcast (on my local NPR station). Each week explores how the media treats an issue, and I find its approach and what it covers riveting.
Pivot with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway. I revere Kara Swisher, the most badass interviewer I know. This is a relatively new podcast, in which Kara and NYU professor Scott Galloway cover politics and technology’s influence on our society. They offer sharp analysis while being very entertaining.
Rachel Maddow’s Deja News. I’m a huge Rachel Maddow fan and will listen to anything she does. I’m saving Deja News for a road trip, but I know I’ll love it. I also recommend her previous podcasts – Ultra and Bag Man. None are more than 7 episodes. Her deep research shows her Ph.D chops, and brings important historical salience to our current political environment.
The Assignment with Audie Cornish. Audie Cornish was a wonderful anchor of NPR’s All Things Considered, and left to start this podcast, among other things. The Assignment examines people living in the headlines and I just like her approach. I miss her on NPR, so this is how I get my fix.
The Documentary by BBC News. I’ve recently discovered this podcast, and really enjoy its in-depth treatment of a variety of international issues. Each podcast covers one topic. I got hooked after listening to several episodes focused on the Ukraine war – from both the Ukrainian and Russian side.
Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfuss. Thanks to my friend Janet, who introduced me to this podcast by the amazingly talented Seinfeld and Veep star Julia Louis-Dreyfuss. Each episode focuses on a different famous woman in her 80s or 90s, who share their life story and wisdom with Julia, who then discusses what she’s learned with her own mom. It’s engaging, fascinating and heartwarming.
What a wonderful, inspiring list, Linda! Thanks for taking the time to provide it and give insight into the content for each entry.
Love your suggestions and the only one I know is Wiser than Me. I just admire Julia Louis Dreyfus so much .
Thanks Linda – just in time to update my podcast list for the long drive back to DC from Colorado. Your previous recommendations are excellent and I look forward to adding to the list. If there was just enough time in the day to listen to everything, and not just wait for a road trip. By the way, I took the watercolor class this summer and it was FUN! Another activity to add to a growing list of hobbies.
Thank you Linda. I enjoy Adam Grant’s podcast entitled Rethinking. Sad to see the end of the summer but excited for the new beginnings the fall brings.