I adore podcasts – simple, always within arm’s reach on my phone, free, and I learn so much. I decided to compose a Top 10 list for 2019 as a resource for fellow pod lovers. Of course these are personal to my interests but I included a variety of topics as well as frequencies of release. And as a bonus, I’ve noted my favorite episode of each–enjoy!
#10 – Future of Agriculture
Tim Hammerich is a recruiter in the agriculture industry so he naturally talks to a wide array of people. He is well spoken when interviewing guests about cutting edge topics and how they relate to the food, fuel and fiber industry. It’s important to stay abreast of emerging trends and I always feel a touch smarter after listening to FOA.
Favorite episode: #181 Dr. Ray Goldberg, the Father of Agribusiness
#9 – 30 For 30
Whether you are a sports fan or not, 30 for 30 produces entertaining pods that are more about the story than the sport. In fact, most seem more like a Hollywood film than a real life story. Jody Avirgan hosts and is one of my favorites (as is the theme song). The Sterling Affairs series is disturbingly addictive.
Favorite episode: Out of the Woods
#8 – Vance Crowe Podcast
Vance is newer to the pod scene and interviews a variety of guests, many from the St. Louis area where he lives. His communication background lends to interesting conversations that often unveil more than you would imagine. Vance’s goal is to learn something from the expert he interviews and he is kind enough to take us along on the ride.
Favorite episode: #25 Fred Perlak
#7 – Science Rules! with Bill Nye
There is a reason Bill became such a famous scientist – he makes science fun! In a world where people base their opinions more on emotion than fact, I think Bill is doing important work. He brings the science behind topics to the forefront. He takes listener questions, so head to his website and submit your burning questions. You may get selected to ask it live on the pod.
Favorite episode: #25 OMG, GMOs!
#6 – Office Ladies
This one is for a very specific crowd – those who loved the NBC comedy show The Office! Two of the actresses from the show (characters Pam and Angela) break down episodes and provide some juicy, behind-the-scenes details. The two are good friends in real life and sometimes their inside jokes and personal chatter can be a tad annoying, but it doesn’t take away from the fun of learning tidbits about one of the greatest television comedies!
Favorite episode: #1 The Pilot
#5 – Extra Pack of Peanuts (EPOP)
Travel pods are dangerous for me–they leave me itching to buy a plane ticket to anywhere and everywhere. This one is done by a husband and wife in Philadelphia. I like the variety of topics they cover. They do destination diaries on places they visit, so if you are traveling to a specific city take a look and see if they have an episode for it. It doesn’t hurt that I love ice cream and craft beer and so do they, offering recommendations to sample the best. One of my favorite annual episodes is their travel gift guide, which usually drops in November. I learn about travel gadgets and add them to my wish list. As with a lot of travel pods, research the items they promote and make sure it’s right for you–they do have sponsors that pay them to sell certain products.
Favorite episode: #350 Best Beers – 2018 in Review
#4 – Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend
I was never a late night talk show person because, well, I’m in bed by 10 p.m.! But I have always found Conan funny and his pod does not disappoint. Episodes vary based on the guest and their ability to humorously interact with Conan. Personally I think the “obvious funny people” aren’t as enjoyable as guests. The pre- and post-interview chatter with his assistant and producer can be entertaining by itself! Conan is such a smart comedian and it translates even in pod form.
Favorite episode: a tie between Bob Newhart and Lin-Manuel Miranda
#3 – Fresh Air with Terry Gross
Terry is one of the best in the business when it comes to journalism! And I think every guest, no matter how famous, feels honored to be in her presence. The pod is a mix of celebrities you likely know and political subjects you might not want to hear more about (full disclosure: I sometimes skip those). Terry asks insightful questions in a conversational manner and is a national treasure.
Favorite episode: Where Does Our Recycling Go?
#2 – The Happiness Lab
This pod dropped into my life at just the right time but I think everyone should listen. A Yale professor discusses the evidence of what truly makes us happy. Spoiler alert: it’s not winning the lottery! The pod is an extension of a class she teaches at Yale that is wildly popular. Some of the findings seem obvious while others cause an “Aha!” moment. Who doesn’t want to be happier?
Favorite episode: #4 Mistakenly Seeking Solitude
#1 – How I Built This
What can I say, I like this pod so much I paid money to go see an episode taped live in Denver (Otterbox) and it was worth every penny to see Guy Raz do his thing in person. I find it fascinating to hear the individual stories behind some big companies and yet common themes emerge among the entrepreneurs. The biggest theme that jumps out to me is that hard work and persistence are key ingredients to success. This podcast gets most of the credit for stirring up an entrepreneurial spirit in me that I never knew existed.
Favorite episode: Impossible, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed 90% of the episodes (I won’t call out the few I didn’t)
Honorable mentions: Reply All, JUMP with Traveling Jackie, Mindful in Minutes, Zero to Travel, Ag News Daily
the single minimal(ist) 