The podcast world continues to evolve, expand, and capture my attention! As 2022 kicks off, I feel like I am in a bit of a pod rut and could use some fresh pods to follow. So I will be quite clear with my CTA: please send any recommendations my way, minus true crime.
My year-end list includes podcasts that I enjoyed all year (versus my Pod of the Week, which is a specific episode from the week prior). I am becoming more particular about my pods, and these casts kept my attention throughout 2021. I have included one of my favorite episodes from each podcast if you want to sample. Happy listening, learning, and laughing!
#10 – The Jungle Prince
This is a three-episode series that dropped in 2019, but I just listened to it in 2020. It’s a fascinating story about a supposed royal family in India. This pod will pass the time nicely if you have a 90-minute car ride.
Favorite cast: n/a – it’s a three-episode series
#9 – Park Predators
I suppose this pod falls into the true crime category, but it includes the National Parks, so it reeled me in. The tagline is, “Sometimes the most beautiful places hide the darkest secrets.” Yikes. An investigative reporter shares cases of crimes in nature that have gone cold or remain unsolved.
Favorite cast: The Widower
#8 – Live From My Office
As a former radio guy on WGN in Chicago, host Steve Cochran brings a breadth and depth of knowledge to his podcast. He is well-connected and interviews some pretty interesting guests. Some of his episodes are more regional to Illinois but typically a good listen. My favorite recurring guests are Eric Adelstein and Pat Brady, a Democrat and a Republican who are friends and respectfully discuss and explain political issues. Steve recently started a new weekly episode called The Deep 6, where he and a cohost run through six hot topics in the news.
Favorite cast: The Hard Truth About Afghanistan
#7 – Unfiltered
This pod will have a much more niche audience: calling all Colorado craft beer lovers! Two guys who love Colorado beer interview local brewery owners. The hosts both have full-time jobs, and the pod seems to be more of a hobby, so there is no regular frequency. I have enjoyed hearing the story behind breweries. The only problem is, I usually wind up adding yet another brewery to my “need to visit” list, which perpetually grows longer. Cheers!
Favorite cast: Scroll through the old episodes and find your favorite brewery!
#6 – Outside Podcast
For some reason, this isn’t a pod I am quick to listen to when a new episode drops, but I am always glad when I eventually do. The pod shares inspiring stories relating to the outdoors, adventure, and activity… all things I love.
Favorite cast: The Stinky Truths About Your Sweat
#5 – Terrible, Thanks For Asking
I want to be very clear: this is not exactly an uplifting podcast. So if you are not in a good place to hear stories that revolve around grief, you might skip this one. But host Nora McInerny tells the stories so beautifully, like only someone who has experienced deep pain could. She also manages to inject humor in the most appropriate way.
Favorite cast: The Grudge Book
#4 – Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend
I believe Conan is the only pod that has made my list every year! I can’t think of many people who possess smarts, humor, and the ability to interact naturally with others like he can. And while he and his guests share a lot of laughs, he also manages to go deeper and expose a more serious side to them.
Favorite cast: Tiffany Haddish
#3 – We Can Do Hard Things
I cannot recall how I stumbled upon Glennon Doyle, but I’m so glad I did. I read her book, Untamed, and was instantly a fan. So I was thrilled when she started a podcast this year with her sister and her wife (former professional soccer star Abby Wambach). I love nonconformity, and they preach on it weekly.
Favorite cast: Happyish Holidays: Our Top Three Hacks
#2 – ESPN Daily
Host Pablo Torre is 100% the reason I love this podcast. If you have the slightest interest in sports, give it a follow. He interviews other sports journalists about various sports and makes it incredibly fun. And his laugh! Oh, how I adore his laugh. It’s a short listen to start your weekday mornings off right.
Favorite cast: How to Survive the World’s Most Impossible Run
#1 – Smartless
What happens when Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes record a podcast? Lots of sarcasm. I am confident some people in Denver think I am nuts because I have laughed out loud while listening to Smartless on a run or a walk. The title is accurate, you won’t learn a lot…but you will laugh as they interview other celebrities!
Favorite cast: George Clooney
Honorable mentions: Dear Chelsea, Ten Percent Happier, Invisibilia, How I Built This
the single minimal(ist) 